🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <5zr3+f_@rpi.edu> meyerc2@rebecca.its.rpi.edu (Chris_Meyers) writes:
>        Has anyone heard of a PC-based package for managing a pinewod
>derby?  

IMHO...

Running a pinewood derby as a real race is enjoyable only for the winners and
for competative parents.  When we were Cubs the ages were from 8 to 10, now 
the age range is from 6 to 10.  The younger boys have a much harder time with
the trials of competition, especially with an event like pinewood derby where
luck has so much influance on the outcome.  (Sticky wheels, warped track, etc.)

Our pack tried single and double elimination tournaments in the past, and found
that the younger boys often got discouraged with the entire program when they 
were eliminated from this "great event" after only one or two races.  

We now have a more open racing format.  Each boy is given a small booklet of
Racing Tickets for seven heats.  The first heat has each boy racing within his
den.  The second heat has each boy racing within his age group.  Thereafter 
the heats are open racing, though we do ask the Dad Cars to wait till the 
latter heats.  No boy can race in heat 2 until all boys have raced in heat 1.

Our repair table gets a steady workout not only to fix wreaks, but also to 
allow the boys to experiment with design changes. We also present each racer
a simple wooden mounting stand, and an assortment of stickers that our Pack
calligrapher will use to inscribe the cars' name or other designation that the
boy wishes.  (No 1st, 2nd, 3rd places though)

We have found that with the elimination of "official" pressure, the boys 
natural competitiveness still comes out, and our leaders can work with the boys
to develop sportsmanship. The boys set their own competition to determine the 
fastest car, and we noticed less envy and more admiration. :)  As a result we 
had only two young tigers who were disheartened over the derby.  

We also inject other Cubbing activities.  Songs, announcements, and so on. 
This year our pack moved our pinewood derby from the normal Friday night pack
meeting to a Saturday afternoon to allow the boys to race to their hearts 
delight.

Charles Hoffman, Webelos Den Leader, Asst Cubmaster, Pack 603, San Lorenzo, CA
                          You are not judged by how much you love,
choffman@adobe.com        but by how much you are loved by others.  - G.P. Oz