Twizzler was cutting it close last week when he built his pinewood derby car the night before the annual race. He was stressed. He was a little worried that his car was going to be too plain.
This is proof that fancy shapes and colorful paint jobs do not make the fastest pinewood derby car. In fact, sometimes simple is the best way to go. He carved and sanded his block of wood, put the standard wheels on, and then taped three batteries to the top with electrical tape.
After his first race, we could tell that the design worked. His car was stable and it was fast.
After the first round was over, Twizzler was in the lead and the other boys in the Pack were all rooting him on. It was a wonderful thing to watch. I’ve never seen such a supportive group of boys. I’m sure there were a few boys who were upset about being knocked out of the race early on. But they didn’t show it with each other.
There was shaking hands, cheering on, and all around fantastic sportsmanship.
As proud as I was of Twizzler and as thrilled as I was that he was able to experience winning at least once in his life (what a wonderful feeling!), I was equally proud of and thrilled about the other boys in the Cub Scout program.
When we got home, the first thing Twizzler did was ask for a sharpie. He took the sharpie and wrote the name of the person who had helped him build the car, giving him most of the credit for not only his first-place win, but also his “Cubmaster’s Pick” certificate.
It was a happy, happy evening, and one that Twizzler will remember as a highlight of his years in Cub Scouts, I’m sure.
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I love the timeless tradition of the Pinewood Derby! Our sons didn’t take on to scouting but my brother grew up loving it and entered every year. Beautiful pictures!
Pinewood derbys are so fun! Great job for your little guy!
Congrats- I went to the pinewood derby last year – for my first time. I had no idea it was such a big deal. I was too young to care when my brother was doing it and having just girls it isn’t part of our world.
I miss scouts! My boys all loved it and of course, the pinewood derby was one of our favorites.
Congrats to your son! Smart on him wrapping those batteries on top! (we’e done stacks of quarters ;)
That is great! COngrats on having two boys on the leader board!!
Oh, don’t knock the Girl Scout cookies! (but, yes, I agree that something similar would be fantastic for the girls!)
He was so proud! Although I am not a competitive person, it’s a great feeling to see your child happy like that.
Congrats on both of your boys coming in 2nd! I love that your pack cheers each other on, too. In years past, we’ve combined with another pack for the pinewood derby, and this year was SO much nicer with the smaller group and the overall feeling of good will.
Yes, very satisfying. :)
I’ve always been impressed with the boys who come with cars that are so fancy. We are apparently not that kind of family. :)
congrats to him. both of my boys took 3rd in their age group and we THRILLED!!!
It was a complete shocker! In his two previous derbies, I don’t think he’s placed at all!
Thanks! It was an exciting night!
This, sadly, is his last one. Next year he’ll be in scouts. But then in a few years, my younger son will be starting cub scouts, so we get to do it again!
Oooh! Out of town guest? Could be fun or a lot of work. I’m hoping that you’ve been having lots of fun!
I hope my son stays with it, too. I’ve noticed that as the requirements get harder (or take more time and effort) it’s a little harder to keep him motivated, but he still seems to enjoy it.
I was impressed with his desire to “share the fame.” :)
Congratulations on your son becoming an Eagle! That is quite an accomplishment!
What a great sense of self-satisfaction and achievement for your Cub Scout! The Pinewood Derbies are so cool. I wish the Girl Scouts did cool stuff like that instead of selling cookies.
Thanks! He was pretty thrilled!
My son is a relatively new Webelo, and he loves it. I am so glad that he (finally) has some really close friends in scouts now.
Yay Twizzler! And I love that there was good sportsmanship all around! :)
What a classic memory to capture!!!
Hooray for the Pinewood Derby! :)
He looks like a very proud winner!! So much boy fun!!
I love that he went with such a simple design. My boys both came in second in their dens this year. Our Pack cheers each other on also and it is always so great to see. The Pinewood Derby is definately my favorite scouting event. Building the cars has become a fun tradition, race day is fun, and it really shows off scouting at it’s finest.
Now that is satisfying when that happens! I LOVE IT!
I have always thought that those pinewood derby cars look like so much fun! Way to go!
What great pictures and awesome moments captured!
Congratulations to him, how cool!
Aw!! Thats so cool that he won!
Way to go, congratulations to him! :)
Congrats! My sons have moved on to Boy Scouts and we all miss those Pinewood Derby races!
Yay Twizzler! That’s so exciting! I think I would’ve cried. I’m an emotional mom like that sometimes. lol Hi Lolli! Hope you’re doing well. I’ve been busy entertaining an out-of-town guest, but hoping to be back by again once she goes back home. Missed stopping by your place. :)
Congrats Twizzler.
What a great time! He built a fantastic car and did a great job. I love Cub Scouts! My son love it as well and just crossed over into Boy Scouts. Hope he stays with it!
How cool for him. And how awesome that he wrote the name of the person who helped him build his car on the certificate. Cool all round.
Congrats! My son loved Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. He never won the Pinewood Derby. Great accomplishment!
What a great day for Twizzler!!! Congratulaions to him.
My son loves this time with thinking about designing his car. Happy days are ahead. My is almost a weblos ;)