One, two, three….go! That was the call we heard time and time again this morning. Our daughter and the rest of the local Brownies (Girl Scouts – not food) attended the Powder Puff Derby. For two plus hours, the girls hung in a school cafeteria watching cars go down the track. Names were called, squeals came out, cheers rang through the air, and fun was had. Just like all of the Pinewood Derby events I attended while a scout leader, this event had fun while teaching at the same time.
Call it Powder Puff, call it Pinewood Derby, it doesn’t matter much, they are pretty much the same thing – only the gender of the contestants changes. The outward goal for these events is for the scouts to have fun. It is exciting to see something you made compete against others. You watch as your car progresses through the different heats. And, if the adults stay out of the way, the young people walk away with some valuable lessons.
The first lesson that derbies can teach is the joy of completing a project. I love looking at the different designs that come in the door. The one problem is that some of those designs….well let’s just say that some of these students would put professional car designers to shame. Okay, lets face it, there are a number of cars that make you pause and wonder who actually built it. I am careful on this accusation because I have seen cars designed by the scouts and know that they did the work. The problem is that I believe the ratio of those types of scouts to the awesome cars seems to be off a bit… a lot. Now I do not expect to see an 8 year-old running a ripsaw, but the design should be theirs and, except for the cutting, the rest should be the work of the scout. This first step is important for the young people. They learn quickly either that hard work and perseverance can pay off or dad can do it for me. I actually love looking at the cars you know were done by the scouts. They may not be pretty, but wow do they show so much insight into the kids.
These events teach the young people to be responsible and aware of what is happening. I loved that they leaders had the scouts in an area next to the track. They called out the names for those in the on deck area. The girls had to take their cars and be prepared to race. Names were called out a few times and then the race happened. If a scout wasn’t there or the car presented, the race went on without them. Our own daughter was only saved by her friend because she had gone out to get a snack. Not only do they have that responsibility, but they must ensure that their car is run correctly. Our little one’s car didn’t not really show which was the front versus the back. She had to tell them. She had to be responsible. She forgot to do this in the second heat and, with the weights in the front, the car took third. For a young person, this can be the end of the world. We had to have a long talk about the fact that it was okay, and she would have other chances.
Most importantly, this day taught the scouts that not everybody wins. At the start of the race, one of the leaders stood in front of the girls with a big announcement. She started the day by asking if everyone was ready. She asked if they were there to have fun. She reminded them all that not everybody was going to win. As a matter of fact, there would be one winner. The girls were fine with this. There would be no trophy for all. The girls would have to accept that only the winners would get awards. The scouts didn’t care. They just wanted to have fun.
I will admit that there were tears. Saying that you are willing to acknowledge the fact that you may not win and realizing that you really aren’t the winner are two different things. Dads were crouched down in corners talking to daughters, cars in hand. You could see heads nodding accepting advise while the tears stated how hard it was. But they learned. Few walked out with trophies, but all walked out with smiles.
Finally, the scouts learn to support each other. Cheers came out at each race regardless of the winner. Hugs and high fives happened throughout the day. The best part was after dads had to have those hard discussions. You could always see a scout only steps away – waiting. They were ready to rush in and give a hug of understanding. These young ladies knew that more than winning, they need to help each other out. Competitors for a while, friends forever.
I have watched the derbies happen since the 90s. The leaders today put on as fine of an event as any I have ever witnessed. They remembered the purpose of these days. I can still remember the large events that we would hold at the one base in England. The only difference between then and now was the size. Then we would have 10 or more tracks running with scouts running everywhere. However, no matter if the derby was in England or Burbank, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, they are fun to watch and a joy to see what the kids can do and who they are.
So somewhere tonight there is a family celebrating a win. Either the fastest car, best looking, or best theme. In many more places there are young scouts just happy that they participated – no ribbon, just memories.
Thanks for racing with me as I meandered tonight.