BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. (September 28, 2026) — Students at Berkeley Springs High School are looking to the 5th installment of their annual We will be holding our fifth annual Pumpkin Drop Competition.
The event is set for Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Students will be working in small groups to design an enclosure to protect a pumpkin from damage when dropped from high altitudes.
The pumpkins will then be dropped from the roof of the A-Building onto concrete.
“Each team will extensively research other designs as they collaborate to create their own,” according to a post from the school which points out the project involves every area of S.T.E.M. (SCIENCE, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
They’ll need some help from neighbors.
Photo: Berkeley Springs High School
Below is a list of items they might find useful as they protect those pumpkins.
They ask that donations be brought to the school prior to Monday, October 12, 2026 but point out that it is helpful that materials come in ahead of that so students can plan their designs.
Students will need a box with something to cushion the pumpkin.
Some groups are going to need materials for a parachute. The items can be in any condition.
This is an opportunity to recycle items that might normally be thrown away.
Below is a list of items that students have requested in the past. Any items that may be repurposed could be useful.
Twenty – Five Boxes –They should at least be large enough to hold a medium-size pumpkin with space to add cushioning. An example of a good size box would be 27 in x 15 in x 17 in. Smaller and larger boxes will be accepted.
Pool Noodles
Pillows
Tarp
Bubble Wrap
Plastic Wrap
Empty Water Bottles
Sheets
Styrofoam (No packing peanuts)
Duct Tape or Packing Tape
Trash Bags
Blankets
Memory Foam
Cotton Balls
Marshmallows
Styrofoam Boxes
Towels
Balloons
Shower Curtains
Socks
Orange pumpkins can also be donated. They must be at least ten inches in diameter.
Please contact Mr. Brode with any questions. (School – 304-258-2871 Extension 150 or Cell
240-362-6522 (Leave Message))
