The Raingutter Regatta is a fun boat race designed to be a Scout/Caregiver project! This is a chance for your Scout to partner with you, build something together, and enjoy racing their boat alongside friends in a fun, non-competitive environment. (We’ll save the official competition and trophies for the Pinewood Derby!) These guidelines are written to help keep the process simple, relaxed, and fun for your Scout.
A special note to all caregivers and Scouts: together, please read the concluding section on Scout Spirit. The goal for the day is simple: have fun, cheer on your fellow Scouts, and practice the Cub Scout Motto, “Do Your Best!”
Den Meeting (September): Scouts will assemble the base structure of their boats together during their scheduled Den meeting in September.
At-Home Decoration: After the Den meeting, Scouts will bring their boat home to decorate and finish it with their caregiver.
Missed the Den Meeting? No problem! If your Scout is unable to attend the September Den meeting, they can pick up their boat kit from their Den Leader and assemble and decorate it entirely at home with their caregiver.
Pack Meeting (September): The Raingutter Regatta race will take place during our September Pack meeting!
Participation Guidelines:
The event is open to all Scouts registered to Pack 30, as well as any prospective Scouts, Kindergarten through 5th grade, and siblings who build a boat to race.
Each Scout or sibling should have a significant hands-on role in building and decorating their boat.
Because this is a fun showcase event, the main goal is to build a boat that floats and catches wind! To keep things simple and ensure boats fit properly in the rain gutters:
Kits: Boats should be constructed using official BSA Raingutter Regatta kit parts.
Propulsion: Boats are powered solely by blowing air into the sails with a straw (no motors, fans, or mechanical propulsion).
Decorations: Creativity is highly encouraged! Paint, stickers, decals, minifigures, and custom themes make the event great to watch.
Since there are no timing clocks, official scoring, or elimination brackets, the event is designed for maximum track time and casual fun:
Open & Friend Matches: Scouts can pair up with friends, den mates, or siblings to race against each other.
Starting the Heat: Boats are placed against the back wall of the gutter and race when the starter commands “GO!”
Getting Stuck: If a boat capsizes or gets stuck on a gutter wall, the Scout can gently right or free their boat and keep blowing!
Multiple Runs: Because we aren't tracking elimination standings, Scouts are welcome to stay and race multiple times as gutter lanes are open!
The Raingutter Regatta is all about practicing new hands-on craft skills, building teamwork between Scouts and caregivers, and celebrating each other's efforts.
Support Your Peers: Cheer loudly for every Scout on the water, whether their boat is lightning-fast or taking its time!
Respect Everyone: Help keep the area around the gutters safe and clear so everyone gets a turn to launch their boat.
Do Your Best: Remember that learning how to build something with your own hands is the real reward. A great sport is someone who shares a smile, high-fives their lane partner, and leaves the event proud of what they made.
Have fun out on the water!