Boy Scouts of America’s pinewood derby makes its return

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – The Shawnee District of Greater St. Louis Area Scouts Counsel is getting its annual pinewood derby back on track.

BSA District Executive Chance Ziegler says, “As we keep going forward, this district derby will get bigger and bigger as we keep adding more and more cub scouts.”

Ziegler mentions the excitement he holds knowing this is the first derby, in his 10 years of volunteering, that he is able to be a part of. He say scouting has especially been thriving after covid with hundreds of new cub scouts in the area.

“They’re getting to socialize again, they’re getting a place to go after Covid to get back out and be with kids their own age, make memories with their families. And to get them excited about their passions.” Said Ziegler “They’re learning about aerodynamics and learning about a whole other aspect of science when it comes to learning about how cars and things move.”

The organization and event is said to be a stepping stone for the scout’s educational development.

“They go forward and discover what they like to do through fun, adventurous activities. To see what their future career or passion might be or what might be their future thing they get to do to be a contributing member of their community.” He said. “I got to do it as a kid here, I grew up here local and did these 23 years ago with my parents. I’m excited to see this continue. Scouting has been here for 110+ years.”

The scouts will continue their educational journey with day camp as their next event on June 3 at Cape County Park.