In a repeat of last year’s performance, Caleb’s second annual attempt at a Cub Scout Pinewood Derby title resulted in a very respectable 10th place. We believe this is an improvement over last year, as the playing field widened to 40 scouts and we are confident that more people were striving to knock us out of contention.
However, as always, it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. Which means that we had more fun making the car together than we did during the short race. This year we improved on our design to make a sleek low-profile car that Caleb insisted on painting a cherry red. The car looks great – if only looks made it race faster.
[mygal=pinewood_2008]
I stood next to the father of a new Cub Scout during the race. He and his son had borrowed an old car from someone because he didn’t have enough time to carve one. I tried to convey the excitement of the night and explain how engrossing it can become, but I can only imagine how skeptical he may have been to see a room full of so many people for a Pinewood Derby.
By the end of the race he was completely enthralled in the event and asked questions about construction techniques. He asked to inspect Caleb’s car and began planning his moves for next year’s race. It was a wonderful moment to see the sparkle in his eye that most of the other parents at the race had already found. The only downside is that we will now have even more competition at the top of the circuit next year.
Ahhhh! The Pinewood Derby! Our’s isn’t for a few months, but the Elders Q had one last night. They didn’t have the rules that the little boys have….it was hilarious! They went all out, they even had the official track. It was much more fun than watching the scouts!
Congratulations, Caleb! We can’t wait until our Derby next weekend, it has been a long anticipated day. Gavin is still preparing his car for its race, he can’t wait. We are proud of your accomplishment, Caleb, and are sure that next year you will do even better 🙂