Bear Race Time Adventure for 2024: Free Resources

The Bear Race Time Adventure is a fun activity which involves building and racing a small car or boat. This adventure is not just about winning a race. It helps Scouts learn important skills and values while having fun

Scouts work together with an adult to build a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This process teaches them about following instructions and using tools safely. They also learn about the science behind making their vehicle fast, like the effects of wind and weight.

The adventure also focuses on the rules of the race. Understanding and following these rules teaches Scouts about fairness and honesty. Before the race, Scouts discuss good sportsmanship. This is a great way for them to learn about respecting others and handling both winning and losing gracefully.

Participating in the race is a big part of this adventure. It gives Scouts a chance to see their hard work in action. They also get to enjoy the excitement of the race with their friends and family. This activity helps build teamwork and community spirit among the Scouts.

Requirements for the Bear Race Time Adventure

Bear 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 Bear Race Time Adventure

Bear Race Time Requirement 1: 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 Bear Race Time Adventure, Cub Scouts build a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat with the help of an adult. This is a great chance for Scouts to learn and practice skills like measuring, cutting, and assembling.

While an adult will help, it’s important for the Scouts to do as much of the work as they can. This helps them learn and feel proud of what they create.

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

• Pinewood Derby Car Build Day Bear
  • 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, very high energy, one week prep
• Raingutter Regatta Build Day Bear
  • Den or pack provides a build day for Cub Scouts. 
  • Supplies: sandpaper, Raingutter Regatta kits, screwdrivers, paint paintbrushes, water, stickers, wood glue
  • indoor, very high energy, one week prep

Building these vehicles teaches Scouts about design and physics, such as how the shape of the car or boat affects its speed. It’s a hands-on project that combines creativity with learning. Encourage Scouts to think about how they can make their vehicle both unique and fast, using their own ideas and hard work.

Bear Race Time Requirement 2: Know the Rules

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

For the second requirement of the Bear Race Time Adventure, Cub Scouts need to 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 important for making sure the race is fair and fun for everyone.

Here are some common rules for these races. Your pack will provide the specifics:

• Vehicle Specifications: The car or boat must meet certain size and weight limits. These specifications ensure that no one vehicle has an unfair advantage over others.
• No Power Assistance: The vehicles must move by gravity alone in the Pinewood Derby, or by the Scout’s breath in the Raingutter Regatta. No motors or mechanical propellers are allowed.
• Honesty in Construction: Scouts should build their vehicles with minimal adult help. This rule encourages independence and fairness.
• Conduct During the Race: Scouts are expected to behave respectfully and fairly, cheering for others and accepting the outcome of the race graciously.

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

• Pinewood Derby Rules Bear
  • Cub Scouts complete a crossword puzzle to learn the Pinewood Derby rules. 
  • Supplies: Pinewood Derby Rules Crossword, pencils, Pinewood Derby Rules Crossword Key
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Raingutter Regatta Rules Bear
  • Cub Scouts complete a crossword puzzle to learn the Raingutter Regatta rules. 
  • Supplies: Raingutter Regatta Rules Crossword, pencils, Raingutter Regatta Rules Crossword Key
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Learning these rules helps Scouts understand the importance of fair play and following guidelines in competitions and other aspects of life.

Bear Race Time Requirement 3: Increase Speed

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

For the third requirement of the Bear Race Time Adventure, Cub Scouts explore ways to make their Pinewood Derby car or Raingutter Regatta boat faster. Understanding the factors that affect speed helps Scouts think creatively and scientifically.

For Pinewood Derby Cars:

• Weight Distribution: Adding weight to the rear of the car can help increase speed as it moves down the track, but be careful not to exceed the weight limit.
• Polished Axles: Smoothing and polishing the axles reduces friction, allowing the car to roll smoother and faster.
• Streamlined Shape: Designing the car with a sleek, aerodynamic shape helps reduce air resistance as it races down the track.

For Raingutter Regatta Boats:

• Even Keel: Making sure the boat is balanced and sits evenly in the water helps prevent it from tipping and dragging.
• Sail Position: Adjusting the sail to catch as much air as possible without tipping the boat can make a big difference in speed.

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

• Boat Fine Tune
  • Cub Scouts identify three ways to make Raingutter Regatta boats faster. 
  • Supplies: Boat Dock & Tune Up, pencils
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Car Need for Speed
  • Cub Scouts identify three ways to make their Pinewood Derby cars faster. 
  • Supplies: Car Tune Up Report, pencils
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Exploring these techniques not only helps Scouts make their vehicles faster but also teaches them about basic physics concepts like friction, air resistance, and buoyancy.

Bear Race Time Requirement 4: Good Sportsmanship

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

For the fourth requirement of the Bear Race Time Adventure, Cub Scouts discuss good sportsmanship with their den before the race. This conversation is an important part of preparing for the event because it helps set the right attitude and expectations.

• Respecting Others: Scouts should show respect to both their teammates and opponents. This includes listening when others speak and congratulating other racers regardless of who wins or loses.
• Playing Fair: Scouts need to follow the rules of the race and compete honestly. They should avoid cheating or trying to gain an unfair advantage.
• Handling Wins and Losses Gracefully: Whether they win or lose, Scouts should be humble and gracious. This means no gloating when winning and no complaining if they lose.
• Encouraging Others: Scouts should cheer for their fellow racers and offer words of encouragement. This creates a supportive and positive atmosphere for everyone.

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

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

• Team Player
  • Cub Scouts learn how to have good sportsmanship at their racing event.  
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Discussing these behaviors before the race helps ensure that all Scouts know how to act during the competition, making it a fun and fair experience for everyone involved.

Bear Race Time Requirement 5: Participate in a Race

Participate in a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta.

For the fifth requirement of the Bear Race Time Adventure, Cub Scouts participate in either a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta. These events are highlights of the Cub Scout program and offer fun, competitive racing experiences.

Pinewood Derby: In this event, Scouts race small wooden cars that they have built and designed themselves. The cars race down a track with lanes, powered only by gravity. The track usually has a steep start and then levels out. Scouts and their families gather to watch as the cars compete in several heats to see which is the fastest.

Raingutter Regatta: In this boat race, Scouts build small boats, usually from kits, and then race them in water-filled raingutters. Scouts power their boats by blowing air into the sails, moving them down the gutter. The first boat to reach the end of the gutter wins. This event also gathers Scouts and families to cheer for their boats as they navigate the water course.

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

• Pinewood Derby Race Bear
  • 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 Bear
  • 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 encourage creativity in design and require understanding basic principles of physics. Participating in these races is not only about competing but also about having fun and learning through doing.

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:

During the Adventure:

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

Before starting this Adventure, review Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions for the Bear Race Time Adventure

What do I need to build a Pinewood Derby car?

You need a kit that includes wood for the car, wheels, and axles. You will also need tools like sandpaper, paint, and glue.

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

Normally, should start with a kit that includes a hull, outrigger, mast, and sail. You can decorate it, but make sure it follows the race rules.

How do I make sure my car or boat is fast?

Focus on the design and weight. For cars, add weight to the back. For boats, make sure they are balanced and the sail catches the air well.

What are the main rules for these races?

Your vehicle must meet size and weight limits. It should move on its own without motors. Follow all the specific race rules provided by your den leader.

How can I show good sportsmanship?

Be respectful and kind to everyone. Cheer for others, follow the rules, and handle winning or losing with a good attitude.

What happens if my vehicle doesn’t win?

It’s okay not to win. The most important part is to have fun and learn from the experience. Try to figure out how you could improve your vehicle for next time.

Fun on the Fast Track

The Bear Race Time Adventure is an engaging activity designed for Bear Scouts to build and race their own vehicles. This adventure allows Scouts to work closely with an adult to create either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. Through this hands-on project, Scouts learn about design, physics, and craftsmanship.

Scouts also dive into the rules of the race, understanding the importance of fair play and integrity. They discuss sportsmanship and how to handle competition in a positive manner, learning to respect others whether they win or lose.

Participating in the actual race is a thrilling experience for the Scouts. It’s not just about the excitement of competing; it’s also about seeing their hard work pay off, interacting with their peers, and enjoying the support of their families and friends. This adventure fosters a sense of community and teamwork among the Scouts and helps them develop a sporting spirit.

The Bear Race Time Adventure is a comprehensive learning experience that equips Scouts with skills and values important both on and off the track.