Cub Scouts is something that I have truly enjoyed with my boys over the course of the last few years. We are now in Boy Scouts and enjoying the many camp outs Boy Scouting has to offer. Pinewood Derby is an event that I developed the perfect Love/Hate relationship with. It was an exciting time, yet a stressful time.

The boys always anticipated their car winning the race from year to year. The purpose of the race is to let the boys build, paint, and assemble their car from a pre-approved scouting kit. The opportunity to work on a project with a parent is something a boy will remember for the rest of his life. Most boys still have their derby cars well into adulthood, that they raced when they were Cub Scouts.

As the race got closer, we would have a weigh in and make sure all of the cars were legal. Unfortunately, there was usually a car or two that Dad had taken charge of and made the car illegal. This scout would not be allowed to race their car. Pinewood Derby is about learning how to be a fair competitor. Yes, this does include winning and losing. The Tiger Cubs, the 1st year boys, usually had the most difficult time accepting a loss. My biggest fear each year was we would have more boys in tears then the year before. There were always tears and by the time the boys were Bear Scouts (3rd year scouts) there were fewer tears.

As the years went by our Pack purchased an additional track. This allowed the race to not be a four hour affair, only a two hour affair. The frustration and tears did not last as long. Trophies, medals, ribbons, and pins were some of the awards that were given out through the years. The boys seemed to appreciate any token that they received. Each boy did not receive something, only the boys that placed. I feel that's a fair way to approach this event, as in life situations, we do not always get something for participating. Some people in our society today feel that kids need to be rewarded for everything they do. Sometimes it's ok for kids to know they did the best they could.

My oldest son was always extremely frustrated as year after year he never placed. But, by his fourth year in Cub Scouting, he actually won Grand Champion. I was so excited for him! This was a boy who built his own car, obviously painted his car and had learned to accept losing with good sportsmanship. He now had to learn how to win with good sportsmanship. I thought to myself, "Now, that's a boy that deserves to win!" Not because he was my son, but because he had followed the rules and was patient. He proved that good things can come to those who wait!

Learn more about this author, Sara A Broers.
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