Derbies are some of the most popular and successful special events in Cub Scouting. Like all really successful activities, they require planning and preparation, but their value is fun, strengthening the family relationship,s and promoting Cub Scouting purposes in a way that has been proven over the years. Many packs alternate between the different derbies to add variety to the pack program.
There are many similarities among the different derbies. All seek to:
- Provide fun and exciting new things to do.
- Foster a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills
- Provide the first of many opportunities to share in friendship, fellowship, and competition with other Cub Scouts
- Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body
Committee Decisions For Pack Derbies
- Decide on location and date.
- Recruit team leaders.
- Inspection and registration team.
- Judging and scoring team. (recruit from outside the pack, such as principal, policemen, or firemen)
- Race operations team.
- Decide on judging categories and awards.
- Recruit person to order kits and awards.
- Recruit a person to locate or build a race track to be used.
- Establish a list of equipment needed.
- Finalize racing rules. (as per pack racing committee's decision)
- Draw a plan of race areas and space arrangements. (remember derbies can be held inside or outside)
- Distribute kits with RULES for a race.
- Possibly arrange for photos and publicity. (local newspaper)
Allow about 1 1/2 hours, plus 2 minutes for each additional Cub Scout over the quantity of 30.
These decisions are assuming a racing derby is scheduled but can be adapted to any derby the pack decides to hold.
Each pack sets their own rules and race as they see fit. This may be the only time that a parent gets involved with their child so encourage parent participation in your pack. SET AND KEEP RULES AND RACE AS FAIR AS POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED.
Some boys might not have the opportunities and resources to make their race derby entry. About a month ahead of time, it is a good idea to have a time and place set aside for the boys to come and work on their entries.
Awards Structure
Each boy should receive an award or other memento for his participation in the derby. Winners could be presented with medals or trophies. Multipurpose award ribbons, trophies, and numerous Cub Scout gift items are available at your local Scouting distributor or use your imagination.