Space Derby

This week, Jason helped Skyler build and race his Cub Scout Space Derby Rocket. I have never been to a Space Derby before, but it is like a Pinewood Derby except the boys race rockets fastened to wires that run across the gym. The rockets are some how powered by propellers and rubber bands.

Jason and Skyler spent hours online researching how to design and build the fastest rocket from the kit provided. They got very into this project. They did everything from soaking the rubber bands in oil, to sharpening the propeller blades, to carving the most aerodynamic plane possible, to using the lightest weight spray paint.

When they arrived at the Space Derby, they were both giddy with excitement. The boys all lined their rockets up on the wires for the first race and let them go. Oh my gosh, you should have seen Skyler’s. It took off so fast that, before the other rockets had even gone a foot, it had blasted down the wire and flown off, smashing itself into the wall on the other side of the gym. What?!

It was hilarious. At first Jason and Skyler had these huge grins on their faces. Then the grins quickly turned to looks of horror. Then they both looked like they were going to cry.

Luckily, Skyler’s Den Mom had an extra kit, and Jason was able to patch Sky’s rocket up enough that it could compete in the rest of the races. It was still unbeatable. I don’t know what they did to that rocket, but it was unbelievably fast!