Frequently Asked Questions About the Pinewood Derby
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Pinewood Derby, as well as links to helpful resources and additional information.
Hobbies & Projects
Hobbies, projects, art and crafts. Get science project ideas, fun kids projects and great activities to do with children.
How to Make Invisible Ink for Writing Top-Secret Messages
Create your own top-secret invisible messages with this simple technique.
Photo Gallery of Shark Pinewood Derby Cars
Shark Pinewood Derby cars are designed to intimidate the competition. Take a look at some of our favorites.
Amazing Pinewood Derby Car Designs of 2019
Take a look at these photos of awesome Pinewood Derby car designs sent to us by Boys' Life readers.
How to Wash Your Dog
Being a responsible dog owner means keeping your pup clean. Try these dog-bathing tips from the Dog Care merit badge pamphlet.
3 Fun Wintertime Projects When It’s Cold Outside
Don't stay indoors during the winter! Here are three fun projects that you can only do when it's cold outside.
Make Your Own Homemade PVC Snowshoes
Here's how Webelos Scouts in North Carolina make homemade snowshoes.
How to Make a Classic Tangram Puzzle
A tangram is a puzzle consisting of seven pieces that can be recombined into many different shapes and figures.
How to Make a Fast Pinewood Derby Car
There are many ways to make your Pinewood Derby car go faster. Here are some of them.
Use Science to Build the Fastest Pinewood Derby Car
A former NASA engineer explains how you can use science to make the fastest car at your next Pinewood Derby.
How to Polish Your Pinewood Derby Car’s Axles and Wheels
Polishing your Pinewood Derby car's axles and wheels may be the most important factor in building a fast car.
Take Tastier Food Photos With These Professional Tips
Go ahead and play with your food to learn more about lighting, composition and photo magic.
How to Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate Mix
This jar of hot chocolate mix makes the PERFECT holiday gift for everyone on your list!
How to Make a Plaster Cast of Animal Tracks in the Snow
Don't give up. Making plaster casts of animal tracks in snow is tricky but not impossible.
How BL Uses Photo Magic to Get the Not-So-Big Picture
Experiment with lighting, angles and a camera to set up fun photo shoots and create a little bit of photo magic.
How to Build a Bat House
This simple one-chamber roost will give those beneficial bug-eaters a much-needed boost! Here's how to build a bat house.
How to Solve the Rubik’s Cube
Solving a Rubik's Cube takes patience, practice and plenty of trial and error. Here's how to do it.
Make Your Paper Airplane Soar With These Tips
Making paper airplanes is tough, but BL is here to help. These three videos will make your next paper airplane fly far.
How to Play Capture the Flag
The goal is to capture the other team's flag and bring it back to your side.
How to Make a Rube Goldberg Machine
Here's how to build a complex contraption that uses a chain reaction to perform a simple task.
How to Get Started Birding
Birdwatching can be a fun pastime. All you need are binoculars and a bird guide to start.
How to Lash Together Your Own Clothes Drying Rack
A drying rack is perfect for hanging wet clothes or towels during a long-term campout. Here's how to build it.
10 Amazing Duct-Tape Creations You Can Make Right Now
Is there anything you can’t make with duct tape and a little imagination?
How to Build Your Own Dishwashing Rack
Here's how to build a dishwashing rack that can be used for backcountry dish and utensil cleaning.
Where to Add Weight to a Pinewood Derby Car to Make it Go Faster
Should you add weight to the back of your Pinewood Derby car or to the front? Here's what we know about that age-old question.
How to Make a Duct-Tape Wallet
Use duct tape to make a handy wallet that will last for years.
How to Do the 4 Thieves Card Trick
This simple magic trick is all about storytelling -- and a little sleight of hand. Learn how to do it with our step-by-step video.
How to Build a Stand-Alone Camp Table
Here's how to lash together a small camp table to provide a convenient raised surface.
Cool Pinewood Derby Car Designs of 2018
Check out these pictures of cool Pinewood Derby car designs sent to us by Boys' Life readers.
Outstanding Pinewood Derby Car Designs of 2017
Need ideas for your Pinewood Derby car design? Here are images of some of the coolest Pinewood Derby car designs of 2017.
How to Make an Animated Flip Book
Learn how to make a flipbook animation and easily bind it into your own animated picture book.
How to Make a Time Capsule
This indestructible PVC tube will keep your treasures safe for years.
How to Build a Hand Wash Station
This wash station is sturdy, portable and very useful when camping away from washroom facilities.
How to Paint a Pinewood Derby Car to Give It a Glossy Finish
Sandpaper and paint can turn a block of wood into a sleek Pinewood Derby car that looks as smooth as steel.
Download a Free Pinewood Derby Car Design Template
Use this handy template to sketch out your Pinewood Derby car's design before you start cutting.
How to Make a Pinewood Derby Car Display
When the race is over, enter the winner's circle by building this display for your Pinewood Derby car.
Pedro’s Nitro Derby
Collect nitro boosts as you race your car on nine challenging courses in Pedro's Nitro Derby.
What Are the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Rules?
Race rules provide guidance and create a fair race for everyone. Make sure you know your pack's rules before you start building.
How to Make a Monopod Hiking Staff for your Smartphone
Keep your smartphone steady and at the ready to take videos and photos on the trail -- or anywhere else.
9 Optical Illusions to Confuse Your Brain
Your eyes can play tricks on you. See if you can figure out these awesome optical illusions.
Six Projects to Make With Recycled Plastic Bottles and Jugs
Recycle empty plastic bottles and jugs and turn them into fun and useful projects.
Make This Bottle-Cap Disc-Golf Game
With a tin can and paper clips, you can make a mini disc-golf basket.
How to Draw a Cat
Grab a pencil (NOT a pen!) and let's learn how to draw a cat! Here's how.
Cub Scouts Race Pinewood Derby Cars in SunTrust Park and Get a Visit From Their MLB Heroes
Nothing tops the feeling of sending your Pinewood Derby car flying down a track … unless, you’re racing that car on the field where baseball superstars hit it out
Learn How To Be a Ventriloquist
A world-famous ventriloquist shares the secrets of how to do ventriloquism.
How to Keep Spiders as Pets
Spiders can make fascinating pets. Here are a few steps to get you started keeping spiders.
How to Carve a Willow Whistle
Make a variable-pitch whistle that you can use to signal, play a tune or just show off your carving skills.
How to Make Slime With Glue and Borax
Simple slime is made of glue and borax. Here's how to make your own batch of stretchy slime.
How to Build a Mason Jar Bird Feeder
This fun project can help keep backyard birds fed during the winter.
How to Make a Twig Number Sign
This rustic plaque is a perfect way to identify your pack or troop's unit number.