Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure

Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure

Arrow of Light Badge Checkoff Sheet

Rules of the Race

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

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.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure requirement 2:

• Pinewood Derby Connect Four
  • Learn the rules of the Pinewood Derby with a game of Connect Four.
  • Supplies: poster board, post-it notes, index cards, blue painter’s tape, marker
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Raingutter Regatta Connect Four
  • Learn the rules of the Raingutter Regatta with a game of Connect Four.
  • Supplies: poster board, post-it notes, index cards, blue painter’s tape, marker
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

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

Mentor a younger den to prepare for the race.

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.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure requirement 3:

• Build Day Leader
  • Cub Scouts help out on pack build day.
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, very low energy, more than one week prep
• Leading Sportsmanship at the Derby
  • Arrow of Light Cub Scouts teach younger Cub Scouts how to display good sportsmanship.
  • Supplies: Pinewood Derby Song 1, Pinewood Derby Song 2, den yell
  • indoor, low energy, minimal prep
• Leading Sportsmanship at the Regatta
  • Arrow of Light Cub Scouts teach younger Cub Scouts how to display good sportsmanship.
  • Supplies: Raingutter Regatta Song, den yell
  • indoor, low energy, minimal prep
• Race Check-In Support
  • Cub Scouts help out at the vehicle check-in event.
  • Supplies: list of tasks, post-it notes, marker
  • indoor, low energy, a week or more prep

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

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

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.

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

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure requirement 4:

• AOL A Scouts is Kind
  • Cub Scouts discuss good sportsmanship and how to demonstrate it during their racing event.
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

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

Participate in a Pinewood Derby or a Raingutter Regatta.

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.

Here are some options for fulfilling Arrow of Light Race Time Adventure requirement 5:

• Pinewood Derby Race AOL
  • 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 one week prep
• Raingutter Regatta AOL
  • 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 one week prep

These events are about having fun, learning how to compete fairly, and enjoying the spirit of camaraderie with fellow Scouts and the community.

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 the Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities.
• Cub Scouts can use common craft tools like paintbrushes, scissors, hammers, and screwdrivers.
• Understand how to properly use all tools for the project, for both youth and adults.
• Review Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.

During the Adventure:

• Allow time for training on tool use for all youth and adults.
• Ensure continuous, qualified adult supervision and discipline during the project.
• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions and age/skill restrictions. If there is a conflict, follow the most restrictive guidelines.

More information

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.