The "Pile of Derby"

Huh? What on earth is a "Pile of Derby"? Well, it's more commonly known as the "Pinewood Derby", although Mimi (6 years old in a few weeks!) would disagree. The Pinewood Derby is held annually at our church building for all scouts and leaders. At the Pinewood Derby, races are held between all scouts who build a car from a kit to certain specifications. Each car is run down a track against another car, and scores are kept. In the end, cars are seated according to number of wins. Single elimination races are held until a winner is determined. The process is similar to the college basketball final 64 tournament or March Madness.

At first Elijah did really well in the races. He began by winning eight races in a row, though his car succumbed to mechanical problems in the end. Ultimately his car lost in the quarter finals. Though Dallin's car began slow, he won many races toward the end. Sadly, his car failed to make it past the first round.

Both Dallin and Elijah designed their cars, and Richard cut them out. The boys each then hollowed out the middle of their cars out and filled them with molten lead, in order to achieve the proper allowable weight. Once the cars were sanded and painted, wheels were added and adjusted. The cars were then ready to be weighed and checked in at the races. Gentlemen, start your engines!

Richard was among the three finish line judges, and one of two scorekeepers. According to him, many races had to be rerun, as they were too close to call. He says that at the Pinewood Derby, they are not blessed with replay technology, leaving all judges to their own faculties to call the winners. Richard enjoyed this job, and enjoyed the races. As a young scout himself he participated in the Pinewood Derby three years in a row as a racer. Each year he participated, he placed in the top three.

The pack leadership wanted each participant to receive a trophy of recognition for his hard work and preparation. Dallin and Elijah each received trophies: Dallin for "Most Fascinating"; Elijah for "Most Amazing". All three of my boys had a great time at the races. For the girls, there were snacks and tables to play and color at. For me it meant socializing and supervising the girls. All in all, it was a fun family activity.

No doubt we'll be there next year. Be there, or be square!

Love, Cara