Please help to grow a child’s imagination. Support the YMCA’s Thingamajig Invention Convention today!
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On Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 10am-3pm, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington will host their annual signature event, the Thingamajig Invention Convention. The Thingamajig Invention Convention will be held at the Prince George’s County Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Md. The convention provides children with the opportunity to participate in exciting and interactive activities and an eco-friendly invention competition. Most YMCA campers will attend Thingamajig as part of their camp experience, but Thingamajig is free and is open to the public.
Please join us, we would love to see you there!

2010 THINGAMAJIG CHALLENGES
TOP FLIGHT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR (LTA) THINGAMAJIG FLYING MACHINE
Using common, everyday stuff, invent a uniquely lighter-than-air flying machine powered only by a rubber band and a propeller. Ready, set, go—be prepared to enter your LTA THINGAMAJIG Flying Machine in the 1st TOP FLIGHT THINGAMAJIG LTA CHALLENGE…Your LTA Thingamajig Flying Machine must fly freely and unassisted for 15 ft.
AMAZING ROBOTS—BIG AND SMALL
Design and build a prototype of a robot that performs an everyday task or chore.
GAME FAME
Become a star with a really cool game or toy invented by you.
GREEN LIVING—SMART LIVING
Create a mind-boggling invention for everyday use that saves human energy and is good for the earth.
PAPERIFIC
Use your creative juices to make an incredible new invention out of paper.
RECYCLED BAND
Go “solo” or form a band. Create and name new instrument(s) from objects found about town.
SUPER DUPER GADGET AND GIZMO
Design your own gadget or gizmo using found junk and other cool stuff.
THINGAMAJIG TOP HATTER
Go crazy with wild and wacky recyclable junk and jewels to design an incredible Thingamajig Top Hat.
TRASHION FASHION
Create a fun and funky fashion using recycled materials.
UPCYCLED THINGAMAJIG
Using a combination of existing objects, invent a new working device that has a brand new function.
miniMAJIG Schedule
miniMAJIGs provide youngsters with the opportunity to participate in a mini invention challenge before the main event. Here are the upcoming challenges:
Tuesday, July 13 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Mayfair Mansions Apartments, Washington, DC
Thursday, July 15 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: YMCA Prince George's County, Bowie, MD
Tuesday, July 20 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Nottingham Elementary School, Arlington, VA
Thursday, July 22 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: YMCA Alexandria, Alexandria, VA