Learn & Play
Punkin’ Chunkin’
Educational FUN
Building Skills
Over the course of two days, Alpine Union 4th & 5th graders gather at the Shadow Hills Elementary School sports fields for Punkin’ Chunkin’. Using knowledge of history, math and physics, students will built the trebuchet (the Medieval siege engine) for fun and competition.
Students will build 20 trebuchets each from 6′ tall to 12′ tall. They will practice teamwork while learning wood handling, hardware and the use of hand tools – for the assembly of 100 different parts for each trebuchet. After lunch, the students will put their knowledge and handiwork to the test by launching “missiles” downfield, including base balls up to pumpkins. It will be a contest of effort, distance, and accuracy.
Punkin’ Chunkin’ is an AEF collaboration in partnership with Intellicept (makers of Skatestoppers), the Kiwanis Club of Alpine, and the Alpine Veterans of Foreign Wars. It is a program of math, physics and engineering only offered at Alpine Union schools.
Please help defray the costs of this unique, continuing educational event with your modest donation at this link:
What is a Punkin’ Chunkin’?
Teams are required to use their physics and mathematical skills to create a launching device to launch their pumpkins for accuracy and distance while competing for cash prizes. Punkin’ Chunkin’ competitions take place all over the United States, actually all over the world. In fact, the World Championship Punkin Chunkin takes place annually on the first full weekend after Halloween in Delaware. The European Championships take place every year in Belgium. Our Alpine contest pits up to 12 teams in a pumpkin launching competition that awards points in the categories of Accuracy and Distance. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place in each of the categories, along with a special award for “Most Spirited Team.” Download the Team Registration Packet for Official Rules. Team entry fee is usually $100.
About the Event
This family-friendly educational fundraiser benefits the Alpine Education Foundation, which donates net proceeds from it’s events to support dozens of supplemental school programs for Alpine area kids. The annual AEF Punkin’ Chunkin’ Competition event includes a food & drink shack; music; emcee & DJ; mini-launchers for the kids and more!
Cash Prizes
Previous years’ prizes were as follow:
Two $500 Champion Chunker Cash Prizes: 1 Distance, 1 Accuracy
Two $250 2nd Place Chunker Cash Prizes: 1 Distance, 1 Accuracy
Two $125 3rd Place Chunker Cash Prizes: 1 Distance, 1 Accuracy
$200 Most Spirited Team Award (costumes, cheer and more!)
Years Established
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Programs & Camps
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Get In Touch
A 501(c)3 California Incorporated Non-Profit Charity
Location: 2710 Alpine Blvd, Suite K,
Box 101, Alpine, CA 91901
Email: alpineaef@gmail.com