Pinewood Derby Build Nights

A small car. A lasting connection.

Pinewood Derby build nights have become an annual way for SHB to help local Cub Scouts, from opening the shop to taking the tools and help out into the community. The project is small enough to hold in your hand, but the experience can stay with a child for years.

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Ryan talking with Cub Scouts and adults gathered around workbenches during a shop build night. — The shop becomes a shared workspace for the local Cub Scout Pack.

The workbench came first

Ryan’s grandfather was a woodcarver who helped him build his own derby cars. Years later, his grandfather’s workbench found a place in the SHB shop. Hosting build nights gives Ryan a way to pass that same kind of help forward.

A tradition the shop can share

Build nights in 2022, 2023 and 2024 grew into a shop tradition. The January 2025 gathering was the fourth annual event. The photographs show the planning, the hands-on help and the people gathered around the benches.

Ryan marking a small pinewood car blank on the shop bench with wood offcuts nearby. — Working through the shape before the next step.

Ryan helping a child mark a Pinewood Derby car blank at the workshop bench. — A build night gives a young maker hands-on help.

Take the help where it is needed

In January 2026, Ryan and his friend Marc volunteered at a local pack’s build night. The setting changed, but the purpose stayed the same: help the children work through their ideas and bring their cars to life.

Children and adults gather around temporary woodworking stations during a local Cub Scout Pinewood Derby build night. — In January 2026, the build-night tradition traveled to a local pack.

Two volunteer workstations with woodworking tools, car blanks, Scouts and adults at the Pinewood Derby event. — With Marc volunteering alongside Ryan, more young builders could take part.

More than race day

Working on a car is a chance to try an idea, ask a question and see a piece of wood become something personal. Making room for that experience is part of what service and community mean at SHB.

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