31st annual Thingamajig® Invention Convention with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington

Alexandria, VA –  The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington held its 31st annual Thingamajig® Invention Convention on July 31. This thrilling event welcomed 619 local kids ages 5-14 to unleash their creativity and showcase their “maker” skills at the United States Patent & Trademark Office in Alexandria. Young inventors were able to design, build, and problem-solve in ways that are both fun and educational, bridging the learning gap between school years.

Kids participated in 25+ hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and highlight their talents in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (S.T.E.A.M.). A number of select makers competed for the top prize. 

Some favorite activities included:

• Necktie station – Participants were gifted neckties and learned how to properly tie a knot. Many kids could be seen wearing their new fashion accessories throughout the event.

• Big and Buggy – Kids were challenged to think like a scientist, engineer, and artist as they designed the biggest, boldest bug ever! Each critter creation was designed using cardboard and recyclable materials and had to reach at least two feet in height. Some designed familiar species like butterflies, while others opted to create brand-new species!
• Zero Waste Trashion Fashion – Potential future fashion designers were tasked with repurposing materials and creating trendy one-of-a-kind fashion pieces that mixed both style and sustainability.

There was also a Presidential Challenge, where students designed solar ovens in just 30 minutes. The top winners enjoyed gifts including bicycles, headphones, ipads and more to help fuel their continued creativity. 

The event was supported by 228 staff and volunteers and partners including Washington Gas.

Thingamajig first launched in 1994, when former YMCA leader Janice Williams noticed children weren’t getting enough opportunities to develop hands-on, real-world, problem-solving skills. Since then, nearly 30,000 children have participated, and all have been encouraged to invent and imagine through the annual event.

For more information, visit https://www.ymcadc.org/programs/thingamajig/