Pinewood Derbt Exclusion feels cruel

I’ve been struggling with a situation in my Pack and wanted to share it here to get some perspective.

I’m a Den Leader and Committee Member, and one of the Scouts in my Den recently decided not to continue in Scouting. His membership expires on the 31st, and his parents informed the Treasurer that his last event would be our Pinewood Derby on Feb. 1. Unfortunately, the Treasurer responded by shutting them down, explaining that due to insurance considerations, the Scout would be prohibited from participating.

While I understand that the Treasurer is technically correct, it feels wrong to send this Scout off with the impression that he isn’t welcome at one of our biggest and most exciting events. Pinewood Derby is such a highlight for the kids, and now this Scout will leave the program with a bitter memory.

This decision—and the way it was communicated—has really shaken me. I know we need to follow policies, but it feels like we’re losing sight of what Scouting is supposed to be about and insuring a positive experiences for kids. It makes me feel sick to think the Pack, and maybe the Treasurer especially, is behaving in a way that feels so cold.

I want to intervene, tell the Treasurer they overstepped, and invite the Scout to the Derby. I feel like we should prioritize doing what’s right for the kid in this moment over sticking rigidly to policy. I want their final memory of Scouting to be fun and positive, not rejection.

I’m questioning whether Scouting is still the right place for me. I loved my experience in Scouts, and wanted to share that with my kids, but moments like this make me wonder if the best parts of Scouting are being overshadowed by bureaucracy and rigid rules.

Has anyone else dealt with similar situations? How do you balance policy and doing what feels right for the Scouts?

Update:

Thank you all for your thoughtful comments and advice. After reading through them, I brought the issue to the Cubmaster and Committee Chair. I mentioned the insurance grace period and the possibility of treating the Scout as a potential recruit to allow participation in the Pinewood Derby.

While the Cubmaster agreed that he’d like the Scout to leave on a positive note, he’s concerned about ensuring there’s no insurance liability. Additionally, I learned through this conversation that the Treasurer consulted with the Committee Chair before telling the parent their child wouldn’t be permitted to participate.

If I’m wrong about how this situation should be handled, it really makes me question whether my family should remain in this Pack. I’m trying to focus on what’s best for the Scouts, but it’s hard not to feel disheartened when decisions like this don’t seem very Scout-like.