Hobbies & Projects - Scout Life magazine

This Mom Wasn’t Sure About Her Son’s Pinewood Derby Car Design But Then…

When Sherry’s son had an ambitious idea for the design of his Pinewood Derby car, she wasn’t enthusiastic about it. In fact, a slew of questions came to her

Build a Chuck Box for Camp Cooking

Make camp cooking easier and more convenient with this portable kitchen box.

Build a Wooden Bee House to Make a Home for Solitary Bees

This easy-to-make shelter provides solitary bees with a warm, dry place to nest.

How to Make an Invisible Bookshelf

Your books will appear to be magically floating on the wall when you make this fun, invisible bookshelf.

How to Build a Secret-Code Wheel

Writing secret messages is easy with this cipher wheel. It scrambles the alphabet so nobody can read your message.

This Scout Dad’s Use for Old Pinewood Derby Cars Will Make You Want to Get Crafty

Love the Scouting memories but need a new use for those fewer-than-five-ounces blocks on wheels? Neil Fern, father to two Scouts, is here to save the seasoned Pinewood Derby

How to Grow Your Own Crystals

It might seem like magic, but all you're doing is collecting salt crystals from evaporated salt water. (It's still cool!)

Putting Science to Work for Pinewood Derby – Tips From a Former NASA Engineer and a Scout Mom

Ask a Cub Scout his favorite activity of the year. There’s a good chance he’ll tell you Pinewood Derby. And whether kids realize it or not, part of enjoying

My Pack Decided to Make a Massive Pinewood Derby Car

My name is Stacie Keenan, and I’m a leader from Pack 1475. We built what we like to call “The World’s Largest Scale Pinewood Derby Car”! About Pack

Make a ‘Hide Rack’ Display For Your Patches

Show off your patches and other stuff on this rustic “hide rack” display.

Take the Best Videos With These Videography Tips

Everybody has their own style, but here are some tips that will help you take the best videos.

Make a Rustic Concrete Candle Holder

This stylish tea light candle holder makes a great gift.

Make a Homemade Candy Dispenser

You can make this fun wooden dispenser for jelly beans, gumballs or any other hard candy that will fit in it.

Can You Spot 30 Hidden Animals in These Photos?

Some animals have amazing natural camouflage. Can you find where they're hiding?

Hosting a Pinewood Derby for Children with Special Needs

Amid the typical cheers and laughter heard at Pinewood Derbies across the country, something very special was happening at April 22’s Pinewood Derby in Neenah, WI. As

How to Build and Fly a Box Kite

Most altitude records for kite flying are held by box kites. Here's how to make a high-flying box kite with easy-to-find materials.

Use an Old Spoon to Make a Homemade Fishing Lure

Snag the big one with this DIY fishing lure.

9 Pinewood Derby Photo Contest Entries You Have to See

The major thrills of Pinewood Derby come from a celebration of all things Cub Scout, like friendship, leadership, and learning. That’s why we want to recognize nine

5 Fun Backyard Games

Summer is for outside, and these fun games are just the things to get you out there.

How to Make a DIY Chess Board

Challenge your friends on this awesome DIY chess set.

How to Make An Authentic Native-American Arrow

Make history when you make an arrow the way Native-Americans did long ago.

Build a Giant Wood Block Game

Challenge your friends and family with this giant version of a classic game.

100 Fantastic Pinewood Derby Car Designs of 2016

Here are some of the best Pinewood Derby cars of 2016 sent in by Boys' Life readers.

How to Make a Rustic USB Drive Case

Add a touch of nature to your USB drive with this DIY case.

How to Build a Balance Board

This easy-to-build training gear will prepare you for rocky trails.

How to Build an Igloo

A brilliant use of engineering and resources, this simple dome made out of snow blocks is both strong and versatile.

How to Make a Rustic Twig Table

With a few tools and some twigs and branches, you can make this durable rustic table today.

How to Make a Platform Bird Feeder

This simple bird feeder makes an ample platform for serving a flock of seed eaters.

How to Build a Step Stool

If there is something too high to reach, this stool can help.

Make a Weather Barometer

Make a barometer to give you a heads-up about weather conditions.

Build a Log Cabin Birdhouse

Attract birds to your backyard with this fun and stylish log cabin birdhouse.

Make a Twig Picture frame

You can build this picture frame with materials found around the house or yard.

How to Maintain Your Motor

Whether it's powering a sports car or a lawn mower or a go-cart, here's how to keep your engine running year after year.

Use an LED Light to Make a Firefly Lantern

Want a natural nightlight? Use an LED light to catch some fireflies and make a firefly lantern.

Make a Pencil Holder From Household Materials

Store pencils, markers and brushes in this handy DIY pencil holder.

Use Nature to Make 8 Unique Gifts for Mother’s Day

Show your mom just how great she is by making her a gift inspired by Mother Nature herself!

How to Make a Tetrahedral Kite

Learn to fly! Build one of these simple kites and reach for the skies.

Build a fishing rod rack

Organize your fishing rods by building this simple wooden rack.

Pinewood Derby Workshop Honors Late Scout Leader

A Personal Tragedy Felt By the Whole Community In the days before Christmas, Cub Scout Pack 22 in Whitman, Massachusetts lost a long time Scout leader and volunteer to a

Amaze Your Friends with These 4 Awesome Magic Tricks

Learn how to do four magic tricks with the help of our video tutorials.

Sportsmanship is the Real Winner at Pinewood Derby

In some ways, Pinewood Derby can be disappointing for young, hopeful minds and hearts, especially considering the fact that most of the racers don’t end up technically