A pack kite derby can be one of your
best spring or summer activities. It may include various kite contests,
followed by a picnic or barbecue. Some kite derbies are held just for fun with
no special contests or prizes. Others include contests with prizes for each.
The kite derby plan should be
developed far enough in advance so the boys and their families will know the
types of events and rules for each before they begin making kites. The Wolf
Cub Scout Book contains some kite plans. The den meetings leading up to the
derby would be a good time to discuss kite flying safety rules with the boys.
Sample Kite
· Registration / Exhibit period
o Display of Kites
o Judging of Kites
·
Opening ceremony
·
Kite contests
·
Picnic / Barbecue
·
Recognition / Awards
·
Closing Ceremony
Classification of Kites
Kites
can be divided into the following groups for competition:
·
Bow or tailless kites
·
Flat kites or those with
tails
·
Box kites or combination
kites
·
Homemade v.s. Store-bought
Recommended Rules & Guidelines:
Here
are some recommended rules and guidelines for running the kite derby; adjust
them to suit your event. Agree on the rules beforehand.
·
All kites must be parent-son made.
·
Each kite should be uniquely identified
by number or a name. (Specify which)
·
Each boy may have an adult to help him
get the kite into the air and help catch it when it comes down.
·
No restrictions on
materials used in construction of kites, except that no fighting kites are
allowed. (Glass, razor blades, and metal are not permitted.)
·
No wire flight lines are
permitted.
·
Kites may be adjusted
and modified any time during the derby.
·
One way to determine the
height of the kites is to provide kite cords that are pre-marked at 100 feet
intervals.
Judging:
Establishing a point system for
judging will make it easier to determine the winners of some of the awards.
Awards can be ribbons or prizes (or both). Preflight judging can be done
for design and workmanship, and prizes could be awarded for: Smallest, largest,
funniest, prettiest, most colorful, most unique, most original, best
craftsmanship. In-flight awards can be presented for: First kite in the
air, highest after 5 minutes, highest after 15 minutes, most stable flying,
most graceful, best sportsmanship, most persistent scout.
Kite Flying Safety:
Always follow safe practices while
flying a kite.
·
Always fly a kite far from electric or
power lines, transmission towers, TV and radio antennas, and ponds.
·
Fly a kite on days when
there is no rain. Never fly a kite in a thunderstorm.
·
Use wood, fabric, paper,
or plastic in the kite. Never use metal in making a kite.
·
Always use dry string. Never use wire for a
kite line.
·
When flying a kite, avoid public streets,
highways, or railroad rights-of-way.
·
If your kite gets snagged in a power
line, treetop, roof, or on a high pole, never try to remove it.
100-Yard Dash
On a signal the boys may launch their
kites in any manner. Kites must be flown to the end of a 100-yard cord and then
wound back to the hand of the flier. An assistant may remain under the kite as
it is wound in to catch it before it falls to the ground. The race ends when
the flier has rewound all his cord. At the finish, the flier must be on the
starting line with his wound kite in his hand.
Altitude Race
Fliers start on signal and run out
from the flying line, working the kite up to its highest possible altitude. At
the end of 5 minutes, all fliers return to the starting line. The kites at the
lowest elevation are then ordered down. The judges determine which kite is
flying the highest.
Paper Message Race
All players send their kites up to a
specific length of line-about 50 yards. A paper message is attached to the
flying lines and allowed to blow up the kite. The boy whose message first
reaches his kite wins the race.
·
If you cut the inside
section out of a paper plate, glue tissue paper streamers to it, then tie on a
string, it will fly.
·
A kite string tied to a plastic
grocery sack will fly as high as a real kite on a windy day.
·
You can also make a kite by cutting a
2" circle out of the bottom of a lunch sack. Tie an 18" piece of
string to the top of the bag, then attach a kite
string.
·
Challenge the children
and their parents to "invent" their own homemade kites.