On Saturday, Jan. 18, 46 Girl Scouts held a Girl-Powered Pinewood Derby in the East Granby Community/Senior Center showcasing their creativity and competitive spirit. The girls were given a race car kit and encouraged to customize it however they pleased. Cars ranged from glittery fuchsia to a mouse atop a cheese wedge.
Before the racing began, the girls were tasked with understanding the importance of aerodynamics, weight distribution and friction in their car designs. Some girls experimented with different shapes to reduce air resistance, while others adjusted the weight placement to maximize speed. Many also used tools to smooth their cars, ensuring that the wheels would spin freely with minimal friction. The process not only encouraged creativity but also introduced the girls to fundamental engineering concepts.
A variety of awards were distributed including Most Artistic, Best Paint Job, Most Aerodynamic, and a new category of Girl’s Choice where participants voted for their favorite car among the group. The Fastest Car Award was won by a Daisy Scout with a record of 3.01 seconds.
The day was a resounding success, filled with laughter and smiles, and`it provided a learning experience for STEM and artistic creativity. These memories will follow the girls for years to come.
The Salmon Brook Service Unit includes troops from Granby, East Granby and Hartland and provides opportunities for girls of all ages to become involved with a variety of activities including community service. To learn more about Girl Scouts, to join a troop or to become a volunteer, email the Girl Scouts of Connecticut at customercare@gsofct.org or the Salmon Brook Service Unit at salmonbrook717@gmail.com