Wolves, tigers and bears roamed the basement of Saint Mary of the Bay Church in Warren on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 11. Fortunately, these "animals" were just members of Warren's Cub Scout Pack 25 taking part in the Annual Space Derby.

Seven scouts, ages 6 to 10 years old, ranking from Tigers to Webelos, raced their miniature model rockets down a 42 foot stretch of fishing line with wooden bumpers at either end. Each scout had assembled their rocket from a kit, paying particular attention to crucial decisions about aerodynamics, including weight, shape and placement of fins. The rockets were then decorated with paint in a variety of manners.

Matthew Borges opted for the traditional monochromatic silver, while Josh Amaral showed his pack pride with the number 25 across the nose of his rocket. Nick Frey's was decked in a wild abstract pattern.

"I just put designs on it," he said. "I just made it crazy."

His work would pay off at the end of the day, when he was awarded the superlative for "Most Colorful Rocket."

Meanwhile, Kyle Pavao expressed distaste at his finished rocket.

"I painted it all myself," he said, "then my sister painted over it. That's why it looks like this."

Powered by a tightly wound rubber band (dipped in oil) attached to a propeller, each rocket competed against the others in a series of heats, culminating in a final race between the three fastest rockets. 

In the end, Wolf den member Robert Leone took third place. Tiger Nathan Moniz took second. And, Webelo Nick Goltsas came in first.

Goltsas marveled at his rocket, saying, "Mine went so fast that it ricocheted half way back!"

Victory was bittersweet for Goltsas, however, whose rocket also won the superlative award, "Most Likely Made by a Parent." Goltsas protested loudly and pointed out his craftsmanship to any listening ear.

"See the cockpit? I cut that out of a water bottle, then heated it with a hairdryer so I could shape it."

When asked if he'd have rather not won the competition and simultaneously had the superlative taken back, he didn't hesitate.

"I rather win," he said.

Every scout was given superlative award, so no one left empty handed. The three winners will have their names engraved on trophies and awarded to them at an upcoming Pack meeting.

Cub Scout Dens meet once a week and come together as a pack once a month. New members are welcome and may visit Hugh Cole Elementary School on Mondays to find out more information.

Papa Gino's on Metacom Avenue will be giving proceeds of food sales from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 15, to Pack 25.