Pack 1 Pinewood Derby

Ah, pinewood derby race time. . .

Ethan won first place last year. He was so proud. He thought he was a shoe in for this year. While 1st place (or any place) was not be this year, he enjoy building his car. . .and learned a valuable life lesson along the way.

Ethan was so proud of his car. It looked really good, so good that some people probably thought Ethan had nothing to do with building it. Quite the contrary, Ethan was involved in the process from beginning to end.

It all starts with a block of wood. Ethan had a drawing of the shape of the car he wanted. He traced it on the side of the block of wood. Then, he and his grandfather used a band saw to cut it out. Then, his grandpa gave him a piece of sandpaper and Ethan spent the next 2 weeks (on and off) sanding the car. Ethan would say to Josh, "I think I am done." Josh would reply, "better sand just a little more." And so he would. Finally one afternoon, Josh asked Ethan if he thought he was done sanding. Ethan said yes. So, they took it back to his grandfather's home and Ethan spray painted the first coat of paint (his grandfather spray painted 2 more coats on it after Ethan left to cover up the paint runs). Ethan was so proud of the car. He then put some decals on the car, then went to the BSA office to buy orange wheels. He and Josh spent a lot of time putting them on, then put the weights on it.

I guess we did not do a very good job of helping Ethan understand that he will not always win, and that is okay. When he lost the first race, he did not know what to do -- so he started to cry. Chalk it up as a good lesson for Ethan and us. He did leave feeling good. So did we, as it was a teaching (and learning) moment for all involved. Ethan went and congratulated the winner and the second place Cub Scout (who are his friends in the pack) with grace. It was a moment that makes a parent proud. Lesson learned.

With his 8th birthday approaching, he know he will have another chance at victory on the pinewood race circuit - the race with the ward pack is in April - hopefully he remembers the lesson of life from the Pack 1 pinewood experience whether he wins or not.