Sunday, Feb. 27, was the day for competition.
While there weren’t many surprises when it came to the Academy Awards, the Cub Scouts of Pack 168 gathered in St. Theresa’s gym that evening were shocked to see a yellow block of wood grab a win. Yes, Trumbullites, Pinewood Derby season has arrived.
Like most Cub Scouts, Pack 168 competed to determine the fastest three racing cars; they also compete in categories like “Most realistic” and “Most interesting.” All competitors chiseled, whittled, dremeled, sanded, and painted their blocks of wood to get them competition ready. Car inspectors made sure all cars met the required 5 ounces and 7 inches in length.
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With the help of their Dad, my boys worked on their cars for weeks. It was an opportunity for my husband to bring the boys down to his workshop to learn how to use tools safely.
The highlight of the process was seeing John strap on a pair of safety glasses and dremel the corners of his wood block into something resembling a racecar.
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Race day was a chance for all these Cub Scout boys and their dads to show off their skills. Car designs included homages to SpongeBob, Super Mario Brothers, and Scooby Doo. A personal favorite was a skateboard design, complete with a tread top.
Wolf Scout Joey Gregory placed first in the pack. He says, “My Dad and I really worked hard on my car this year. Last year I was just a Tiger but this year I had more ideas and had fun getting ready for the race.” Gregory is one of three boys who will race their cars in the District competition this May.
For me, the most poignant part of the day was watching boys who didn’t place first or second in their heats. Clearly these boys were upset, but I did not witness one instance of unsportmanlike conduct. How easy it could have been to storm off and complain that the track was rigged! Instead, when one boy’s car kept placing last, the other boys padded him on the back saying, “Maybe it will win the next race.”
It’s heartening to know that one piece of wood can do so much for a community.
