Written by Rosemarie Mello | 14 May 2010

On the 27th of March, Harpswell's Cub Scout pack 642 held its Annual Pine Wood Derby at West Harpswell School. A day filled with anticipation, excitement and pride delivered a winner in a successful scouting event; an event that has taken place in Boy Scouts of America since 1953.
Standard rules developed by the Boy Scouts of America are recommended for all scout packs to implement. Rules include that the car must be built by the scout in the year of the current race and that the car must meet weigh-in requirements to be eligible to race.
Each scout needed an imagination and few tools to design and create a racecar of his own. Weeks in advance each Cub Scout was given a kit. The kit included a block of wood, nails for axles and a set of plastic wheels. The Scout could only use the parts included in the kit to build a car.
On race day, to participate in the Derby each Cub Scout needed to present his car for weigh-in between 9:00-11:00am. Upon weight approval, the car was registered and numbered.
Lunch time approached and an anxious crowd of scouts was well feed with a pot luck lunch before the race.
The moment arrived and the races were off by 1:00pm. Scouts lined their cars up at the starting gate. As the gate was released, judges watched for the first car to cross the line.
The Cub Scouts burst with enthusiasm while they proudly raced their cars against their friends. Sportsmanship was apparent as the Cub Scouts generously supported each other.
Hard work and anticipation paid off as the winners were announced. Michael Truden took first place, Nathaniel Farmer second, Garrett Williams third and Mason Warren Fourth.
The winners continued on to the scouts' district race held April 10th in Augusta at Gilbert School.
Congratulations to all participants for showing tremendous sportsmanship. See you next year!