Designed to celebrate the magic of science,
technology, and the arts, the YMCA THINGAMAJIG Invention Convention offers
a day of fun, learning, and healthy competition for children ages 5-14.
Children compete individually or in small groups to design an "invention"
in a range of categories, giving them the opportunity to use their
imaginations, basic scientific and technological principles, as well as
problem solving. Children are encouraged to use recycled materials, and
entrants may spend no more than $20 on materials. Projects are judged on
creativity, effective use of materials, attention to detail, and accuracy.
Past categories have included Funky Fashions, Incredible Edible Cities and
more!
Challenges and Rules
But that’s not all. The event also offers a wide
variety of activities to get creative minds thinking and active. Past
activities have included a "Y Idol" talent contest, a "Computer Autopsy,"
a rock climbing wall, an obstacle course, a bike safety course and more
fun than one can imagine!
How do I get my child involved?
If your child is between the ages of 5-14, the
best way to get them involved in Thingamajig is to sign up for YMCA Summer
Camp. This year's themes include Junkyard Inventions (where you get to
work on your invention for Thingamajig) plus camps on sports, science,
rock and roll, cooking and more! There's something for everyone. Click
here to download a YMCA Summer Camp brochure. Don't miss out!
Already a YMCA Camper?
Click here to REGISTER NOW for THINGAMAJIG 2004.
HEY kids! Do you like to design your own outfits?
Build robots or mini-cities? If you are not a YMCA camper and would like
to be a part of this exciting event, you can register now! Enter your cool
invention to be judged at the THINGAMAJIG Invention Convention and you
could win a really cool prize! Participation is FREE!
Click here to REGISTER NOW for THINGAMAJIG 2004.
Can I volunteer?
Absolutely! Help judge inventions, put packets
together, or lead a workshop or activity! The options are endless! Get
involved and help us build strong kids.
Click here to complete a
volunteer form. Make sure you specify that you are interested in
Thingamajig!
Want to get rid of broken appliances or an
outdated computer?
Donate it to Thingamajig. We need your old
household appliances (hair dryers, toasters, phones, etc.) or old
computers that are just taking up space! These will be used for our
workshops so that young minds can really find out how things work. But
don’t expect to get these back! If you would like to put your old
appliance to good use, please contact Janice Williams at
jwilliams@ymcawashdc.org or 202-797-4460.
Interested in being a corporate sponsor?
Click here to download a corporate sponsorship
package. For more information, please contact ReGina Newkirk at
rnewkirk@ymcawashdc.org or 202-745-5266.
