The Coastal Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America has partnered with Patriots Point to host numerous events for local Cub and Boy Scouts. This past weekend, area Cub and Boy Scouts gathered aboard the USS Yorktown to compete in the Etiwan Cup, a District level Championship Pinewood Derby, which consisted of racing miniature cars, hand-crafted by Scouts. Finalists from each Cub Scout Pack East of the Cooper as well as a few Boy Scouts and adults gathered and competed at Patriots Point Maritime Museum to determine the Fastest and Coolest Cars East of the Cooper.
Zach Prokopemk’s car “Panther” of Pack 502 took first place as the Fastest Car by racing down the track in a mere 2.5232 seconds. Graham Eller and his car “Silver Bullet” of Pack 11 took second (2.531) and Edward Jones of Pack 505 took third with his car “Awesome TarHeelRacer.”
The winners of the “Coolest Cars East of the Cooper” included Charlie Rice of Pack 59 with his first place “Minecraft” design, Heath Soho of Pack 505 came in second with his car titled “Du Det Du Det Du Det” and Coline Murray of Pack 470 finished third with his car “Minion BEE-DO-BEE-DO!”
The Etiwan Cup continued a new tradition as an adult division was offered for the second year to those “Akelas” wishing to build their own car and participate. Although referred to as the “Dad Derby”, the division was open to any Scout, sibling or relative or Scouting volunteer wishing to participate. “These cars are really testing our track,” commented Kenny Brinkman, the Scouting and new Flight Academy Coordinator for the USS Yorktown and Patriots Point as the Dad Derby cars were loaded into the starting gate. In the Dad Derby, weight limits were increased to one pound as opposed to the customary five ounces and a few of the competitors took the opportunity to add weight to heart. Dale Shifflett, Pack Trainer with Pack 470 captured first place this year with his car “Freezer Burn”.
Underwritten by Charleston Nut Company and Hilton Head Popcorn, this memorable annual event is a highlight of the year for many Cub Scouts as each boy works with an adult partner to discover what can be created from a simple block of wood, four nails (which serve as axles) and four Boy Scouts of America tires. “The creativity on display here is simply astounding,” commented Etiwan District Committee Chairman Greg Dickinson during the design judging, whilst surveying the array of designs ranging from childlike cartoon character cars to vehicles intricately cut to resemble a shark, a Volkswagen Bus, fish, tanks, and various racing cars.
About:
The Etiwan District serves as the first tier governing body of the Coastal Carolina Council of Boy Scouts of America, overseeing the activities of some 1,200 youth in 30 Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews and Sea Scout Ships in the East Cooper area. For more information or to find a Pack, Troop, Crew or Ship in East Cooper near you, contact William Etheridge at the Council office at 763-0305 or via aetherid@bsamail.org.
For more information regarding Patriots Point's involvement in the Pinewood Derby, contact Kenny Brinkman (Patriots Point) at KBrinckman@patriotspoint.org.