Date: Sun Apr 12, 10:00 AM EST - Sun Apr 12, 1:00 PM EST
Category:
- Outdoor
Level:
- Juniors,
- Daisies,
- Seniors,
- Volunteers,
- Cadettes,
- Ambassadors,
- Brownies
Girl Scouts of all levels are invited to join in The Great Girl Scout Cardboard Boat Race.
Using only cardboard and tape, Girl Scouts will put their creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills to the test as they design, build, and race their own boats. From brainstorming blueprints to testing buoyancy, this hands-on adventure is all about innovation, teamwork, and courage.
Arrive with your cardboard boat fully built and show off your best boating style-whether you're a scuba diver, sailor, or even Pippi Longstocking! Then comes the big moment: launching your vessel, with a Girl Scout paddling inside, to see if your design can stay afloat.
Spectators are invited to watch and cheer on their favorite teams as they paddle across the finish line. Prizes will be awarded for 1st Place Brownies & Juniors, 1st Place Juniors & Cadettes, 1st Place Seniors & Ambassadors, Best Costume, and for Best Boat Design.
Key Rules and Regulations:
- Teams:
Teams must have a minimum of one person in the boat; and up to two (2) additional people are allowed at the starting line to help with the boat launch.
- Materials:
Boats must be made primarily from corrugated cardboard and duct tape. Other materials like wood, plastic, or metal are prohibited, girls are also allowed to use glue or paint for waterproofing and decoration. You must use at least 1 Girl Scout Cookie box.
- Construction:
Boats must be built before the race and must be ready to race at the start of the program
Boats must have completely enclosed side walls so that no part of the lower body is outside the boat.
- Propulsion:
Human power is the only method of propulsion to be used (No Motors allowed). Teams use paddles or oars (which may also be made of cardboard) to propel their boats. (we will supply the oars)
- Safety:
Participants must wear life jackets and closed-toe shoes (No Crocs). (we will provide life jackets) Max of two occupants in a boat (Team).
- Course and Competition:
Our races will involve navigating a designated course (e.g., a U-shape or straight line) and rounding buoys. Teams may be disqualified for interfering with other boats or violating course rules.
- Disqualification:
Teams may be disqualified for using prohibited materials, breaking course rules, or violating safety regulations.
- Conduct: Girl Scouts maintain a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, violence, or unsportsmanlike conduct-everyone is expected to act with respect, safety, and good sportsmanship.
Disposal: Teams are responsible for the disposal of their boats and any debris after the race.
This event is open to girls in grades K-12 and their family members (ages five and above).
This is not a drop off event. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult in their party.
Girls should represent GSGCF by wearing their vests/sash during this event.
Registration closes: 04/02/2026. Refunds and cancellations cannot be processed after 04/02/2026.
All cancellation and refund requests must be received in writing by 04/02/2026. at customercare@gsgcf.org.
