With activity down in the summer for Mantua Cub Scout Pack 45, leaders decided to bring back an aquatic activity to bring out the Scouts and their families.
From 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Cub Scouts, their families and anyone interested in Scouting is welcome to attend the pack’s annual Raingutter Regatta on July 28 at Chestnut Branch Park. Cost is $10 per family, which covers a boat for one child and refreshments. Register by visiting www.Pack45Manuta.org.
Eric Worst, committee chairman of the pack, said kids in kindergarten to fifth grade are eligible to participate in the boat contest.
“Traditionally, the race uses actual rain gutters, capped on the ends, and the Scouts build a small boat that comes in a kit for $6,” Worst said. “They can shape, paint or decorate the boat. It’s powered through a straw to the sail, which causes it to move down the track.”
Worst added kids will usually assemble their boats the day of and they’re provided with permanent markers and other small crafts to decorate their boats beyond their imaginations.
Within the Cub Scouts, winners are chosen by the dens and then an overall winner. The categories include a first-, second- and third-place finisher, and best boat design.
Kids, last year, created boats with Star Wars and Minecraft designs along with various anime shows and characters.
“[It takes] less than 10 minutes to assemble it, and around 30 minutes to decorate and paint with permanent markers,” he added.
While the crafts dry out on the boats, kids are welcome to participate in various aquatic activities such as a “human raingutter” on a Slip ‘n’ Slide, water balloon tosses, as well as enjoying hot dogs, chips and other refreshments.
The summer event, he added, allows for the community to come out to learn about Scouting in a relaxed environment. In the spring, the pack holds a Pinewood Derby that’s only open to the Scouts.
“Unlike the derby where the car does most of the work, the kids are involved the entire time of the race to make their boat go across the finish line,” said Worst. “At the end, they’re having fun no matter the outcome. It’s a laidback race compared to the Pinewood Derby. We encourage the kids to come in their bathing suits.”
Worst added the event is also unique for the area because many of them are “too similar to one another,” so families are able to do something they don’t typically participate in.
An estimated 30 kids are expected to enter in the friendly competition, but Worst projects the pack to gain more registrations as the date nears.
To learn more about the regatta or to register, visit www.Pack45Mantua.org. In the event of rain, the Cub Scouts will make the date public on their Facebook page.
