Friday night was our fourth Pinewood Derby for cub scouts. M and the boys have been working on their cars for a few weeks now. T wanted a really cool car and R wanted a really fast car. I'd say that they both accomplished their goals since R got first place in the Pack and T was voted "Best in Show" by the rest of the Pack.
Let's step back a couple of weeks...
The pinewood derby kits were handed out at the cake bake. T, R, and M discussed what kind of cars they'd build this year. There was always a pad of graph paper available in the kitchen for those ideas that needed to be sketched out. T and R had different ideas that they would sketch and M would give them advice on whether or not the car would have any speed. T landed on his IPod design early on. He thought that it would be really cool to have a car that looked like an Ipod. R was thinking of doing a streamlined design, but he couldn't decide what it should be. Somehow he was inspired to make his a bumblebee -- the Killer Bee, he called it. Both boys did tons of work on their cars. R even helped shape the bee with the bench belt sander. He also sanded his wheels, polished the axles, and painted his car. T drilled the axle holes, and drilled the places for the weights, sanded the whole thing, sanded the wheels and axles, and painted the car. They did more this year than ever before.
Because we have lots of new boys in the Pack this year, M took his tools to school and assisted any boy that needed help -- about 10 kids took up his offer. We also had 3 or 4 kids over at the house working on their cars. I love how M helps all the other kids even though it's a competition. There are lots of "secrets" to making a fast pinewood derby car; M will share a secret if asked about it, but won't just volunteer them. After all, it is a competition. M also had a bit of competitive spirit with another cub leader -- they had a lot of fun teasing each other about who's kid's car would be faster. (I think that next year there should be a dad's race.)
They raced by dens this year, first the Tigers (first graders), then the Wolves (second graders, including T), then the Bears (third graders), and finally, the Webelos (fourth and fifth graders.) Everybody got a cool medal and the 1st-3rd places of each den got a certificate. At the end of the night the top winners from each den raced to see who was the fastest in the Pack.
T waited patiently as the judge decided whether or not his car was legal: weighing no more than five ounces, axles visible, appropriate wheels. Check. He cleared and was ready to race.
T's Ipod car is on the track waiting for the "go" to start.
He waits at the end of the track, hoping that he got first (he did 8 times, with one 3rd place.)
T shows off his winnings. Next stop, Districts to compete against all the other boys who won "Best in Show."
R loved his trophy, certificate, and medal. He's all ready to race the Killer Bee again at Districts.(Notice the stinger on the end of the bee. Cool.)
6 comments:
Oh my gosh! Can't get any better than that . . . fantastic R and T, absolutely awesome. I love the IPod look, and I love the Killer Bee . . . especially the stinger. Way to go! I think the dad's should have a competition too, wouldn't that be fun!
I have to add a complement not only for the fastest cars, but the craftsmanship is much to be admired!
Oh, and one more thing . . . the blog finally moved up on my Favorite Blog List!
After reading your post again, I forgot to comment on what a wonderful thing M does to help out the other kids with their cars "even though it's a competition!" That's such a sweet and kind thing to do.
Those cars are very awesome indeed! What creative energy is flowing in the household! Congratulations to everyone for doing so well. Good thing to learn from M., to help others like that. A great example!!
Good job R and T. Those cars look awesome. I'm proud of both of you!
Post a Comment