By Kurt Sample
The young people at the Lakewood Computer Clubhouse are hoping to create a Young Maker Faire in late-August. We hope to encourage a “summer of making” by ALL youth in Lakewood and we have developed partnerships with other youth programs in the city to make this happen.
We are hoping that you, a business leader in Lakewood, could get involved in some way.
The Make Movement is a quickly growing phenomena inspired by Make Magazine and a prominent embracing of the “do it yourself” (DIY) attitude. Maker Faires, the huge ones being in New York and the Bay Area, are best described as a giant “show and tell”, where makers can not only share what they have created but enthusiastically describe the process to other, and future makers. Because of their success, “mini” maker faires have popped up around the country and we hope to extend this experience to our youth.
Making can be anything – technology, crafts, models, virtual, electronics, wearables, gadgets, contraptions, re-purposing – you name it. The satisfaction and sharing is what makes it special. There are no winners or losers, no strict rules, because it is not a contest. The goal is to spark and celebrate creativity.
We have had one meeting already of youth program providers and they are enthusiastic. Now we need the support of the business sector to help with such things as mentors, expertise, supplies, sponsorship, participation as a make resource, and positive support to make our first maker faire a success.
Our next meeting is Friday, May 10th, 3:00-4:00 pm at Lakewood Presbyterian Church (home of the Clubhouse MakerSpace) – 8601 104th St. SW. Our goal for this meeting is to agree on a date and venue for the Maker Faire as well as draft out an initial structure.
Are you excited? If you plan on attending then please let me know so I can get enough cookies. If you can’t make it – but are still very excited, then shoot me an email so I can keep you in the loop.
Thanks for all you do to make Lakewood a great place for young people.