Off & Running: Pinewood Derby

Off and running...? Well...at least racing! The Cub Scout Pack 4432 and Boy Scout Troop 1429, met on Sunday for the Annual Pinewood Derby and they did not disappoint the audience gathered at the VFW Post 4067 to watch as their creations raced for the finish line.

About 45 people gathered around the track that was laid out, beginning in the back meeting room to the end, which was on the dance floor at the Club. Little faces of brothers, sisters and friends flocked the foot-wide track, cheering for their favorite. Dads, Moms, and Grandpa's and Grandma's were right there for support and encouragement, as well.

The Cub Scouts had eleven members at the event, and nine youth had a car entered. The Boy Scouts were four in number and had three car racers competing. The cars are crafted by the youth prior to the event; they can't weigh more than five ounces and the youth designs their car to be designed, carved, and trimmed for the best aerodynamics for speed... "there's always a need for speed!"

The cars can have certain "assistance" factors, such as weights – some use a penny, a BB or other weighted additive – as long as it meets the weight limitation. The entrant can paint their car to their liking and they can keep them from year to year, especially if they have a hot running roadster.

The cars each run the track against the others four times and are scored accordingly. At the starting line the cars are placed on the track and held in place until all the slots are filled. At this point in time, the official will press a release lever which sends all the cars in that particular heat heading toward the flashing lights at the finish line.

In a few quick lickitysplit seconds, the cars make their way see who can to cross the finish line first.

Winners on Sunday for the Cub Scout entries were: first, McKoy Zeiger; second – Kaylee Tucker; and third - Kasen Boardman. Tenny LaBrie was awarded the "Hard Luck" trophy. Kasen Boardman's car was voted on by fellow competitors and won the "Scouts Choice" based on craftsmanship and appearance.

The three young men who entered the Boy Scout competition placed: Grand Champion - Tomas Gray; Reserve - Gabe Oshio; and 3rd place - Emmett Harms. The "Hard Luck" trophy was presented to Brayden Rhoads, while the "Scouts Choice" winner was Emmett Harms.

There are three girls in the Cub Scouts in Malta this year. Assisting with the scouting programs are Karl and Jackie Harms, Jason and Gretchen Boardman and a handful of dedicated parents; some have 20+ years in the program before they exited out (only due to age restrictions, as once you're a Scout, you're always a Scout.) The grandparents are always on hand and lending assistance to the youth and their projects. The Boy Scouts will be heading to camp in Idaho this summer. They are currently working toward earning their various merit badges. They also provide community service hours while taking time to enjoy life through camping and fishing adventures.

The ages for joining Cub Scouts is kindergarten through fifth grade, and grades six through 18 years of age are the parameters for Boy Scout membership. If you are interested in having your son or daughter in either program, you can contact Jackie Harms at 406-654-4142.