tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14164632.post5684713779871516499..comments2023-09-29T04:19:32.236-04:00Comments on Motor Family - In Motown: Pinewood Derby - Where Grown Men Can Beat Little Kids!motorfamilymotorcitymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17218176269205952168noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14164632.post-81671199432759315332008-06-27T18:05:00.000-04:002008-06-27T18:05:00.000-04:00Sometimes in a Pinewood Derby, "over zealous" dads...Sometimes in a Pinewood Derby, "over zealous" dads can get in the way. If this is happening to much, then the problem is not with them, but rather with the organizers of the derby. There are effective methods to keep "over zealous" dads out of the sons project, without having to resort to a scout only time-limited building period (I've talked with people who have run these and they have just as many problems as before, only different ones).<BR/><BR/>The first deterent in this event is to be sure the organizers have written clear and concise rules. Next they need trained inspectors to enforce these rules at the time of the derby. Then the organizers need to raise the level of competition by training and teaching those that loose each year. We do this by hosting three Pinewood Derby Workshops (6 hours in each session). Tools, expert knowledge, and teaching is provided at these workshops. We assist the kids (and parents) who attend in all aspects of making fast pinewood derby cars (trust me, kids have the ability to make fast cars that can beat cars built by "over zealous" dads). This is very effective in leveling the playing field.<BR/><BR/>We then have a special race (with more lenient rules) set aside just for the "over zealous" dads where they make their own car. This keeps them occupied enough that they usually let their sons do more work on their cars (and other dads can join in as well by making a competitive car at the workshops). We also use this race as a recruiting tool for help at the following years workshops (if the dads have enough time on their hands to build a winning car, then they definitely have enough time to help others build a fast car). This works well on the "over zealous" dads ego and you'll find they are more than happy to help out (ask them about assisting just after they win their special race and they'll be too elated to say "no").<BR/><BR/>It is more effort on the behalf of the organizers to do it this way, but with enough volunteers following this pattern, the competition in the Pinewood Derby becomes just that, competitive. It's much easier to acept defeat for parents and kids who loose by a fraction of an inch, rather than be blown away by several feet. If the organizers are not doing these things, then they are letting you and the others in your organization down.<BR/><BR/>You might have to volunteer your own time to try and straighten things out, but you'll find it is well worth the effort. Our Pinewood Derby is the most attended event in our Cub Scout Pack and win or loose, everyone walks away happy with their results.<BR/><BR/>If you are ever looking for more info on Pinewood Derbies, stop by DerbyTalk.com. The site is dedicated to Pinewood Derbies that are run for kids and kid organizations (not adults who want to beat a bunch of 6 to 10 year olds).<BR/><BR/>Hope this helps.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com