3-21-2026 9:20pm

Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby Tradition Continues

Chris Clasen Editor

All photos/video by author

Anyone who participated in Boy Scouts probably remembers the Pinewood Derby as one of the funnest events of the year, and by the looks on kids' faces today, that tradition holds true as 60 Scout-engineered cars competed side by side at Third Place Commons.

Den Leader Kevin Swanson explains that today's race track has an electronic starter and timer that automatically feeds timing data to software for immediate display of time and speed. His two kids carry on the tradition that he participated in. His own Den Leader has been active for over 60 years.

But it's not just about racing or a fancy paint job. My cars weren't very fast but they had automotive quality paint jobs complete with a clear coat thanks to my Dad's air compressor. Kevin tells me that Scouts learn several important skills through participation in the Pinewood Derby, such as social skills, building camaraderie, working as a team, and operating shop tools safely. With Scouting recently in the news, Kevin pointed out that Scouting remains inclusive of all youth, regardless of race, creed, color, or gender identity. The mission of Scouting America is "to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law."

Sometimes A Collabarative Effort

A few years ago, I recall helping a Cub Scout with his Pinewood Derby car because he didn't have someone who could offer assistance, so I thought it was brilliant to hear from Bear Leader Lyndsey Garg, who told me that this year, they decided to elevate the car-building process from an individual effort to a group effort.

They got in touch with the Northeast Seattle Tool Library, a community resource that allows members to borrow tools and materials for various projects. From there, they connected with Joe Gregory, a school shop teacher who volunteers at the tool library. "Around 15 kids participated and got help with their car projects due to this collaborative effort," Lyndsey noted. She said, "The reason my son loves Cub Scouts is that it's a community, right? And so I think the more activities we can do together to support one another, it is wonderful."