'Check Out Scouting' Invites public to Pinewood Derby 'Race of Champions'

Great Falls Council/Scouting America Press Release & Photo

Families looking for opportunities to get their children engaging in new things, connecting with others in their community, or finding alternatives to screentime are invited to “Check Out Scouting,” a new initiative by Great Falls Council, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), that welcomes the public to see what Scouting is all about.

Through “Check Out Scouting,” parents and children, from ages 5 to 17, are welcome to explore specific community-based Scouting events, meet Scouts and adult leaders, and learn more about what it means to be a Scout, for free!

The first “Check Out Scouting” event is the Pinewood Derby “Race of Champions” being held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Walden Galleria Mall (by the former Lord & Taylor store), Cheektowaga. This year’s race is sponsored by Basil Family Dealerships and will feature multiple heats and races of the iconic 7-inch cars, built by Cub Scouts and their parents, from a block of pine and four wheels.

“Children learn about aerodynamics, woodworking, painting, planning, friction and competition when they build and race their pinewood derby cars,” said Gary Decker, CEO of Great Falls Council. “It’s a great hands-on activity for parents and their children, and a unique way for the kids to show off their creativity in designing their cars. We look forward to welcoming the public to see what the excitement is all about on March 1.”

Future “Check Out Scouting” events will be featured on the Great Falls Council website calendar found at www.gfcscouting.org, and through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GFCScouting/.

Great Falls Council currently serves more than 5,000 youth in Western New York and the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania with youth-development programs that foster children's leadership, character, citizenship and well-being through indoor and outdoor programs. More than 300 groups (think Cub Scouts and Scout Troops) meet in person weekly or bimonthly and learn new things while having fun together. These groups are always open to anyone who’s interested in learning more. For more information about Scouting or to find a nearby group, visit www.BeAScout.org or call 716-491-4073.