Pinewood Derby 2009

Morgan's Pinewood Derby was this weekend. We got a late start with his car as we didn't get the kit until Thursday evening. He was ready Saturday morning though. We arrived early to weigh his car in and it was 5 ounces even. The scout leaders had provided doughnuts and juice for everyone and had the Cars movie running for those kids who were "bored" while waiting for the big races to begin. Morgan's car didn't do as well as he hoped it would, but he did recieve the "Most Realistic" award and a medal. One of the leaders read this poem during the opening of the big event, I thought it was great and wanted to share. It was written by Cubmaster, Glenn Brace from England:

The Pinewood Derby Prayer

Hey God, we ask you to draw near
And bless the boys who gather here.
This is the day they've waited for
Their blocks of wood are blocks no more.
Plastic wheels and dime store nails
Become the stuff of sporting tales
Of finishes too close to see!
You're here for every victory.

You bless the winners in their joy
But there's another kind of boy
Whose handiwork is blessed by you
Because his hands tried something new.
You smile upon the crooked wheel,
The paint job done with boyish zeal,
The splintered car, the sloppy glue.
You love the work that Your sons do.

But there is one here in this place
Who shows the greatness of Your grace.
He is the boy who hasn't won
But when he hears the starting gun
He's there to cheer his fellow scouts
His are the loudest victory shouts.
And when his brothers haven't won,
He's just the one to say "well done,
You've tried your best and you've had fun,
There are more races to be run."

And so, dear God, we hear you say
Upon this happy Derby Day,
"Remember, whether best or worst,
Remember, you are brothers first."