Scouts must make sleds using cardboard, tape, string and glue.
Local Cub Scouts face the annual challenge of building a cardboard vessel to take them on a ride down a snow-covered hill.
The North Valley District Cub Scout Cardboard Box Derby is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Blue Mountain Ski Area & Resort.
The vehicles to be used are made out of cardboard held together with tape, glue or string. Any other material in the craft can disqualify a team.
Awards for the longest runs, best designs and two secret awards will be given at this year’s derby.
“The biggest thing it teaches them is teamwork,” said Kevin Lilly, assistant Cub master of Pack 32 in Whitehall Township. “It is one of the neater events that they can do. It’s also about getting outside.”
The Cub Scouts, ages 6 to 10, learn skills that help them succeed in events such as the derby. While Lilly said adults use the knives to cut the cardboard, the Scouts of Pack 32 were exposed to rules of knife safety during a group meeting Thursday at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Whitehall.
Cub Scout Jake Samanka participated in the derby two years ago. His mother, Jennifer Samanka, recognizes the challenges participants face each year.
“Some of the boxes just fall apart before they get down the hill,” Jennifer Samanka said.
Jake Samanka, 10, lived near his teammates when he participated previously and experienced the importance of teamwork and learning from his elders.
“You should put clear tape on the bottom because it helps it slide,” he said.
The race will be held rain or shine. Registration, check-in and inspection will take place at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $4 per Scout. Registered Scouts will be given a 50 percent discount off all lift tickets.
Teams may consist of one to four Cub Scouts. Each team will get the chance to run once down the course.
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For information, visit orgsites.com/pa/northvalley or call Katrina Ptashinski at 610-573-4484.