Lion Box Derby

Before the Meeting 

1. Identify a safe area free of obstacles to conduct the derby such as a running track.  The total length should be no more than 100 yards. 
2. The day before, remind Cub Scouts, parents, legal guardians, and adult partners of the date, time, and location of the meeting. 
3. Become familiar with how to make a cardboard box car. 
   • Cut the top and flaps of the box off. 
   • Use scissors to cut two holes in the top front left and right corners and top back left and right corners. The holes should be two feet apart.  Make the hole just large enough for the paracord to run through. 
   • Tie a figure eight knot at the end of one of the paracords then run the other end of the paracord from the front left to the back left holes with the figure eight knot keeping the paracord from slipping through the hole.  Tie another figure-eight knot on the other end of the paracord.  Repeat for the right front and back holes.  This will serve as the harness that goes over the Cub Scout shoulders like suspenders.  
4. Make and decorate a cardboard box car to use as an example.  
5. Set up the racetrack with the starting line,  three areas for the “pit crew”, and finish line. 

During the Meeting 

1. Gather the Cub Scouts and adult partners and share with them that it is race day and they will make their own box car to decorate and race.  
2. Demonstrate how to make the cardboard box car. 
3. Have adult partners work with their Cub Scouts to make and decorate their cars. 
4. Go over the rules of the box car race. The Lions will run around the track stopping three times along the way. The adult partners will be the “pit crew.” The three stops will consist of the following: 
   • Tire change: At this stop, each Lion will turn one of their socks inside out and put it back on. 
   • Pit stop: At this stop, the Lion will take a drink of water. 
   • Windshield washing: At this stop, the Lion will get their face washed with a wet towel. 
5. Run the race.