Evolution

ev·o·lu·tion (v-lshn, v-) n.

1. A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.

2. a. The process of developing. b. Gradual development.

Pinewood Derby. Two words that stir up the hearts and souls of eager Cub Scouters and dads across the globe. The energy begins from the time the box containing that precious block of pine and four basic black wheels is placed into the sweaty clutches of a 7 1/2 year old; the dawning on a new age of buiding creativity ensues. Stand back. The amount of creativity, hard-work, and patience needed to build this feat of Cub Scout engineering just may cause sparks to fly! What follows, is the true story behind the evolution of HS's 2010 Pinewood Derby Car.

From an hour spent with HH at the wood hobby shop on Hickam AFB, this became...

a car that beckons to be turned into a 7 1/2-year olds dream derby car!

Using the dremil at home and going with HH to the wood hobby shop ensured that HS felt like he was growing up and able to handle a little more of the care needed to build his car.

The fine art of spray painting was in full spring in our backyard...HS made us laugh with his goggles, focus, and care to detail.

The paint has been applied...now on to the touches that will turn this car into HS's dream of speed and grace!

HS painting on the final touch to his Pinewood Derby car. He had been talking about that stripe almost incessently as he made sure during the construction that all his design ideas were heard.

The many hours of working on this car has turned a block of everyday pine into this year's car...GOLD STREAK!

LD can't help but stand in awe along with the rest of us!

The day dawns on Pinewood Derby day and as the cars are brought in from "inspection" and placed in the "pit" near the track, you can't help but stand back and say, "WOW!" Creativity goes hand and hand with this time honored tradition. Dads pat their sons on the back and if you're like me, you'll shed a tear or two as you watch faces so full of pride in what their sons have accomplished.

When HS took Gold Streak from the pit for its first time down the track you could tell the nerves were going. When I asked HS what he was thinking at this moment, he replied: "I prayed that it would go fast!"

Gold Streak's first heat of 11. How-wwww-ll!

Gold Streak attempted to showcase how much power it had...in the end, it showed that it could take itself up to speeds of 170mph. Each heat it continually proved its capabilities by either taking a 2nd or 3rd place finish. The design team of this car proved that they could come in 1st in sportsmanship. All the Scouts proved that point during the race. It's not easy to watch your dream lose to someone else's car, but if that Scout can turn to another and say "good race" and shake their hand, then another kind of victory has been won.

The joy these two had bonding over building this car was phenomenal to witness from the sidelines. They laughed, the fumed, they put their heads together to solve problems. In the end, this car gave them another memory to share.

Gold Streak allowed us to glimpse a piece of HS's thoughts and dreams. We hope he was as pleased as we were to watch it speed down the track. Sometimes, it's not about the actually win of the race, but what kind of heart was put into that race.