Medford Cub Scouts Hold Annual Pinewood Derby

Medford Cub Scout Pack 416 had its annual Pinewood Derby on Friday evening, February 17, 2012. The Pinewood Derby is a tradition in Cub Scouts that dates back to 1953 when Cub Master Don Murphy conceived of and held the first Pinewood Derby Race. He wanted a “wholesome, constructive activity that would foster a closer father-son relationship and promote craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition.” Today, most Cub Scout packs around the country hold their own Pinewood Derby races, and often the winners of these go on to compete in District Level races.

In Medford, Pack 416 sticks very closely to the original format of the derby with winners in each of the five Dens, 1st through 5th grade. The first place winners will be going to the Boston Minuteman Council Sons of Liberty District Competition on March 31. In preparation for the race, Pack 416 held several open clinics, where parents could take their sons to work on their cars and learn to use woodworking tools, glues, paints and weights to design the fastest cars possible.

Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends turned out to watch this year’s race. All involved agreed that the children had a great time working on the cars and learning about sportsmanship. Congratulations to this year’s 1st place winners: Matthew Wright, Salvatore Maffeo, JC Chaves, Brian Hunt and DJ Martino. They will all go on to the District race in March.

Pack 416 tries to make Scouting affordable for everyone. To that end they have just begun selling candy bars as a fundraiser. Please support your local Cub Scout Pack by buying their candy bars, or if you prefer, you can donate directly by contacting Pack 416 Committee Chairperson Julie Lambert at julielambert06@gmail.com.

Christian Cantave, Salvatore Maffeo and Christopher Hunt weigh-in their cars.

Marcello Maffeo, Assistant Bear Leader Megan Polcaro and Bear Den Winner JC Chaves.

– Information and photos from Julie Lambert