(Cassie Dickenson) –  Jonesboro Pack 523 has been busy during the month of February! This month officially began the much anticipated Pinewood Derby season, an iconic hallmark for any scout experience. Each year, scouts receive a block of wood and are challenged to create a 5-ounce car that showcases both ingenuity and speed.

Weeks of strategically placing weights and crafting the wood surfaces culminated on race day. On February 3rd, Pack 523 held a preliminary race, open to our own scouts and family members, at Quitman High School. Plaques were awarded to the top 3 racers and a Best in Show was given to the most creative car design.

Many scouts walked away pleased with their work, but others took advantage of a two-week break where they could re-evaluate and make improvements to their cars. On February 17, the pack met again at Forest Haven for a second race to showcase their hard work for the residents.

Many residents chose a favorite car and cheered it on during the race, after which they also voted for a favorite design. Once again, winners were recognized and Best in Show was awarded to the fan favorites. The next race will have our scouts competing against other packs in our district on March 15th.

On February 8th, our pack members also participated in Cub Klondike Day, an exciting winter-themed event filled with races, team challenges, and relays. Jonesboro’s own pack fared well in the competition, bringing home the win in 4 events.

Days like this embody the values which make scouting unique – a bond of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance, designed to reach a common goal where everyone can support each other and celebrate both individual and group strengths. Our scouts may think they are simply playing, building derby cars, or competing in relays, but in reality, they are learning to be active members of a community whose goal is to better the whole, as well as the individual. This is what it’s all about.

If you would like to be a part of the adventures in Jonesboro’s scouting program, reach out to Cubmaster Brian Hurt at (318) 734-3571, or visit http://www.beascout.org.