Hollister
– More than 100 tiny race cars zoomed across the room as local
Tiger and Cub Scouts gathered in the First Presbyterian Church’s
multipurpose room Saturday for the annual Pinewood Derby.
Hollister – More than 100 tiny race cars zoomed across the room as local Tiger and Cub Scouts gathered in the First Presbyterian Church’s multipurpose room Saturday for the annual Pinewood Derby.
“This is a tradition that’s been around as long as scouting,” said den leader Kristy Burchard, who helped organize the event. “So that’s at least something like 75 years.”
Over the course of six or so weeks, Tiger and Cub Scouts ages 7 to 11 construct small race cars out of wood and metal weights, so that each one weighs exactly five ounces. Then on the big day scouts race them down an inclined track, competing for prizes and glory.
“Every kid gets a badge for participating, but there’s also a trophy they’re competing for,” Burchard said.
The boys compete within their own age groups, and at the end of the day the top four from each group vie for the chance to compete at the district competition next month.
Local scout Jonathan Chase placed first overall in Saturday’s event. Tristen Adams and Tyler Armstrong finished second and third, respectively.
Chase, 9, was surprised by his success out on the track, but said winning wasn’t what made the event fun.
“I was happy,” he said. “But I just had fun hanging out with my friends.”
The winner of the district derby can go on to compete at the state level and possibly the national contest.
“It’s great to come out here and see the smiles on kids’ faces,” race master John Saso said. “It’s valuable to teach them about friendly competition, as well as the basic woodworking.”
The miniature cars are as unique as the scouts themselves, sporting flame patterns, dragons and Pokemon. Other cars were crafted to look like tanks, carrots, a box of crayons and a banana, complete with a gorilla driver.
“Scouting is great because it encourages him to get out there and try all kinds of different things,” said Jenelle Hoefling, whose son Andrew was participating in his first Pinewood Derby. “He was so excited to try out his car, and it’s nice to be able to come out here and visit with other parents.”
Besides receiving the badge and a pizza lunch, Burchard said she hoped the young scouts learned a thing or two, as well, from participating in the Pinewood Derby.
“The sense of accomplishment they get from building something with their hands is really the important part,” Burchard said. “And when the younger kids get to compete with the older kids, that’s fun too.”
Sometimes the little ones even best their elders.
“That’s what the older kids call ‘Tiger luck,'” Burchard said.
