Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

Family and friends of local Cub Scouts from Troop #690 came out to cheer on some special young boys last month as they showcased their handcrafted cars and put them to the test in a spirited Pinewood Derby competition held at the first Baptist Church in Lake Isabella. 

Jerrie Olson, the Pack Leader for the Wolf and Tiger Cub Scouts, oversaw the much awaited event. Olson, who is with the U.S. Forest Service, took some time out from his busy schedule as the Engine Operator of Engine # 24 up in Johnsondale to put on the labor intensive Derby. He was very please with event stating, “It was big success. The boys learned how to use hand tools. The parents and kids were able to work on meaningful project together, right from the design phase right through to the car’s completion.”

Olson’s own seven year old son, Morgan shared his dad’s enthusiasm. “It was great! It’s all about speed and competition. My car performed really well.” It was the second year competing for the young man and for this year’s entry he decided to base the design of his car on both his zodiac sign, Scorpio and the Joker from the film, “Batman.” His streamlined entry was all done up with green and purple stripes.

The Cub Scouts, the younger division of Boy Scouts of America promotes participation in a Pinewood Derby. The Cub Scouts, along with the help of parents, build their own cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine, plastic wheels and metal axles. Cars are powered by gravity and run down a regulation track. The Pinewood Derby is an annual event in most packs and it can be run indoors or outdoors

According to the Boy Scouts website, “Former Cub Scouts fondly recall their derby experiences: planning the design of their vehicle, working with a parent to build it, and seeing it perform on race day when, win or lose, they could take pride in having done their best.” Three valuable life lessons are learned by participating in a Cub Scout Pinewood Derby; craft skills, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship.

After all the hard work of competing was over and the awards were presented, the youngsters were treated to some home-made treats which they enjoyed while reliving their victories. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the event and even more importantly were proud to be a part of a longstanding tradition.