FAQ

What is a Pinewood Derby? It is a wood car racing event! Girl Scouts (with adult help if desired) build their own unpowered, unmanned miniature cars from wood, using kits that will be provided to participants. (Designing, cutting, and sanding the car is a big part of the fun, but you can also buy pre-cut cars to paint and decorate, as long as they follow the rules and you use the wheels and axels from you car kit.)

Who can participate? Any Irondequoit Girl Scout! Friends and family (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.) are once again invited to join the fun in our Friends and Family category! Regardless of your age or gender, if you're a friend or family member of a participating Girl Scout, we'd love to see what you can do!

How do I participate? Register at https://irondequoit-girl-scout-derby-day-2026.cheddarup.com

How do I get my car kit so I can start building? You will receive an email with pickup instructions. Girls who register by the Early Registration deadline will be able to pick up their cars at the Cookie Rally on January 9. Girls who miss early registration but register before the final deadline will pick up their cars in mid-February. (If the scheduled pickup times do not work for you, reach out to Kate Copeland at kathrynecopeland@gmail.com to make other arrangements.)

What will the awards be? There will be awards for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fastest cars in each division (by scout age) as well as awards that the girls will vote on for car design, in the following categories: Most Bling, Most Girl Scouty, Most Sport, Most Delicious, Most Colorful, Most Unique, Best Paint Job, Coolest Design, Best Animal Themed Car, Most Creative, and Fan Favorite. Friends and family (of all ages) will compete together for Fastest and Favorite Family/Friends Car awards.

What else do I need to know? We will follow Seneca Waterways Council, BSA, Pinewood Derby rules, available here  https://senecawaterways.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2025_Pinewood_Derby_Rules.pdf  (link is to 2025 rules) 

This is an Irondequoit Service Unit event. While troops can certainly choose to participate as a unit, we also welcome and encourage individual Girl Scouts to sign up!