Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Pinewood Derby

My 7 year old, the spirited child, announced this year that he wanted to join the Boy Scouts. "Are you sure?", we kept asking him. "Yes!", he told us. "But you have to go to meetings all the time and do good deeds and help your community!" "Yes!", he responded over and over again. My husband and I were not thrilled with another activity to add to our schedule. My son is not one for sitting still and listening to meetings. He'd rather be playing video games, watching TV, or playing a game of Kick the Can or baseball, not doing good deeds for others. We finally decided to let him try it. The worst that could happen would be that he hates it and quits. We also decided it might even be good for him (if he would actually do what they wanted him to do).

We bought my son the uniform (and warned him beforehand that he'd have to wear one) and he loved it! They told him he had to read the book. He wanted to stay up late with dad reading it! They told him how to earn his badges. He's so proud of himself whenever he earns a new one! Well, I guess he showed us! He loves the Boy Scouts. Good for you son!

Now, I grew up with just one sister. I did the Brownies and Girl Scout thing, but never knew much about Boy Scouts. My husband said they have to make a car for the Pinewood Derby race and race his car. Isn't that dangerous? Isn't that expensive to make? Isn't that HARD to make. Well, it was only a little hard to make:

Oh! Is that what you meant? I guess I was thinking SOAP box derby? Isn't that where you make a big car out of a box and actually ride in it? OK. I guess it's not very dangerous. Shows how little I know about the boy scouts! So far he recycled newspapers to earn money for his scouts, visited a huge pumpkin farm, saw a presentation from a real Indian tribe member, and this weekend we will visit the children's museum to learn about multicultural day. It's been a great thing for my "spirited child".

Now this is funny. I have a friend who has a son in my son's class. He asked her is he could be in the Boy Scouts, too. "No!", she said. "Why not?, asked her son. "Because I don't like the boy scouts." "Why don't you like the Boy Scouts?", I asked her. "Because I don't like them." OK? You don't like the Boy Scouts? She didn't say something like she didn't think her son would like it, or she just didn't have the time for it. How can you not like a group that is trying to teach kids how to be good citizens? Oh well. That's my friend for you.

16 comments:

Burgh Baby said...

Don't you hate when people impose their dislikes on their kids? I hate lima beans, but if Alexis wants to eat them, whatever. I might call her a freak, but she can make her own decisions.

Now if she suddenly decides SHE wants to be in the Boy Scouts, then we might have to talk.

Lizzy in the Burbs said...

The Boy Scouts are a really wonderful organization and they do an awful lot of work within communities to help raise money for some very worthy causes. It gives boys something constructive to do and teaches them some valuable lessons as well.

I'm sure you're pleasantly surprised at how much your son is enjoying it, good for him! The car he built looks awesome, too, hope he wins!

Ally said...

That's great! (I mean, that your son wants to do it and seems to be enjoying it...)

You're a good mom for giving it a go! I, personally, am dreading all those meetings and such when our son is old enough. But Hubby, who is an Eagle Scout, is determined that Baby Boy will follow in those footsteps. That, or not get to drive a car...

Hmmmmm. The wonderful art of compromise hard at work (ha, ha!).

Anonymous said...

Your "spirited" child has come a long way. I think it's great about the Boy Scouts. They will teach him so much. He must look adorable in his uniform.

dawn klinge said...

The car your son made is wonderful! It sounds like your son is having so much fun and learning a great deal. This might be something I think about for my own boy when he gets older.

Kitty said...

My youngest is sat beside me - he says that car is 'cool'. Well done to your son! x

Anonymous said...

Pinewood derby cars is a great father and son tradition. I remember when my brother and dad made one, it was the best time. I don't know who had more fun, but they both got to spend some quality time together.
BTW` Your son did a GREAT job on his car.

Maria (also Bia) said...

We tried the boy scouts for a while but then decided to do different things. I do remember the pinewook derby, though . . . your son's car turned out great! How did it do in the race?

Have a great day, and God bless.

Maria (also Bia) said...

pinewook? sounds like something Chewbacca would say. I meant "pinewood" . . . just needed to clarify in case you were wondering! (smile, wink!)

Leah said...

My brother did boy scouts for a few years when he was little and really enjoyed it. My husband did as well, and is looking forward to Jared being old enough to join. And next week is Emily's first Daisy Girl Scouts meeting!

Kellan said...

My son (well - his dad) always wins the pinewood derby! My son loved the Cub Scouts and has just moved on to the Boy Scouts - they are going camping this weekend. See you later. Kellan

Anonymous said...

B was in scouts until it transitioned to Boy Scouts. He didn't want to deal with that committment anymore and wanted to do sports instead. Worked for me. D was in Boy Scouts until shortly after the Klondike Camping trip. That's where they camp in temps below 32 degrees. I didn't blame him. I'm still trying to find a Brownie troop for M, but I think dance is enough for her right now. She was in Daisy's for a bit though.

Your friend probably has some issue with what the scouts stand for, and against.

Amy said...

My hubby was a Den leader for a few years when we lived in FL. My oldest was a Boy Scout, and his little brother at the time was too young, but he wanted the "clothes"..LOL..so he was sort of the mascot...but we did the derby thing too...way fun!

Lester R.N. said...

I am glad your son liked the boyscouts. I was a brownie but never went any farther because I did gymnastics competively and never had the time! I don't think people should put their dislikes/likes on their kids. Let them decide for themselves! Hope you have a great weekend at the museum!

Becky said...

Great car! Boys really do learn so much from Boy Scouts.

Our church has a similar program called AWANA Clubs International. Our club meets every Wednesday evening in our church. The kids pay dues, wear uniforms, earn awards, and we have a "Grand Prix" race every fall. They also have Awana Games and Bible Quiz tournaments that they train for and compete against other Awana Clubs from our area. Some clubs may not have junior high and high school levels, but ours does. Kids as early as 3 can participate, which makes it a great family activity.

Allegra said...

I'm an American living in England. I worked for a large Scout Summer camp for 2 years in college, and worked with Brownies as well. Now I'm in training to be a leader for the Cub Scouts here, and I tell everyone I know to get their kids involved. Girls can be in Scouts as well, so my son is in Cubs (age 8-11 1/2), my daughter is in Beaver Scouts (age 6-8) and Brownies, and my youngest son (3) comes to meetings as a Beaver in Training. It's a great organization, and does wonders for self-confidence.

The only thing I can imagine your friend might not like about Scouting is the child abuse that went on in a few troops and the anti-gay policy they had for some time. A few bad apples, unfortunately. Get involved and be aware.