This week, Russell’s Cub Scout troop proved once again that you can do amazing things with a simple cardboard box. They had their annual “Cubanapolis” cardboard box races.

Earlier this month, each den painted one cardboard box as a car. Then the leaders, including Bob, put down painters tape in an oval shaped track. They marked out 8 “pit stop” squares. As each child would race, their pit stop crew (usually a parent) would wait in the square. Each racer put on a pair of safety goggles and a t-shirt over their clothes. Each racer completed three laps, stopping at the pit stop each time.

1. After the first lap, the pit stop buddy would “clean the windshield” i.e. spray the goggles and wipe them off.
2. After the second lap, the pit stop buddy would “change the tires” i.e. take off the extra t-shirt, turn it inside out and put it back over the racer’s head.
3. After the third lap, the pit stop buddy would “fill the gas tanks” i.e. offer water in a cup with a straw.

After all the children raced, then many parents raced too.

I loved the simplicity of this event and the expressions on the faces of all participants. Keeping things simple while producing very little trash – another great Trashmagination example.