Pinewood Derby Committee Needed - Your Feedback is Requested.

[David Wilkinson]

Pack 347,

Our Pinewood Derby is scheduled for January 19th, 2012, a little earlier than we normally hold our race. We wanted to accommodate out-going Webelos this and in future years.

Last years Derby was for the most part a huge success. We raced 37 Scout cars and 3 sibling cars over 133 heats all in approx. 2 hours. The Scouts were really excited about some of the technology we brought to bare for the race. The projection of the heat standings was great. The Scouts could clearly see which cars were racing and cheer for their favorites. Our Scouts enjoyed donuts and milk and a generally well run event.

Last years Derby was not with out some faults. We experienced an issue with "lane four" that caused some cars to jump the track. We also had a software set up issue that did not exclude a cars slowest time. These issues cost at least one Scout a place in the finals. While there was honestly nothing that could be done to solve these issues at the time they occurred, we can learn from them. We can attempt to repair our track and modify our race procedures.

I need help...

I have volunteered to Chair the Pinewood Derby committee again this year, but I need your help. I do not have enough time in the day to manage all this by myself. We have a number of items that need to be addressed and the sooner we address these issues, the better our Scouts, YOUR SON's experience will be.

What do we need:

Track Repair Crew (IMMEDIATE NEED)

I'm not sure how many people will be required for this, but probably 2-3 people with the ability to store a good bit of the track while working on it. We need to start work on this ASAP.

Committee Members

We need the following roles filed:

1) Track Delivery - 2 people

2) Derby Setup - 6-8 people (the more the merrier)

3) Inspection - 2 people

4) Pit Crew - 2 people

5) Software and Heat Setup - 1 person (I have this)

6) Concessions - 2 people to split the effort.

7) Race Crew - 8 people (yep, it takes that many people to keep things moving)

8) Awards Presentation - Usually Cub Master or another uniformed leader

9) Clean Up and Derby Breakdown - 6-8 people, although we usually have plenty of help.

10) Track Storage - 2 people

I would also like a couple of people to look over the rules and suggest any amendments to them and to our race procedures.

I will be looking for volunteers at the next couple of Pack meetings. The earlier you volunteer, the better you Scouts experience will be.

Thanks,
David Wilkinson