Cub Scout Pinewood Derby: Fathers, sons work together
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It may not have been the Indianapolis 500, but the Highland View Ward (Salt Lake Canyon Rim Stake) Cub Scout Pinewood Derby on Jan. 27 was tense enough.
As in other wards and branches throughout the world where Cub Scouts are organized, "drivers" lined up their handmade wood cars for various race "heats." Onlookers nervously awaited the winners. Some of the cars were colorfully striped; some had "engines" sticking up; others were built with simple, sleek aerodynamics.
But, most important, every racer represented the work and creativity of a father/son or adult/boy team, and the fun and unity it is hoped the Pinewood Derby can engender.
"Most boys like to design and build models and participate in races," explained Susan L. Warner, second counselor in the Primary general presidency. (Primary leaders are responsible for carrying out the Church's Cub Scout program under the direction of the bishopric.)
She added: "The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby encourages a boy to work with his dad, family member or a friend to design and build his own race car. Boys have fun learning how to compete, race their cars and receive recognition for their efforts."
Just ask 9-year-old P.J. Moyes. In Highland View's race, the young man tied for second place with his car, the "Batmobile." This is P.J.'s second year in the Pinewood Derby, and he lists two reasons he enjoys the event.
"You get some competition during the winter, and you have a lot of fun making your car with your dad."
It took the boy and his dad, Peter Moyes, more than two weeks to make the "Batmobile," and he said he wants to build another racer next year.
There have been many "next years" for 81-year-old Clayton Fike, who, with his wife, Wanda, attended this year's derby. Nearly a half century ago, Brother Fike, a member of the Highland View Ward, served as a Cub Master. He held the calling for about five years, and, to this day, he attends Pinewood Derby races just for fun.
"Once you're in Cub Scouts," he said, "you can't get it out of your system."
Speaking of successful Cub Scout Pinewood Derby races, Sister Warner suggested ways to help the boys have positive experiences:
Before his call as a General Authority, he served as president of the Portugal Lisbon Mission from 1981 to 1984. His son, Ryan, then about 9 years, old was in a Cub Scout troop sponsored by a unit of NATO and participated in the troop's Pinewood Derby.
Elder Hillam recalled the experience for the Church News. "Nobody made any special effort. The boys carved up the blocks of wood. Some just put wheels on them and colored them, and we just had a great time. It wasn't anything fancy.
"All the kids basically made their own racers, with the dads getting involved."
That's what Sister Warner likes to hear — dads and sons working together and having fun.
