Lion Race Time Adventure
The Lion Race Time Adventure is a fun activity for young Scouts in the Lion program. In this adventure, Lions work together with an adult partner to build a race vehicle. They can choose between a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This project helps Lions learn about teamwork and following instructions.
This activity is more than just building and racing. Lions also learn about the rules of the race and the importance of playing fair. It’s a great way for them to understand sportsmanship. They talk about how to be good sports whether they win or lose.
By participating in the race, Lions get a chance to put their hard work to the test. They see their vehicle compete against others. This is an exciting moment that combines fun with learning. It also strengthens the bond between the Lion and their adult partner.
The Lion Race Time Adventure offers more than just a game. It teaches Lions valuable life skills through a hands-on and engaging activity. They learn to work together, follow rules, and handle winning or losing gracefully. These are important steps in their growth as Scouts.
Requirements for the Lion Race Time Adventure
Lion Race Time Adventure Requirements
- With your Lion adult partner, assemble and decorate either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat.
- Learn the rules of the race for the vehicle chosen in requirement 1.
- Before the race, discuss with your Lion adult partner how you will demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race.
- With your Lion adult partner, participate in a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta.
Printable requirements for the Lion Race Time Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Lion Race Time Adventure
Resources for the Lion Race Time Adventure
Build a Car or Boat
With your Lion adult partner, assemble and decorate either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat.
For the first requirement of the Lion Race Time Adventure, Lions and their adult partners get to build and decorate a race vehicle. They can choose between making a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This activity is designed to be a fun and hands-on project.
A Pinewood Derby Car is a small wooden car that Scouts build from a kit. They carve and shape the wood to make their car. Then, they paint and decorate it before racing it down a track.
A Raingutter Regatta Boat is a small boat made from a kit, which includes a hull, outriggers, a mast, and a sail. Scouts assemble the boat and then decorate it. The race involves blowing air to move the boat down a water-filled raingutter.
Creative Ideas for Decorating:
- Themes and Colors: Choose a theme like space, animals, or superheroes for your vehicle. Use bright colors and stickers to make it stand out.
- Personal Touch: Add personal touches like your Scout’s name or favorite symbols.
- Experiment with Materials: Use different materials for decoration of your car, such as foil, paper, or fabric, to add texture and character to the vehicle.
Here are some options for Lion Race Time requirement 1:
- Pinewood Derby Car Build Day Lion
- Den or pack provides a build day for Cub Scouts.
- Supplies: safety goggles, ear protection, saws and tools, sandpaper, kits, weights, paint, paint brushes, water, adjustment tool, digital scale, wood glue, Lion handbook, pencils, scissors, tables, chairs, first aid kit
- Indoor, moderate energy, one week prep
- Raingutter Regatta Build Day Lion
- Den or pack provides a build day for Cub Scouts.
- Supplies: kits, screwdrivers, paint, paint brushes, water, stickers, wood glue, tables, chairs
- Indoor, moderate energy, one week prep
This project is a great opportunity for Lions to use their creativity and work closely with an adult. It helps build their confidence as they see their ideas come to life in a tangible project. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
Know the Rules
Learn the rules of the race for the vehicle chosen in requirement 1.
For the second requirement of the Lion Race Time Adventure, Lions need to learn the rules of the race for the vehicle they built in requirement 1, either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. Understanding these rules is important for fair play and safety during the race.
Pinewood Derby Rules typically include:
- Car Specifications: There are limits on the size, weight, and materials of the car. It must fit on the track and can’t be too heavy.
- Track Rules: Only gravity can power the car; no motors or mechanical aids are allowed.
- Conduct: Scouts must show good sportsmanship and can’t interfere with others during the race.
Raingutter Regatta Rules generally involve:
- Boat Specifications: Like the derby car, there are size and weight limits for the boats, and they must be built from the kit provided.
- Racing Method: Scouts power their boats by blowing air on the sail, not by touching the boat or the water.
- Conduct: Scouts must race their own boats and are expected to follow good sportsmanship principles.
Your pack will give you the complete rules.
Here is an option for Lion Race Time requirement 2:
- Arrow of Light Scouts Explain the Rules
- Invite Arrow of Light Scouts to come and explain the rules of the race.
- Supplies: rules for Pinewood Derby or Raingutter Regatta
- Indoor, very low energy, a week or more prep
Learning these rules helps Lions understand how to compete fairly and what is expected of them during the race. It’s a good lesson in following directions and respecting others.
Good Sportsmanship
Before the race, discuss with your Lion adult partner how you will demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race.
For the third requirement of the Lion Race Time Adventure, Lions and their adult partners discuss how to demonstrate good sportsmanship during the race. This conversation is crucial for teaching young Scouts the importance of being respectful and considerate competitors, no matter the outcome of the race.
Good sportsmanship involves behaviors that show respect for other players, judges, and the rules of the game. It’s about playing fair and handling both winning and losing with grace.
See some talking points and reflection questions about good sportsmanship here.
Some Guidelines for Good Sportsmanship:
- Be Respectful: Always speak kindly to others and congratulate the winners.
- Follow Rules: Make sure to stick to the race rules and play fairly.
- Be Patient: Take turns and wait for your turn calmly.
- Handle Emotions: It’s okay to feel disappointed if you don’t win, but remember to stay calm and not get upset with others.
- Encourage Others: Cheer for your friends and other competitors.
Here is an option for Lion Race Time requirement 3:
- Good Sportsmanship for the Race
- Cub Scouts will act out through roll playing how to be a good sport during the race.
- Supplies: none
- Indoor, low energy, minimal prep
Discussing these behaviors helps Lions understand how their actions affect others. It teaches them valuable social skills that they will use throughout their lives, not just in races but in everyday situations.
At the Races
With your Lion adult partner, participate in a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta.
For the fourth requirement of the Lion Race Time Adventure, Lions and their adult partners participate in either a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta. These events are exciting and fun-filled opportunities for Scouts to showcase their race vehicles and compete with others.
Pinewood Derby
- In a Pinewood Derby, Scouts race small wooden cars they built from kits.
- The cars race down a track with multiple lanes.
- Each car is powered only by gravity, with no external help allowed.
- Scouts race their cars in heats against other participants.
- The event typically includes awards for categories like fastest car, most creative design, and best craftsmanship.
Raingutter Regatta
- In a Raingutter Regatta, Scouts race small boats they assembled from kits.
- The boats race down narrow raingutters filled with water, propelled by the Scouts blowing on the sails.
- Scouts stand at one end of the gutter and use a straw or their breath to move their boats to the other end.
- The first boat to reach the finish line wins the race.
- Similar to the Pinewood Derby, awards are often given for various categories such as fastest boat, best design, and most creative.
Here are some options for Lion Race Time requirement 4:
- Pinewood Derby Race
- Conduct a Pinewood Derby car race.
- Supplies: Pinewood Derby cars, Pinewood Derby track, PA system, display board, tracking system, scale, adjustment tool, race results system, chairs, tables, rope
- Indoor, high energy, one week or more prep
- Raingutter Regatta
- Conduct a Raingutter Regatta.
- Supplies: Raingutter Regatta boats, raceway, rules, PA system, display board, race results system, access to water, chairs, tables
- Outdoor, high energy, one week or more prep
Both events offer Scouts the chance to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship, and sportsmanship. They provide an exciting and memorable experience that fosters camaraderie and teamwork among participants.
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.
- Cub Scouts can use common craft tools like paintbrushes, scissors, hammers, and screwdrivers.
- Ensure proper use of the tools by both youth and adults.
During the Adventure:
- Train all youth and adults on tool use.
- Provide continuous, qualified adult supervision.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions and age restrictions. If there is a conflict, follow the most restrictive guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Lion Race Time Adventure
What do I need to build a Pinewood Derby car or Raingutter Regatta boat?
You need a kit, which includes all the necessary parts. You also need tools and decorations, like paint and stickers.
Can I get help building my vehicle?
Yes, you can get help from your adult partner or other adults. They can guide you and help with difficult parts. Try to do as much as yourself as possible though.
What are the Pinewood Derby and Raingutter Regatta?
In the Pinewood Derby, your car rolls down a track by gravityy. In the Raingutter Regatta, you move your boat by blowing air on the sail.
How do we show good sportsmanship during the race?
Always be polite, follow the rules, and be kind to other racers. Congratulate winners and encourage everyone.
What happens if I win or lose?
Winning is exciting, but participating and doing your best are the most important. If you win, be humble. If you lose, be proud of your effort and congratulate the winners.
Full Throttle Fun!
The Lion Race Time Adventure is a hands-on activity designed for young Scouts and their adult partners. It starts with building a race vehicle, either a Pinewood Derby car or a Raingutter Regatta boat. This allows Lions to explore their creativity and learn basic construction skills.
Next, Lions and their partners dive into the rules of the chosen race. Understanding and following these rules is crucial and teaches the Lions about fairness and the importance of guidelines in competitions.
Before the race, there is a vital discussion about sportsmanship. Lions learn how to behave during the competition, emphasizing respect, patience, and good manners, regardless of winning or losing.
Finally, the actual race day is an exciting time. Lions get to see their creations in action, competing against others. This experience not only provides a sense of achievement but also strengthens the bond between the Lion and their adult partner through shared effort and excitement.
Leave a Reply