There were tears after last night’s pack meeting. During the pack meeting we made sure that all pinewood derby cars were the right size and weight. We also did some work to the axles to make the cars go as quickly as possible. And, then, the boys were allowed to run their cars as much as possible. Even though the Cub Scout motto is “Do Your Best” it is still hard for kids to understand that everyone can’t be a winner. It’s a hard lesson for them to learn, and yet it is very necessary to learn.
Before we left that night, J2 had a meltdown. His car never won a race all night. We didn’t even realize how much he wanted to win. Unfortunately, if you look back to yesterday’s post to see his car….it was not built for speed. As they worked on building the car, Dad tried to explain aerodynamics to him, but he insisted that this was the shape/design he wanted. So, we tried our best to explain to him that he needed to do his best…not everyone could win…and so on. As his parents, we were really trying to soften the blow that would come when he did not win today. We were sad for him, but we didn’t really know what to say to him to help it be better.
This morning we got there and registered. After registration you are not allowed to touch your car again until the races are over. They raced the Tigers first. J3’s came in third…of three. He was not happy and he cried a bit too. My friend, Trina tried to cheer him up – but he was not interested! But then he got a 3rd place pin!! That was better! And then he got a certificate for “the car most likely to achieve orbit”!
You can still see the tears – but after getting a pin, certificate and a participation ribbon, he’s all smiles again!
J2, however, got first place!!!!
(sadly I accidently turned off my flash – I’ll get a picture of him with Dad later)
We are just amazed. We don’t know why last night he couldn’t win anything and today he got first place! But we are so happy for him. He sure wanted to win…and we were sure he wouldn’t. He didn’t give up and determined to have a good time…and he ended up winning! Now he can’t say he never wins anything anymore!! 😀
First…J3’s name is visible on the certificate in case you didn’t know. Thanks!! Fixed it!!
Second, I’m so happy for both of them to place and get pins and everything. How exciting!
When we did ours with Awana in November, Ben’s car didn’t win a race, and he was so sad, but then he won first place in design. Very shocked and excited, he was! :o)
Way to go boys!!!! C1 has never placed in the top 3. GREAT JOB!!!! You should keep your cars on display in your room with the ribbons. Is J2 going to go on with his car? Does your pack do that? We don’t, I was just curious if you did or not.
Hey! That’s awesome! Congratulations to all the Derby “drivers”! :o)
I’m glad he ended up winning! That’s great!… Do they get to keep the cars?