Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 2, 2007! The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington will host the 13th Annual YMCA THINGAMAJIG Invention Convention, a day of celebrating the experience and discovery of science, technology, and fashion of children in the metropolitan Washington region.

Participants need to bring final project(s) to the arena August 1st between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Submitted projects will be displayed for judging August 3rd. Late entries will not be accepted.

What is THINGAMAJIG?

The YMCA THINGAMAJIG Invention Convention is an exciting and unique learning experience for children ages 5-14. Children compete by designing an "invention" in a range of categories, which gives them the opportunity to exercise their imaginations, basic, scientific principles, and problem solving skills. The event also offers a wide variety of workshops, activities, and games to get creative minds thinking and active. This year we expect to have well over 3,500 participants. Last year's THINGAMAJIG Invention Convention provided a full day of fun and excitement for over 3,000 young people.

EVENT DATE	Thursday, August 2, 2007
EVENT PLACE	The Showplace Arena/Prince George's County Equestrian Center Upper Marlboro, Marlyand
EVENT TIME	10:00 am to 2:30 pm

Admission is FREE. So, start your inventions today!

Here are some of the 2007 YMCA THINGAMAJIG Invention convention Challenges

• It's Electric
  Design a new gizmo or gadget prototype using batteries, wire and other creative finds from your neighborhood.
  
• New and Improved
  Ever wonder how you could make something better than it was before?  Invent a new or improved thingamabob.
  
• Fashion That
  Design a funky, functional and fun fashion that is uniquely you.
  
• It's My Game
  Toy store, make room for my new game design
  
• Man's Best Friend
  Love them more by creating a very special invention to make life a little better for your favorite pet.
  
• Simple No More
  The simplest paper bag, paper clip or bottle top becomes amazing and different things.
  
• Repurpose
  Turn a useless old tire into something new and useful
  
• Mousey Bitty Bots
  Use spare parts from an old computer, telephone and other recyclable treasures to transform an ordinary computer mouse into an amazing bitty robot. 
  
• Robot-Matic Phun
  Design and build a prototype of a working robot from a set of everyday materials
  
• Stuc-tabulous
  Sticking with duct tape to come up with something really cool, new and amazing bright.
  
• Meddling with Metals
  Metals here, metals there, create a design or sculpture from everyday metals.
  
• Fitology
  Fit, fun and all so wacky.  Design a new way to make fitness fun using recycled materials, old sports gear and other equipment that you don't usually see in a gym, field or playground.
  
  The rules are simple:
  
  

  1. You may choose to do one or more of the challenges.
  2. Individual or small group entries.
  3. You are encouraged to use recycled materials.
  4. Limited to no more than $20 in the completion of your THINGAMAJIG Challenge.
  5. Register online or at one of the branches of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.
     
     THE SAME RULES APPLY FOR TEEN/ADULT AND CHILDREN'S SUBMISSIONS

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THINGAMAJIG FOR TEEN AND ADULTS ONLY!

It's Your Turn Again

to experience first-hand YMCA THINGAMAJIG fun...
Rediscover the fun and excitement of using your creative juices to do something just for fun. Adults and teens are invited to share the excitement, joy and laughter associated with exploring and discovering new things. The YMCA understands the need to nurture creativity and to allow the "kid in us" to return as we take our place in creating a better community. Please join the fun by participating in a special category included in this year's THINGAMAJIG Invention Convention - for adults and teens only!

The 2007 YMCA THINGAMAJIG IT'S YOUR TURN Challenges are:

Desktop Delight
Need a boost to your routine: need to celebrate and feel accomplished, while having imagery, creative fun-all at your desk? Open your drawer, look twice and spend a minute designing something nice, cool and uniquely you!

HOLD IT
Tired of having too much to carry; can't figure out how to store that special treasure, or simply wonder how to improve that carry all so it CARRIES ALL? Now is your opportunity to invent that never been done before or newly improved HOLD IT.

The rules are simple:

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