According to the Scout Law, a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, clean, brave and reverent. At a recent event in Mount Joy, you could add "creative," "competitive" and "crafty" to that list - all with a layer of fun.

Cub Scout Pack 39 held its second Pinewood Derby in January at The Gathering Place. Scouts in kindergarten through fifth grade enjoyed building and racing their own cars down a track built and donated by the Knights of Columbus at Mary Mother of the Church in Mount Joy.

"All 19 of our Scouts participated in the Pinewood Derby this year," said Stephanie Steele, Wolf Den Leader for Pack 39, who noted that nine of the Scouts had never participated in a Pinewood Derby before. "In addition, a few leaders and younger siblings enjoyed racing cars they made during an intermission just for fun."

To prepare for the derby, each Scout received a block of wood, wheels and axles in December. They spent time shaping, painting and adding weight to their cars at home.

The race, which featured various heats on a three-lane racetrack, ended with a close finish for the top three spots. Sarah Heisey took first place with a time of 2.5530 seconds. Noah Steele earned second place with a time of 2.5760. Mara Yoder came in third with a time of 2.5800.

Carson Cassidy's car was voted "best design" by the Scouts. It featured a Minecraft design.

"The kids were eager to race their cars in the Pinewood Derby," Steele said. "The room was filled with many cheers and mumblings of excitement as each Scout brought their car up to the starting line of the track and then anxiously waited for the race to begin. Family, friends and community members all attended and supported the Scouts during the event."

Each Scout raced his or her car six times. After the race, awards were handed out, and many of the Scouts stayed longer to race their cars again and again on the track just for fun, she said.

Cub Scout Pack 39 has grown over the last year and is led by Bob Adams. The pack is supported by many parent volunteers and is sponsored and supported by The Rotary Club of Mount Joy and BSA Troop 39.

"Cub Scouts is a great organization that builds confidence, encourages kids to work with others, fosters friendships and teaches important life lessons," Steele said. "One of my favorite aspects of Scouting is the fact that it encourages kids to try a plethora of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing and camping. Some highlights from this past year include a bike rodeo, flashlight hike, snow tubing, nature hike, camping, fishing and Scouting for Food."

Pack 39 meets every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the school year at Mary Mother of the Church, 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy. Over the summer, Pack 39 meets once or twice a month for fishing, hiking, camping and other activities.

For more information on joining Family Cub Scout Pack 39, email pack39mtjoy@gmail.com or search for "Mt Joy Pack 39" on Facebook.