f you have never seen a Pinewood Derby then you need to put this on your calendar for next year. All during our school year our children come on Wednesday nights, ages 3-5th grade, for a fun filled, Christ centered hour and a half. They learn about God with object lessons, games and crafts. Right before Easter we give the children a block of wood that they turn into a derby car.
With the help of leaders, the kids outline their cars on the blocks, pick out wheels, spoilers and what color they want…taking their ideas and making them become real. After 5 weeks, the leaders and volunteers take the cars to add lead and make sure they roll.
On the next to last Wednesday night before we break for summer, we have our downhill race on a track. Derby night is for parents, grandparents and family members to come and see what their children have been working on for the last 6 weeks. It is always a very fun night.
This year one of the volunteers made a car in the shape of a shark’s fin but placed it on wheels backwards…not very aerodynamic. The kids had fun watching that car.
The winning car, the least likely, was every shade of purple and made by a 4 yr old. We do have multiple winners based on slowest, coolest looking, best boy’s car and best girl’s car.
Sunday mornings I do not get to interact with the adults that much. Event like this are incredibly valuable because I have so much more time to interact with the parents and families directly.
If you are on the fence about coming next year, we also eat cookies!
Todd Hixenbaugh,
Children's Ministry Director
