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Dr. Del Tackett is the author, architect and teacher for Focus on the Family's The Truth Project, a nationwide initiative designed to bring the Christian worldview to the body of Christ.
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“On my honor…” (and the Pinewood Derby)
Posted on January 31, 2009
Filed Under Community |
So the Boy Scout Oath begins:
“On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my county; and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
Their slogan is “Do a good turn daily” which means to look for ways to do an act of special kindness for someone else.
The Boy Scout Law states that they are to be “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrift, brave, clean and reverent.”
Not a bad set of guidelines for young boys…or us. (Have you ever noticed that they seem like elaborations on the two greatest commandments and the fruit of the Spirit?) The Boy Scouts of America have been around since 1910 and they have been helping to shape and mold young men for each of those 99 years.
My grandson is a Cub Scout now and that means uniforms and badges and patches and…the Pinewood Derby!
Today was the big race. Four “packs” came together to see which Cub Scout had built the fastest pinewood derby racer (with some help from dad—well maybe a lot of help from dad).
Each scout begins with a block of pine, a set of four wheels and axles. Their task is to cut, sand, whittle, chisel, and detail it into their personal design. They have a specific weight limit they must meet (5 ounces) along with some other specifications. One week before the race is the “weigh-in” and if the car meets the specs, it is put in safekeeping until the big day…which was today at 9 a.m.
When the boys arrived at the “race track” this morning, their 32 cars had been assigned numbers and were arranged in numerical order, ready to be run through a series of “heats”, four cars at a time.
The cars are placed at the top of a ramp and started together by a mechanical release. Their race times are determined by laser lights that are calculated and tracked by a computer, which also determines the pairings for each heat. This is done is such a way as to ensure that each car will run at least once on each track to eliminate the possibility that one track might be slower than another. The results of each heat are projected automatically on a screen, showing 1st through 4th place, speed, and track time, down to thousands of a second.
This is my grandsons racer…the “eliminator”. Unfortunately, it was “eliminated” by some very, very fast cars…built by some of the older and more experienced cub scouts. So, this will be a learning year for him (and his dad!). We examined the winners to see if we could pick up some tips and my guess is next year 
he will build an even faster pinewood racer.
However, as I watched the cub scouts today and their parents, I had a sense that somehow this was how life in communities was meant to be lived. The boys were living up to their oath and motto. No bad language, no pouting for those whose cars didn’t perform well, no quarrels or arguments…just a bunch of neat kids and neat parents and families all having a great time together.
Maybe we should have pinewood derby races for all the families in our communities…getting together once a month to race our cars. But, more importantly, to say “hi” and talk and laugh and…well, just be good neighbors to one another. We could call it the Pinewood Community Derby.
I suppose, though, we would all need to take the oath first…
…like “love your neighbor as yourself”.
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28 Responses to ““On my honor…” (and the Pinewood Derby)”
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My three sons were all Boys Scouts, two became Eagle Scouts. My oldest son’s 8th grade Science Project was to find where to place the weights on a pinewood derby car to make it go faster. He went all the way to the county! I was so proud of him, he did everything on his own!
The values instilled in young boys through the Boy Scouts are rare these days. It’s a great program!
Both my Eagle Scouts became United States Marines, the oldest one giving his life in battle, in service to our country.
As a parent, I would have done nothing differently. Our hope in Jesus Christ is true, my son’s hope is now realized.
Heaven is a little sweeter when you have a son already there!
Del,
Your comments regarding the command to “Love your neighbor as yourself” remind me of conclusions I reached as a college student studying various theories of social justice. In that study we reviewed the work of a Harvard social theorist (whose name I unfortunately forget) who suggested that the only way for people to fairly administer social justice was to apply a “veil of ignorance” over those who were in power so that they would not be influenced by knowledge of their own place, station and background. I think our Harvard professor unwittingly re-discovered the very concept Jesus was commanding. The follow on parable, of course, is that of the Good Samaritan, in which Jesus further commands us to DO what that enemy did for the beaten man. Who is our neighbor afterall?!
I never had the “Pinewood” experience as a child, but have seen the derby recently as part of the Wednesday night children’s activities at our church. Yes, the children (and dads) do get excited, and competitive.
Competitive, competition, “at the top,” and other similar words and phrases are so dominant in our culture today. Your suggestion about neighborhood derby races is a good one. But, I’m afraid such an event would quickly turn ugly because of a strong competitive spirit. Consider youth sports, and some of the outcomes of these activities. Often the parents are raging at each other, rather than celebrating and enjoying the youth event. The worth of these activities is diminished because of competition.
Why is competition so pervasive in our culture? Reality TV shows thrive, and are successful, on the notion of competition. Sports, especially at the professional and college level are so eager to crown “the best.” Look at the hoopla of the Super Bowl today. Look at all the time and effort discussing the college football rankings. What is at the heart of the obsession with all these competitions? Is it selfishness, narcissism, or what? In my 67 years of life, I have seen the path of competition grow very harsh edges, and rocky sides.
Your discussion of the friendliness and cooperation at the derby races sounds great. How can that character be captured and applied to many other aspects of a young child’s life? I see far too many opportunities in other events squandered. Rather, the effort is only about competition, a spirit that leads in the wrong direction.
Del,
God bless your grandson and his parents for supporting him and his Cub Scout Pack.
I was my son’s Cub Scout Den Leader for three years and he is now in his second year as a Boy Scout. It’s a great experience for any boy/young man in that it builds self-esteem, confidence, good moral bearings, and they learn how to work as a team!
You’re correct in that the core values and guiding principles of the BSA are very biblical! And because of these standards, it is no surprise that the BSA is under continuous attack by many different secular forces today!
To all I say, support and help your local BSA Pack & Troop! They can really use the support these days!!!
In Christ,
Dan…
WOW ! What a wonderful blog! I was flooded with memories of my Cub Scout and Scouting experiences.
Over the last 99 years there have been numerous philanthropic minded individuals that have assisted the efforts of the Boy Scouts of America, and it is with this ongoing efforts of giving individuals the Boy Scouts of America will continue to provide a firm foundation of character of our young men for generations to come!
One that comes to mind is Waite Phillips of Tulsa Oklahoma (1883-1964), his generous contribution to the BSA in December 1941 of 127,395 acres of his Philmont ranch in Cimarron New Mexico has allowed hundreds of thousands of Scouts over the years to experience the High Adventure hiking and camping experience.
In a tribute to his father, Elliot W. Phillips published collected epigrams and essays that he said his father carried in typewritten form in his pocket always. I found the republished and revised edition 1996 in my library and thought i would share two of Mr. Phillips epigrams.
“Put a boy in touch with nature and the job of inspiring him with high ideals is an easier one than in any other environment.” -W P
“To see is one of God’s great gifts to man and to comprehend what we see is doubly so. Furthermore He has endowed some people with the qualities to see the beauties of life and nature much more than others and they have the greatest gift of all.- W P
Mr. Phillips obviously had an authentic relationship with our Heavenly father and his generosity of faith, integrity and philanthropy inspired many, for many years. I was one of those who was fortunate enough to experienced Philmont Scout Ranch not only as a camper but as a staff member as well during the mid to late 70’s. Awesome memories! Life Changing!
What must not go unnoticed is the many men and women throughout the country that volunteer countless hours of time and effort to lead and chart the course for the Boy Scouts of America for future generations.
Several years ago whilst dining with a Leader in the Boy Scouts of America i spoke about my scouting experiences and told him that I once was a Eagle Scout. He reminded me ever so eloquently that once an Eagle Scout always an Eagle Scout. WOW mini epiphany!
I would like to encourage Scouts, parents and grandparents to embrace the Boy Scouts of America and the next time you speak with a leader who volunteers, lend them your encouragement.
thought it fitting to include the Philmont hymn
“Silver on the sage, Starlit skies above
Aspen covered hills, Country that i love
Philmont here’s to thee, Scouting paradise
Out in God’s country tonight
Wind and whispering pines, Eagles soaring high
Purple mountains rise, against and azure sky
Phimont here’s to thee, scouting paradise
Out in God’s country tonight”
I offer this story to edify all those who have the opportunity to share with our future generations the gift of the great outdoors, the gift of Scouting, the gifts of our Heavenly Father.
In his grip with a passion for his love!
Pete
ps Looking forward to upcoming Regional Truth Project in Johnson City TN. Safe travels Dr. Tackett for you and the Truth Project Staff!
Great Stuff! I have been involved in Scouting for 40 years now as a Boy Scout, Scouting volunteer, and a Professional Scouter (10 years+). Pinewood Derbies have been a hit for as long as I can remember. I can’t remember anything that gets parents and Cub Scout so “dialed in” to having “good ole fashion” fun together. Its a great time of bonding that is so essential in developing great relationships between parent and son. I think it was one of the most positive things that my dad did with my brother (I joined as a Boy Scout at age 11).
I just got exposed to THE TRUTH PROJECT in the past week. I was given a set of the DVDs to begin to show our small group. I didn’t have much intro to the program, but got excited about it as I dug into it. WOW! As I investigated the program, I felt God leading me to attend the regional training in Johnson City, TN this coming weekend as I had the time and opportunity to act on it.
I also grew up on a midwestern farm and served in the Army for 8 years. Farm boys rule!
I look forward to meeting you and learning about the project in greater depth!
Mark
Pete,
Thanks for your lifelong support of Scouting! Your BSA recollections and Philmont history and hymn were very inspiring!
My wife’s family has a long history with the BSA. Her Grandfather, Father, and Uncle were heavily involved in Scouting in Western PA. In fact her uncle was the late Joseph A. Brunton, who was the BSA Chief Executive from 1960 to 1967.
Matt (my son) is 13 now and I’m looking forward to him experiencing Philmont in a couple of years.
My Truth Project group has completed 8 of the 12 tours of Dr. Del’s program and we continue to be amazed after each tour is completed.
God’s blessings to you and yours.
Dan…
Thanks, Del. Think we might try this on campus this spring–College of the Ozarks could use a neat “get-together” like this. I have the perfect design for your grandson to win next year–look up the 1932 Boattail Speedster design.
I never did pinewood derby’s as a boy but when I moved to Washington State my new church and my work both hold annual derbys. Like your grandson my first showings, well were about that. I showed and didn’t come close to placing. The people I work with are engineers so you would think they would be the more competitive. Not so. The AWANA kids and Dads are far more competitive, but also more helpful in teaching a newbie the tricks of the game. It does build a great sense of community. I’m glad you were able to share that with your grandson.
I am an eagle scout who traveled the trail of Tiger –> Eagle. I remember very well those pinewood derbies as a young boy (I generally got to cut mine out myself actually, because I lived on a farm and grew up around tools, so I knew how not to slice a finger off with a band saw) But I too remember the community that everyone enjoyed in conjunction with the Boy Scout program, and the lifelong friendships that come with it. Now if only more people were willing to step up and be part of the program! How much better of a world would we have if we had more men willing to live up to the Oath, Law, and willing to say the pledge to the flag, and realize the gravity of the words they were repeating every week. Great things could be done!
thank you so much for posting this!!
-Lee
Our Awana program also had a pinewood derby - what memories! And what values were instilled!
Thanks, Del.
Roger, above, suggested that competition itself “leads in the wrong direction” and he inferred that it is therefore antithetical to friendliness, cooperation and perhaps even community.
While I agree that in our culture (and probably in others as well) competition does often undermine community values, I don’t believe it is inherently wrong. As with so many other good things, it can be misused or perverted. But being a “good sport” has long been promoted within our culture, and can coexist with a competitive spirit. I know from my own experience (I am now in my 50’s) that I have been motivated by competition yet have also been able to appreciate the good play of those who have beaten me. In contrast, eliminating competition, as seems to be in vogue in our public school system (so everybody can be a “winner”) really doesn’t work.
The key, I believe, is to recognize the larger truth, namely our value before God, which is not a function of our achievements. At the most basic and important level we are all equal before God and stand in desperate need of His grace. That demotes the value of “winning” to a much lower status and allows use to compete by making every effort, yet to accept the results humbly and graciously without needing to win at all costs.
But of course we recognize that this also requires grace from God. Indeed, even unbelievers who have been trained in this manner (as was the case to a greater degree in the past) are beneficiaries of God’s common grace in this regard.
Serving Christ,
Ernie
God does love a game of skill, a good game is a good thing , a great game is a great thing.
Baden Powel said ” scouting is a game with a purpose.”
Thank you so much for sharing.
I want to give thanks to Maria for giving her young Marine for our freedom and liberty.
My son is an Eagle scout and i proud of him not that hes my son but every one tells me what a nice young man.so i thank the scouts and GOD for Jerry JR.
I thank God for the Boy Scouts of America. I did manage to become a 2nd class scout but have always admired those dedicated people who work with young boys.
Dale
I live in South Africa, and was a scout troop leader in 1976, the movement taught me plenty of lessons on life, which I pray I took with me into the world of today. Thank you for sharing your family with us. I will share the comments next week Tuesday as we watch “The Truth Project” Week 5.
I raced the Pinewood Derby when I was a boy and also got to help my son build his own derby car.
Neither of us did very well, but it didn’t seem to matter. It was a brief, sweet experience for me as I hope it was for him. He’s growing up so fast that my advice to dads with young kids is don’t blink. It seems like they’ll be young forever, that is, until they’re grown and it’s too late. Make some sweet memories with your kids every chance you get!
May God Bless you again Maria. I lost my Eagle Scout brother in 1995 while he was in the service (Air Force). Boy Scouts is an awesome organization and has produced many many fine men and dads (and even some moms by way of support and leadership). I am thankful for all that keep Boy Scouts true to the original standards of Baden-Powell and to all our fine men and women in military service to our country.
My son brought home a pinewood derby project and asked me to help him complete it. Of course I told him I would. My job seemed more important to me at that time than spending quality time with my family. And it was easy to rationalize that the job and my career was more important than working on a pinewood derby project. Twenty-five years later that unfinished project sits on my workbench in the same bag my son brought it to me as a reminder of the important things in life and as incentive to never make that mistake again. I am retired now, the career doesn’t miss me a bit and I have two grandson that have completed many projects with their grandfather on the workbench.
Thank you Dr. Tackett for the ‘pinewood derby’ story. It brought back many memories of past derbys. I wish now that my son would have continued with the BSA. Now that he is a pre-teen (12yo)BSA dosen’t seem as exciting as rollerblading, skateboarding, hockey,video games and/or just hanging out.I believe BSA would/could help build moral character for our youth in a moral lacking society.Our BSA also held ‘rain gutter races’ using pinewood boats in place of the traditional derby cars.They were great and the kids loved it.
Thank you for what you do and GOD BLESS…
Thank you Dr Tackett for your words; I too went through the scouting experience, I have many fond memories. The thing that struck me was the tone and response of those who posted to your blog. This relates so strongly to your discussion of the effects of those who have been taken captive. I have logged into a few blogs to read comments and usually going away feeling as if I have been verbally accosted. Those who express a differing opinion usually do so in a vile and degrading manner on the discussions I scanned. Thank you for what you are doing to bring Truth to the forefront. We start our first Truth Project study on February 14th.
Del I to am in the cub scouts with my son. He is learning good citizenship along with a lot of other great things. Please keep the scouting program in your prayers because the scouts are under attack from the militant homosexual agenda, we have to spend funds that could be used for boys to defend ourselves. The Lord is faithful and I pray He keeps us safe
Del,
I loved reading your post and the comments you made about the scouting program and the derby. I’m the parent that asked you for pictures for our web site and I failed to mention that I am also your grandson’s Wolf Den leader. It has been a joy watching him progress through his achievements. He has done a fantastic job!
One of the philosophies of our pack (Pack 55) is that it is not just another place to drop off your son. We expect parent involvement throughout the entire program. Parents teach classes, lead activities, and are greatly involved in planning both den and pack activities. We would not exist if it were not for the heavy parent involvement. Something we’re doing this year is the “God and Me” program, a program that facilities parent/son discipleship. We take seriously the commandment to teach our children when we sit at home, walk along the road, or when we lie down or get up (Deut 6:7). I pray we have succeeded at facilitating an environment for that.
I also wanted to mention that we are in the process of starting the American Heritage Girl program at the same location. My wife is heading up that effort. I know that Focus has strongly endorsed this program.
Thanks again for your support Del!
Blessings
Xavier
This story brought back some painful memories for me. My son was so proud of his little car. He did almost all of the work. It was ugly, but it was his. It rolled, but not real well. He was so excited as his little car went to the start…and then came to a last place finish. The winner? Oh, his Dad was an aeronautical engineer who designed the car on the CAD/CAM, then had it taken to the auto body shop for a professional, sleek paint job. My son learned an important lesson. Life is not fair.
we are a host family for the truth project. We have just begun and we love it. our group was started by the Scout Executive in NC and we have 3 Eagle scouts in out small truth project group. Our Motto is TRUST the Lord and do the next thing!
My mom runs the company that makes all these cars
Recently, my neighbor, who is a cub scout leader for our area, approached me in regards to having a pine derby race in our church multi-purpose room. I am 47 and grew up in a home of Italian immigrants. I was never in the boy scouts nor did I ever attend a pine derby race. I was open to the idea and because I live by the conviction of “loving your neighbor as yourself” I offered to help. After reading your blog I feel that I am heading in the right direction with this and I want to say thank you. I guess it’s not too late for me after all. I plan to build a pine derby car of my own and race it just for fun. I feel the need for speed!