Scouts hold Lego derby at Camp Bomazeen
by Chuck Mahaleris
More than 60 Cubs and Scouts, some from as far away as Buxton, West Paris, and Bath, rolled into Belgrade’s Camp Bomazeen on Saturday, November 12, for the second annual Lego Pinewood Derby. Isa Russell, of Lewiston Troop #2019, won Best in Show with her Phoenix Lego Derby Car. She is a Life Scout from Randolph and enjoys the creativity of the Lego project. Gabriel Booker, a Tiger Cub with Augusta Pack #603, was the fastest Lego car in the Camp’s Dining Hall. He had plastic lights on the back of his car so other racers would be able to follow him to the finish line.
Camp Director Julie McKenney, of Belgrade, reviewed the rules at the start of the day with “Have Fun!” being the most important one. “Scouts and their mom or dad built the cars today and then they raced them. Even parents could build a car. It is a great event because the kids love Legos and parents love spending the time with their son and daughter working on the project together.”
Participating racers are given a kit of blocks and other items to built their cars which have met specific height, width and length requirements largely in order to fit on the track and not interfere with other racers. Trays of additional blocks and accessories are provided as well to help feed their imagination.
Ryder Johnston, of Albion, is a Tiger in Cub Scout Pack #445, and built a Star Wars-themed car with his dad Josh Johnston. Ryder’s favorite characters in Star Wars are the Storm Troopers. “I like their masks,” Ryder said. “It’s a lot of fun,” Josh said.
Adam and his son Finn Theriault, who is a Tiger Cub from Pack #349, in Buxton, built a Santa Claus car. “Santa knows how to go really fast,” Finn said. Adam enjoyed seeing the excitement Finn had in building the car he had imagined.