The Boy Scouts of America’s Grand Canyon Council (GCC), an independent non-profit organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in Arizona, is excited to announce its continued partnership with Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions. Barrett-Jackson will be hosting several community events for Arizona scouting families.
The most exciting event is the action-packed Pinewood Derby Open benefiting local scouting, which is scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 21, during Barrett-Jackson Westworld of Scottsdale in the auction pre-staging lanes.
“The Pinewood Derby is a longstanding tradition that helps build family bonds by working together,” said Andy Price, CEO and Scout Executive of GCC. “This year, the tradition continues and expands at Barrett-Jackson as a two-derby event – The Pinewood Derby Open and the Corporate Pinewood Derby.”
The Pinewood Derby was first introduced as a two-lane wooden track in California in 1953 by Cubmaster Don Murphy. The goal is for Cub Scouts and their parents to work together turning four plastic wheels, four nails and some wood into a custom race car that is 5-ounces-or-less, goes fast and looks ‘cool’. Bringing this time-honored scouting tradition to Barrett-Jackson allows event sponsors to connect with like-minded automotive enthusiasts and professionals who are committed to youth-focused initiatives.
Barrett-Jackson’s opening day is also the auction company’s Family Day. In addition to the Scout activities, Barrett-Jackson will also host STEM Fest as a part of Family Day, allowing young auction-goers the opportunity to learn and participate in several immersive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math exhibits.
The Boy Scouts’ activities included on Saturday, Jan. 21 are:
- Merit Badge Day – Beginning at 9:30 a.m.,100 Scouts who pre-registered will earn their Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge by learning all about automotive mechanics from the pros. The merit badge event includes seven stations with vehicles and qualified instructors or mechanics to educate Scouts on a variety of common automotive tasks such as:
- Understanding dashboard icons
- Seatbelt safety
- Checking engine oil
Universal Technical Institute will also speak with scouts about the broad scope of careers within the automotive industry. All Scouts in attendance will receive a unique Barrett-Jackson merit badge.
- Pinewood Derby Open – Beginning at 2 p.m. for Cubs Scouts and Scouts BSA. Winners will be named the Barrett-Jackson Pinewood Derby Champion in the auction’s pre-staging lanes.
- Corporate Pinewood Derby –Begins at 3 p.m. and is open to corporate entries and will serve as a thrilling fundraiser for the Grand Canyon Council.
- Free Entry all day – For those in scouts wearing the Scouts BSA field uniform with the Grand Canyon Council official merit badge.
“At Barrett-Jackson, it is our mission to bring people together to celebrate our love for cars and to grow the hobby for generations to come,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “It is incredibly important to engage with the youth in our communities, both from an educational standpoint and by providing opportunities for multiple generations to come together, share a common passion and enjoy time with one another through this hobby we all love.” Scouting in Arizona started with a handful of troops scattered across the state and over the last 100 years has grown to serve thousands of our youth ranging from ages 5-20. Since BSA GCC was established, more than 48,000 young men and women have become Eagle Scouts, the highest honor awarded by BSA.
