Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure for 2024

This for the 2024 program year Cub Scout updates. This is a preview and is not official information yet. This new program takes effect on June 1, 2024. See more details about the overall program updates here.

The Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure is an fun activity for Scouts. In this adventure, AOL Scouts get to build their own race vehicles, like Pinewood Derby cars or Raingutter Regatta boats. This activity teaches Scouts about building and racing, along with important skills and values.

Through this Arrow of Light Race Time adventure, Scouts learn how to follow instructions and work with tools under adult supervision. They also discover the importance of rules by learning the specific rules for their chosen race. This helps them understand why rules are needed and how they ensure fairness and safety.

Working on the Race Time Adventure also encourages teamwork and leadership. AOL Scouts have the opportunity to mentor younger Scouts, helping them prepare for the race. This teaches the older Scouts responsibility and strengthens their leadership skills.

Finally, the Arrow of Light Race Time adventure emphasizes good sportsmanship. Before the race, Scouts discuss how to compete fairly and treat others with respect. Participating in the race then gives them a chance to put these principles into practice. This is a valuable lesson that will help them in all areas of life.

Requirements for the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure

Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure Requirements

1. With adult supervision, build either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat.
2. Learn the rules of the race for the vehicle chosen in requirement 1.
3. Mentor a younger den to prepare for the race.
4. Before the race, discuss with your den how you will demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race.
5. Participate in a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta.

Resources for the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure

Build a Car or Boat

For the first requirement of the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure, AOL Scouts need to build a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This task is done with the help of an adult. Here’s some advice on how to do this:

• Choose Your Project: Decide whether you want to build a car for the Pinewood Derby or a boat for the Raingutter Regatta. Each has its own fun aspects and challenges.
• Gather Materials: You can get a kit for your chosen project. These kits include all the basic materials you need, like the wood block for a car or the boat hull for a regatta. You can find these kits at your local Scout shop or online.
• Plan Your Design: Think about how you want your car or boat to look and perform. Draw a design before you start cutting or building. This helps you have a clear plan.
• Build Together: Work with an adult to cut, sand, and assemble your vehicle. Make sure to follow all safety rules when using tools. Try to do most of the work yourself, but let an adult help when safety is a concern.
• Test and Tweak: Once your car or boat is built, test it to see how it performs. You might need to make adjustments to improve how it moves.

Building your race vehicle teaches you about design, engineering, and working with tools. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with a family member or mentor. Remember, the goal is to learn and have fun, not just to win the race.

Rules of the Race

For the second requirement of the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure, AOL Scouts must learn the rules of the race for the vehicle they chose to build, whether it’s a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. Understanding these rules is crucial for fair play and safety during the race. Here’s how to approach this requirement:

Each race kit comes with a set of rules. Start by reading these rules carefully with your den or a family member. This helps you understand what is allowed and what isn’t. Your pack might provide additional rules or guidance.

• Size and Weight Limits: There are specific limits on how big and heavy your car or boat can be.
• Modifications: The rules will specify what modifications you can make to the car or boat, like what kind of wheels or sails you may use.
• Race Conduct: Learn about the start and end procedures of the race and how each race is judged.

If something in the rules isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask your den leader or another knowledgeable adult for clarification.

Learning the rules not only prepares Scouts for the race but also teaches them the importance of following guidelines in competitive events. This is a good practice for both sportsmanship and fairness.

Mentor a Younger Den

For the third requirement of the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure, AOL Scouts take on the role of mentors to a younger den, helping them prepare for the race. This is a great opportunity for AOL Scouts to demonstrate leadership and share what they have learned. Here are some methods to effectively mentor the younger Scouts:

• Organize a Workshop: Plan a building session where you and your den help the younger Scouts build their cars or boats. Show them how to use tools safely and guide them through each step of the building process.
• Share Tips and Techniques: Teach the younger Scouts tips and tricks that you learned when building your own race vehicle. This might include how to sand the car for smoothness or how to balance the boat to keep it straight in water.
• Explain the Rules: Help the younger Scouts understand the race rules. You can make this fun by using games or role-playing to explain different scenarios they might face during the race.
• Practice Together: Organize practice races for the younger Scouts. This gives them a chance to test their vehicles and also helps them feel more confident on race day.
• Encourage and Support: Being a good mentor also means offering encouragement and support. Praise their efforts, answer their questions, and help them improve their designs.

By mentoring, AOL Scouts develop their own skills in teaching and leadership while helping younger Scouts have a successful and enjoyable race experience.

Good Sportsmanship

For the fourth requirement of the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure, AOL Scouts need to discuss with their den how to demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race. This discussion is important because it helps Scouts understand how to behave in a respectful and fair manner, which is crucial not just in racing but in all aspects of life.

Here are some aspects of good sportsmanship to discuss and practice:

• Respect for Others: Always treat competitors, judges, and spectators with respect. This means listening when others speak, cheering for others, and not saying mean things.
• Follow the Rules: Agree to follow all the race rules and accept the decisions of the judges. Understanding that rules are in place to make the competition fair is key.
• Win with Grace: If you win, be humble about it. Congratulate the other racers and thank them for a good race.
• Lose with Dignity: If you don’t win, congratulate the winners and don’t complain about losing. Learn from the experience instead.
• Encourage Teammates: Cheer on your den mates and other racers. Encouragement can make a big difference to everyone’s experience.
• Be Patient: Races can be long and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Stay patient and calm, no matter what happens.

Discussing these aspects before the race prepares Scouts to act thoughtfully and makes the event more enjoyable for everyone involved. It’s also a great way to build character and learn life lessons through Scouting activities.

Participate in a Race

For the fifth requirement of the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure, AOL Scouts participate in either a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta. Both of these are traditional racing events in Cub Scouting, each with its own unique setup and excitement. Here’s what typically happens at these events:

Pinewood Derby

• In a Pinewood Derby, Scouts race small wooden cars that they have built and decorated themselves.
• The cars race down a sloped track powered only by gravity.
• Several races are held to see which cars are the fastest.
• The track is usually long and has lanes that keep the cars from bumping into each other.
• Scouts, family members, and friends gather to watch as the cars zoom down the track.
• Awards might be given for the fastest car, best design, and most creative car.

Raingutter Regatta

• In a Raingutter Regatta, Scouts race small boats. However, instead of sailing in water, these boats race in a channel filled with water—often a long, narrow trough called a raingutter.
• Scouts use a straw to blow air into the sails of their boats to make them move along the water.
• Like the Pinewood Derby, there are multiple races to find the fastest boat.
• Spectators cheer on the racers as they blow their boats down the gutter.
• Awards can be given for the fastest boat, as well as for categories like best design.

To participate, make sure your car or boat meets all the event rules for size, weight, and design. Arrive early to register your vehicle and do any last-minute adjustments. During the event, remember to demonstrate good sportsmanship, whether you win or lose.

These events are about more than just racing. They are also about having fun, learning how to compete fairly, and enjoying the spirit of camaraderie with fellow Scouts and the community.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure

What is the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure?

The Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure is an activity where AOL Scouts build and race a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. It helps Scouts learn about teamwork, craftsmanship, and sportsmanship.

Who can participate in the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure?

This adventure is designed for AOL Scouts, who are the oldest Cub Scouts, typically in the fifth grade.

What do I need to build for the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure?

You need to build either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. Kits with the basic materials can be purchased from Scout shops or ordered online.

How do I learn the rules for the race in the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure?

Each race kit comes with a rulebook. Read this book to learn about size and weight restrictions, allowable modifications, and race procedures.

How can I demonstrate good sportsmanship in the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure?

Good sportsmanship involves respecting others, following the rules, accepting the outcome gracefully, and encouraging your fellow Scouts. Discuss these behaviors with your den before the race.

What is mentoring in the context of the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure?

Mentoring involves helping a younger den prepare for their race. You can assist them in building their vehicles, understanding the rules, and practicing for the race.

Do I need to win the race to complete the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure?

No, winning is not required. The focus is on participation, learning, and demonstrating good sportsmanship.

Can parents help with the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure?

Yes, parents can help, especially with building the race vehicle. They should ensure safety and offer guidance without taking over the project.

Ready, Set, Build!

The Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure is a fun and educational experience for AOL Scouts. In this adventure, Scouts have the opportunity to build a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This hands-on project helps Scouts learn about engineering and design as they construct their vehicles.

Once the building is complete, Scouts must learn the rules of the race associated with their vehicle. Understanding these rules is crucial for ensuring fair play and safety during the race. It also teaches Scouts the importance of following guidelines in any competitive environment.

Another key component of the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure is mentoring. Older Scouts are given the chance to guide younger Scouts through the building and racing process. This not only helps the younger Scouts but also develops leadership and teaching skills in the AOL Scouts.

The adventure culminates in participating in the actual race, where Scouts can demonstrate the craftsmanship of their vehicle and their understanding of sportsmanship. Discussing and practicing good sportsmanship is emphasized, highlighting respect, fair play, and graciousness whether winning or losing.

The Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure is about much more than just building and racing a vehicle. It’s also about learning, leading, and living the values of Scouting.