Wolf Race Time Adventure for 2024

The Wolf Race Time Adventure is a fun activity for Wolves in the Cub Scouts program. It centers around building and racing a vehicle, either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This adventure is about more than winning a race. It’s about learning and good sportsmanship.

During this adventure, Wolves work together with their adult helpers to build their own race vehicles. This process teaches them about basic physics and engineering. They learn how things are built and what makes them move. This hands-on experience is exciting for the Scouts and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Learning the rules of the race is also an important part of the adventure. It teaches Wolves the importance of following instructions and playing fair. This helps in developing their understanding of honesty and respect for others. Discussing good sportsmanship before the race encourages them to think about their behavior and how to be supportive teammates and competitors.

Finally, participating in the race itself is a great opportunity for Scouts to put into practice everything they have learned. They experience the excitement of competition and the joy of teamwork. The Wolf Race Time Adventure is about having fun and trying your best, making it a memorable and valuable experience for every Cub Scout involved.

Requirements for the Wolf Race Time Adventure

Wolf Race Time Adventure Requirements

1. With an adult, 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. Identify how you could increase the speed of your chosen vehicle.
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 Wolf Race Time Adventure

Build a Car or Boat

With an adult, build either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat.

For the first requirement of the Wolf Race Time Adventure, the Scout builds a vehicle with the help of an adult. They can choose to make either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This task allows the Scout to work on a project with their hands and learn basic building skills.

Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Race Time Adventure requirement 1:

• Pinewood Derby Car Build Day Wolf
  • Den or pack provides a build day for Cub Scouts. 
  • Supplies: woodworking tools, sandpaper, hammers, Pinewood Derby kits, weights, screwdrivers, paint, paintbrushes, water, adjustment tool, small digital scale, wood glue, Tiger handbook page 45, pencils, scissors, first aid kit
  • indoor, moderate energy, one week prep

• Raingutter Regatta Boat Build Day Wolf
  • Den or pack provides a build day for Cub Scouts. 
  • Supplies: sandpaper, Raingutter Regatta kits, screwdrivers, paint paintbrushes, water, stickers, wood glue
  • indoor, moderate energy, one week prep

It’s important that the Scout does as much of the work as possible. The adult’s role is to guide and ensure safety, but the Scout should make decisions and build the vehicle. This helps the Scout learn and feel proud of what they create. It’s a fun way to get involved in making something that they will later use in a race.

Know the Rules

Learn the rules of the race for the vehicle chosen in requirement 1.

For the second requirement of the Wolf Race Time Adventure, the Scout must learn the rules of the race for the vehicle they built. This could be a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat.

For the Pinewood Derby, the basic rules are:

• Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
• Length shall not exceed 7 inches.
• Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
• Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit. Additional wheels can be purchased separately.
• Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
• No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite or silicone.
• The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.
• The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.
• No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.
• No motors or propulsion aids are allowed.

For the Raingutter Regatta, the basic rules typically involve:

• You cannot add weights to your sailboat. 
• No sails may be used other than the one supplied in the official kit. 
• The sail must be mounted on the mast using holes provided in the sail. The sail may be glued to the mast at the two points of contact with holes in the sail. 
• You cannot glue your sail to any other point of the hull. 
• The maximum length is 6 3/4″ long, and the minimum length should be no less than the length of the hull provided in the kit. 
• The mast may not be shortened.
• The Scout powers the boat by blowing air into the sail, not by touching it.

Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Race Time Adventure requirement 2:

• Pinewood Rule Scramble Wolf
  • Learn the race rules for the Pinewood Derby. 
  • Supplies: Pinewood Rule Scramble, pencils
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Raingutter Rule Scramble Wolf
  • Learn the race rules for the Raingutter Regatta.
  • Supplies: Raingutter Rules Scramble, pencils
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Each pack may have additional or specific rules, which they will provide. It’s important for the Scout to understand these rules to prepare properly for the race and ensure fair play.

Speed It Up

Identify how you could increase the speed of your chosen vehicle.

For the third requirement of the Wolf Race Time Adventure, the Scout needs to think about ways to make their vehicle go faster. Whether they’ve built a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat, there are simple tips to help improve speed.

For a Pinewood Derby car:

• Make sure the wheels and axles are smooth. This reduces friction.
• Place the weight toward the back of the car. This can help the car go down the track faster.
• Check that the car is as aerodynamic as possible, meaning it should be shaped to move through air smoothly.

For a Raingutter Regatta boat:

• Make the hull (body of the boat) smooth and evenly shaped to cut through water more easily.
• Position the sail so it catches as much air as possible. This helps the boat move faster when you blow into the sail.
• Ensure the boat is balanced well in the water to prevent tipping or dragging.

Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Race Time Adventure requirement 3:

• Pace Car Speed Wolf
  • Cub Scouts will identify three ways to make their pinewood car go faster. 
  • Supplies: Pinewood Tune Up, pencils, smart device
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

• Speed Boat Wolf
  • Cub Scouts identify three ways to make Raingutter boats go faster. 
  • Supplies: Raingutter Tune Up, pencils
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

These tips are starting points. Scouts should try different ideas to see what works best for their vehicle.

Good Sportsmanship

Before the race, discuss with your den how you will demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race.

For the fourth requirement of the Wolf Race Time Adventure, Scouts discuss how to show good sportsmanship during the race. Good sportsmanship is about being fair and respectful to everyone involved in the race.

• Always play fair and follow the rules.
• Be polite to everyone, including other racers and the leaders.
• Cheer for others, not just yourself.
• If you win, be humble and congratulate the other racers.
• If you don’t win, be proud of your effort and congratulate the winners.

See some talking points and reflection questions about good sportsmanship here.

Here is an option for fulfilling Wolf Race Time Adventure requirement 4:

• Sportsmanship Wolf
  • Cub Scouts review good sportsmanship before the race
  • Supplies: My Good Sportsmanship Rules, pencils
  • indoor, low energy, minimal prep

Discussing these behaviors helps Scouts understand how to act during the race. It’s important for them to learn that how they behave is just as important as how well they perform.

How the Races Are Run

Participate in a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta.

For the fifth requirement of the Wolf Race Time Adventure, Scouts participate in either a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta. Here’s how each of these events is run:

Pinewood Derby:
In a Pinewood Derby, Scouts race small wooden cars they have built themselves. The race takes place on a downhill track, and gravity powers the cars. Each car competes in several races to see which one is the fastest. The track usually has lanes, and each car races in different lanes to keep the competition fair.

Raingutter Regatta:
In a Raingutter Regatta, Scouts race boats in a water-filled track made from raingutters. Scouts power their boats by blowing air into the sails, moving them down the gutter. Like the Derby, each boat races multiple times. The aim is to see which boat can reach the end of the gutter first.

Here are some options for fulfilling Wolf Race Time Adventure requirement 5:

• Pinewood Derby Race Wolf
  • Conduct a Pinewood Derby car race. 
  • Supplies: Pinewood Derby cars, track, PA system, display board, digital scale, adjustment tools, results tracking system, chairs, tables, rope
  • indoor, very high energy, more than a week prep
• Raingutter Regatta Wolf
  • Conduct a Raingutter Regatta. 
  • Supplies: Raingutter Regatta boats, raceway, PA system, display board, results tracking system, water, chairs, tables
  • outdoor, very high energy, more than a week prep

Both events focus on participation and having fun, while also teaching Scouts about engineering, sportsmanship, and the joy of competition.

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Before starting this Adventure, complete the following:

• Review Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities before starting a project.
• Cub Scouts can use common craft tools like paintbrushes, scissors, hammers, and screwdrivers.
• Ensure youth and adults know how to properly use the tools for the project.

During the Adventure:

• Allow time to train everyone on using the tools correctly.
• Provide constant, qualified adult supervision during the project.
• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions and age or skill restrictions. If there is a conflict, follow the most restrictive guidelines.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions for the Wolf Race Time Adventure

What do I need to build a Pinewood Derby car?

You need a kit that includes a block of wood, wheels, and axles. You will also need tools and paint to design your car.

Can I use any materials to build my Raingutter Regatta boat?

You should use the materials provided in the Raingutter Regatta kit.

How can I make my vehicle faster?

Make sure the wheels of your car and the hull of your boat are smooth to reduce drag. Also, make sure your vehicle is well balanced.

What are some examples of good sportsmanship?

Good sportsmanship includes playing fair, being polite, cheering for others, and being a gracious winner or a good sport if you don’t win.

Do I need to win the race to complete the Wolf Race Time Adventure?

No, you just need to participate. The focus is on learning, good sportsmanship, and having fun, not just on winning.

What should I do if my vehicle breaks during the race?

Ask an adult for help. Many packs allow repairs if something goes wrong. After repairs, you have to have your vehicle rechecked to ensure that it still meets the rules.

Can my family help me build my Pinewood Derby car or Raingutter Regatta boat?

Yes, your family can give advice and help where safety requires it, but you should do as much of the work as possible. It’s important that you learn and have fun building it.

Speed, Skills, and Sportsmanship

The Wolf Race Time Adventure is a favorite part of the Cub Scout program designed for Wolves, or Scouts in the second grade. This adventure combines fun, learning, and competition through building and racing vehicles. Whether it’s a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat, the adventure offers something enjoyable for every Scout.

The first step in this adventure is building a vehicle with the help of an adult. Scouts choose between constructing a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This activity is not only about creating something that moves but also about learning the basics of building and design. Scouts are encouraged to do as much of the work as possible, which helps them develop confidence and skills.

Next, Scouts learn the rules of the race corresponding to their chosen vehicle. Understanding the rules is crucial for fair play and teaches the Scouts the importance of following guidelines. It’s also an opportunity for them to learn about the principles of racing and what factors might affect the speed and performance of their vehicles.

Another important aspect of the Wolf Race Time Adventure is discussing and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Before the race, Scouts talk about how they will behave during the competition. Emphasizing respect for others, cheering for teammates, and handling wins or losses gracefully are all part of this discussion.

The high point of the adventure is the actual racing event, where Scouts get to compete with each other. Participation is key here, and the focus is on having a good time and applying what they have learned, rather than just winning.

The Wolf Race Time Adventure is a well-rounded activity that encourages creativity, teamwork, learning, and fun. It’s a memorable part of the Cub Scouting experience that teaches valuable lessons beyond just the thrill of the race.