Rockets, pets and race cars: Family Fun Fest on Aug. 8 is this summer’s can’t-miss event

Male Cub Scout holds model rocket

From the awe-inspiring to the aww!-inspiring, the BSA’s Family Fun Fest is shaping up to be the summer’s biggest event.

On Aug. 8, you’ll hear from NASCAR driver Joey Logano, discover the secrets of spacewalks from a barrier-breaking NASA astronaut and score expert advice for crafting the fastest, best-looking Pinewood Derby car ever built.

It’s all designed to introduce new families to the fun of Scouting and remind everyone of the kind of adventures that Scouts enjoy. After all, today’s young people need Scouting more than ever — a place where they can learn skills, enjoy hands-on adventures and strengthen their values.

As a dedicated Scouter, your role in Family Fun Fest begins long before Aug. 8. Do a Good Turn by spreading the word, reaching out to friends and family, and helping everyone discover the program that has benefited your family so much.

Family Fun Fest begins at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 8. The free event will be broadcast live on the BSA’s Facebook page. Be sure to RSVP today at the official site.

Like pretty much everything in Scouting, this will not be a passive, watch-other-people-have-fun experience. Family Fun Fest puts Scouts in the driver’s seat as they enjoy an interactive experience filled with hands-on fun.

Grab a pencil and paper and watch as a Boys’ Life artist teaches you how to draw a dinosaur. Help build the perfect Pinewood Derby car where your vote determines how it’s made. Share photos of your cuddliest — or most adorably ferocious — pets for a chance to be featured in the broadcast and win a prize.

Oh yeah: the prizes! In case you needed another reason to join, we’ll give away prizes every 30 minutes. Grab the latest must-have gear, BSA-themed merch, shopping sprees on ScoutShop.org and more. Learn more about the prizes here.

It’s going to be the most fun you can spend at home. I’m hosting the event alongside Boys’ Life magazine’s Gina Circelli, and we’re so excited to go on this adventure with you.

Find a few more details below — and learn why your role in Family Fun Fest actually begins long before Aug. 8.

Female Cub Scout holds Pinewood Derby car and medal

The essential information

What: Family Fun Fest

Who: All families — whether they’re already part of Scouting or not. Anyone who loves fast cars, adorable pets, backyard camping, hands-on activities, movies, rockets, art or free stuff is invited.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8 — stop by for a half-hour or watch it all so you don’t miss a minute

  • 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern
  • 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Central
  • 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain
  • 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Pacific

Where: Live on the BSA’s Facebook Page

Joey Logano at the Quaker State 400, held in July at the Kentucky Speedway.
Joey Logano, seen at the Quaker State 400 in July, will appear during Family Fun Fest.

The lineup for Family Fun Fest

Family Fun Fest features something for everyone: hands-on activities you can try from home, interviews with amazing people and opportunities to help make your community better.

  • Step inside the garage with 2018 NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano
  • Hear about space from Dr. Bernard Harris, a former NASA astronaut who in 1995 became the first African American to perform a spacewalk
  • Get secrets for building the speediest, sweetest-looking Pinewood Derby car ever
  • Learn to draw from professional artists and vote on what you want to learn to create
  • See some very good dog photos and discover how to make your own dog treats
  • Win awesome prizes with drawings every 30 minutes (insider’s tip: the prizes get bigger as the show goes on)
  • And enjoy plenty of exciting surprises

The Good Turn you can do now

Family Fun Fest isn’t just for current Scouting families. It’s also a great way to introduce future Scouting families to the kinds of adventures that await if they join your Cub Scout pack or Scouts BSA troop.

But like any kind of recruiting, nobody will show up until you ask. So tweet, text or even fax if you have to. Post something on Facebook and Instagram. Find the “phone” app on your smartphone and make the invite that way.

Together, let’s make this the BSA’s biggest virtual event yet.

How to watch Facebook Live on your TV

While huddling around a laptop screen or tablet is a great way to get closer to your family, you might want to enjoy Family Fun Fest on the largest screen in your house.

Here’s how to watch Facebook Live videos on your TV.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.