The Pinewood Derby is one of the biggest and most anticipated events in Cub Scouting. But behind every car that crosses the finish line is a team of dedicated people who make it all possible. While Scouts focus on design, speed, and creativity, there’s another group working behind the scenes—the individuals who assemble, pack, and prepare every official Pinewood Derby kit.

For them, race season starts long before the first car hits the track. Each kit is carefully built and checked to meet Scouting America standards, ensuring that every Scout has the same fair start. These are the unseen hands that help create the excitement, learning, and memories that make the Pinewood Derby a true Scouting tradition.

Every year, Cub Scouts and their families support adults with disabilities by purchasing their official Pinewood Derby Kits. Although the Pinewood Derby has been running for almost 70 years, about 20 years ago, Scouting America partnered with a manufacturing facility in South Bend, Indiana. At this facility, workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities are employed and taught skills to help them function in the outside world. Through on-site Pre-vocational training, many can move on to other jobs! Last year, the Logan Company placed over 40 workers into outside jobs after their work in the facility.

I spoke with Chuck, the president of Kahoot Products, and one of the first things he said to me about the process was how incredibly joyous and happy the team is to have Pinewood Derby kits to work on putting together. Through packaging the kits, each team member learns transferable skills they can take to their next jobs.

At this facility, they work on many products, including Raingutter Regatta kits, but they consider putting the Pinewood Derby Kits together as the “top” job and an honor. When people come to visit the facility, these workers want to share their work – they invite them over and explain exactly what they are doing in detail.

Whether they are the ones counting out the wheels that go in each kit or putting the instructions into the box, each worker takes great pride in their part of the process. To date, they have produced 25 million kits and counting!

The next time you reach for your Official Pinewood Derby Kit, send a smile and “thank you” to the folks who put this kit together just for you and your Cub Scout! They and their families appreciate you more than you could even imagine. You can purchase the official Pinewood Derby Car Racing Kit, head and tail light kits, sound kits, peel-n-stick decals, and more Pinewood Derby accessories at ScoutShop.org—the official online retail store of Scouting America!