Our First Pinewood Derby!

Boy, let me tell you the Pinewood Derby
is an unique EXPERIENCE! I'll preface by saying
I didn't know what we were getting ourselves
into when they passed out our Pinewood Derby cars.

This is the PURPOSE of the Pinewood Derby:
The pinewood derby is a racing event for Cub Scouts
and with the HELP OF PARENTS they are to
build their own cars from wood.

The idea behind the pinewood derby
is for the parent to spend time HELPING the child design,
carve, paint, add weights, and tune the final car.
This is what we started with:



So, we helped Camden make his car.
He picked what style of car he wanted.
Grandpa cut the block, and had Camden sand
it until his hands hurt. He primed it,
painted it, and added his favorite numbers.
This is what we finished with:



What I didn't know...
Most often the parent takes over the construction of the car.
The quest for a fast car supports an industry that supplies
modified wheels, axles, and blocks as well as videos and
instruction books. While a pinewood derby car kit costs
around $4, a set of modified wheels and axles can sell
for more than ten times that amount. Complete cars can be
purchased on eBay and elsewhere for around $100 to $200.

Needless to say...these were the standings:



Despite coming in second to last Camden had a GREAT time!







Now with this said, would I do anything DIFFERENT?
The answer...NO.