By David Hill

Special to The Sentinel

For many children, there are times when throwing a paper airplane might earn a scolding from a parent or teacher.

Last Friday at the College Park Aviation Museum wasn't one of those times.

The museum held its eighth annual Paper Airplane Derby Friday in College Park. Local children spent the afternoon making their planes and competing to see who could throw theirs the farthest. Trophies were given to all participants with additional prizes going to those who placed in the top three of their respective age groups.

The event began at noon and participants had until 3 p.m. to design their planes before settling on a final entry for the derby. The event was designed as a family activity that would entertain children and "give them a little taste of flight," said Warren Kasper, the museum's education director.

"We've had well over 100 children here already," he said about a half hour before the 3 p.m. derby. "Most of them are going to participate."

But even when you're a kid, making a paper airplane isn't mere child's play. Coming up with that one, ideal design is not as easy as one might think. Participants were given various designs from which to choose and had plenty of time to mull over their decisions.

"There are all sorts of different types of airplanes," Kasper said. "Some that are designed for stunts, like loops, some are designed for throwing for distance, some that are more accurate than others."

At 3 p.m., the derby began in the museum lobby. Children from three age groups – 5 and under, 6-9, and 10 and older – each got one chance to throw their plane as far as they could. Upwards of 50 children participated as their parents and relatives cheered on while having to dodge the occasional errant throw.

For Jennifer Conn and her sons, Jonathan, 8 and Nicholas, 6, the derby has become an annual tradition.

"This is actually our third year," she said. "We've had very much fun every time, so we just continue to come every year."

And in three years, her two boys have gotten pretty good at it. Nicholas placed first in the 6-9 age group and Jonathan placed second. Jonathan attributed his success to simply "finding the best [design] that works for me." And as older brothers are apt to do, he wasn't afraid to take a little credit for his younger brother's win.

"I have to make the airplanes for you," he told Nicholas after the two received their prizes – a trophy and a t-shirt.

Kellie Grady watched her son, Zolani, 5, take first place in the 5 and under group. It was no wonder that Zolani won, according to his mother. He and his younger brother have certainly had enough practice.

"They're obsessed with paper airplane-making at home," Grady said. "I'm sick of paper airplanes all over my house, so I thought it would be fun for him to come here."

Grady, who home schools her children, also saw their visit to the aviation museum as a field trip of sorts; a fun way to make learning come alive for her sons.

"I always try and supplement their education with visual stuff," she said. "They have books about aviation and machines and flight at home, so I thought we could go to something like this."

Photo by Marketa Ebert