FLW DFMWR to host Cardboard Boat Race – U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood

By Cpl. Jesse Gonzales, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo.— The Fort Leonard Wood community is invited to put their building skills and creativity to the test at the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s free Cardboard Boat Race scheduled for 11 a.m., Aug. 9 at Training Area 250.

Each team will construct a two-person cardboard boat prior to the event with the goal of successfully navigating the course across the lake.

“The event is fantastic and a great way for the community to come together,” said Nia Dickinson, DFMWR marketing manager.

Teams may register in one of two categories: adult or family, which must include one child age 12 or under.

Awards will be given in three separate categories: design, team spirit and fastest finish.

Anthony Byers and his family have competed in DFMWR’s cardboard boat race for the past two years. Last year, the Byers’ family took home the Admiral’s Pride Award for creativity and design. This year, he said they are going for that award again.

“My family and I are going for the most creative or best design, and it’s always a bonus if it floats,” Byers said. “We are looking at creating something different this year but going for creativity because we tend to have the most fun building it that way.”

But it’s not just the boat building that makes the event fun.

“It’s the environment, once you get there, it’s just a lot of fun seeing other boats,” Byers said. “You get there and admire everyone’s work, and you kind of laugh and guess which boat is going to float and sink – the experience itself and watching others in their boat to see if it their hard work comes to fruition – it’s just a lot of fun.”

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Arzabala agrees.

“The cardboard boat race has always held a special place in my heart,” Arzabala said. “Each year, I’m excited to see the creativity and competitive spirit it sparks. The designs never fail to impress — some glide across the water, while others sink spectacularly, but every team brings their A-game. Win or lose, the laughter and camaraderie make it unforgettable.

“Wishing all crews a fun and dry race this year.”

Check-in is from 10 to 10:45 a.m., with the event beginning at 11 a.m.

Boat building rules and tips can be found at https://leonardwood.armymwr.com/application/files/7517/5371/8213/LWOOD_CARDBOARD_BOAT_RULES.pdf.

Boat race participants make their way across the lake at Training Area 250 during the 2024 Cardboard Boat Race, organized by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

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About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post more than 80 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains nearly 80,000 military and civilians each year.

Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.

Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.