Space Derby® Checklist for Cub Scouts
Dream!
- Go for launch! Inside your official Space Derby® rocket kit you’ll find everything you need to get started: propeller, brass bushing, nose button, plastic tube, wire propeller hook, hanger fitting, plastic dowel, and number sheet; two balsa body blocks; three plastic sheets for wings or fins; four rubber bands; plus instructions and plan. (Carrier and flight line are not included in the kit.)
- The sky’s the limit so take time to imagine how your rocket will look once it’s designed and painted. Include themes that are special to you and let your creativity and personality shine through!
- Your adult assistant can help you with building your rocket. Use the easy-to-follow assembly instructions found in your Space Derby® kit and you’ll soon be taking Derby racing to new heights
Build!
- There are directions and a drawing inside your Space Derby® kit to help you find and learn all the parts of your rocket and where they belong. Your adult assistant will help you with drawing lines on the rocket body so you’ll know where to cut the groove for the hanger fitting. It will be glued in later.
- Hold the two blocks together (don’t glue them yet!) and fit the nose button in place. Draw a line around the nose button (using a ballpoint pen) and then remove the nose button.
- With assistance from an adult, you are now ready to shape the blocks into your dream rocket shape. Make sure you don’t sand the front any smaller than the nose-button line.
- Cut the plastic sheets into fins or wings of your own design. Plastic can be cut with regular household scissors.
- After fins are cut and body is shaped and sanded, an adult can cut the grooves for the fins or wings (see drawing). The fins and hanger fitting can be glued in place either before or after you paint the rocket.
- Make sure the rocket body’s blocks are lined up just right before you glue them. Use enough water-based wood glue to hold them tight but be careful not to use too much glue or it could mess up your paint finish! Hold the blocks together with pins or small rubber bands while they’re drying.
- While glue is drying, get help with putting the propeller assembly together (see drawing).
- When glue is dry, remove the pins or bands and lightly sand your whole rocket model.
You are now ready to create! It’s time to paint and trim your rocket. Start with several coats of water-based acrylic paint; then, sand the whole rocket with fine sandpaper. Next, paint the rocket your favorite color and design.
Special Space Derby® decals add a cool touch!
Race!
- Derby day is a blast! Cub Scouts and adults will cheer for you and your team. After all your hard work, there’s nothing like watching your creation race to the finish!
- Racing against other rockets is an exciting part of every Space Derby®. But the real fun is the adventure itself – the whole process! Whether you take home first-place or not, you can be proud of how hard you worked and the memories you and your adult helper created.
Space Derby® Checklist for Adults
Building on a general fascination around space travel and the fun of a real hands-on project, Space Derby® is a favorite of Cub Scouts all over the country. It’s a great opportunity for you to spend time together building skills, confidence and memories. It is also a chance for both you and your Cub Scout to practice the three steps of self-leadership described in the Boy Scout Handbook:
- Having a vision of where you want to be
- Figuring out the steps to get there
- Completing those steps one at a time
If this is your first time, you might feel a little lost. But don’t worry. You’ll find a lot of support from Scout Leaders and from adults with previous Derby experience. Ask them for advice when you need it, and use the following steps to guide you and your Cub Scout through a successful Space Derby® experience.
Dream!
- Get an official Space Derby® rocket kit. Your Cub Scout’s Pack Leaders may provide the kit for you, or you can one at your local Scout Shop. Kits can also be ordered online here (NOTE: carrier and flight line are not included in kit.)
- Help your Cub Scout be involved every step of the way. Start by encouraging him to imagine what his ultimate rocket will look like.
- Gather the tools and supplies that you and your Cub Scout will need to build a winning rocket: pliers (to bend wire), water-based wood glue, water-based acrylic paint, paint brushes, coarse and fine sandpaper, and decorative decals (if desired).
Build!
- The assembly plan included in your kit identifies the various parts of the rocket and indicates where they belong. Draw lines for locating the hanger fitting, as shown on the drawing. After marking the location, cut a groove where indicated. Fit the hanger, then remove it; it will be glued in later.
- Hold the two blocks together and fit the nose button in place. Draw a line around the nose button (using a ballpoint pen) and then remove the nose button.
- You are now ready to shape the blocks, making sure you don’t sand the front any smaller than the nose-button line.
- Cut the plastic sheets into fins or wings of your own design. Plastic can be cut with regular household scissors.
- After fins are cut and body is shaped and sanded, you can cut the 1/6-inch-deep grooves for the fins or wings (see drawing). The fins and hanger fitting can be glued in place either before or after you paint the rocket. (see graphic below)
- Make sure blocks are properly aligned. Use enough water-based wood glue to hold parts securely in place (caution: too much glue can mar your paint finish). Hold the blocks together with pins or small rubber bands.
- While glue is drying, put the propeller assembly together (see drawing).
- When glue is completely dry, remove the pins or bands and lightly sand the entire surface of the model.
- You are now ready to paint and trim the rocket. First, apply several coats of water-based acrylic paint; then, sand the entire surface with a fine sandpaper. Next, paint the rocket your favorite color and design.
Race!
On the day of the Derby, take pride in your Cub Scout’s success in completing his rocket and being able to take part in the race. Celebrate with him and recognize the value of the time you’ve spent together. That’s how everybody wins.
Space Derby® Checklist for Leaders
Dream!
Take them to space and beyond! As an educational activity, and for the pure fun of it, younger Cub Scouts love Space Derby®. Webelos might even step in to act as Space Derby® officials!
- Present this program to your Den Leaders as an exciting, and fairly simple, month-long activity.
- Gather your resources. If you don’t have access to experienced leaders, borrow an adult or two from the older ranks to help ensure success.
- If done early in the year, this makes a great preparation activity for the Pinewood Derby®. Space Derby® is an ideal way to help Cub Scouts build the confidence and skills they’ll need to compete at the Pack level during the Pinewood Derby®.
Build!
- With proper planning and preparation, rockets can even be completed in two Den meetings! Complete instructions for assembly are included in the kits.
- Cub Scouts can be much more involved in the Space Derby® set-up process; they’ll love being able to help install the guidelines.
Race!
In addition to the 50-pound test monofilament fishing line for the rockets to fly down, you need a “rocket engine”. A small handheld drill or rubber-band winder is excellent for winding the rubber-band motor and helps speed up the event.
Planning Your Derby
- Follow the guidelines for planning special Pack activities found in chapter 6 of the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book. This book also provides instructions and information on the launching rack needed for a Pack Space Derby®.
- Provide a list of easy-to-understand event rules to each family.
- Plan opening and closing ceremonies.
- Consider what types of awards you might offer.
- Will you have “category” awards (“Most Creative”, etc.) or participant ribbons in addition to first-, second- and third-place awards?
- Plan for the event day itself: venue location, food, trophies/ribbons, and decorations.
- Decide what your method for judging will be
- Line up volunteers.