Why should I request a Chaos Tower?

If you have an After School Zone or a space where you can put the kit out and keep an eye on the pieces, I'd highly encourage you to request a Chaos Tower.  These kits contain so many pieces that they can be somewhat intimidating but are actually very easy to use, since there's not a wrong way to build!

During Camp HoUSton, we set put out the Chaos Tower kit in the teen room and worked on it off and on all week. It's a great kit to have as an option when participants are rotating activities. Teens tested different combinations of challenges for the marble, troubleshooted when the course didn't work the way that was planned and generally had a great time playing with this kit.  Up to 4 people can comfortably work on a Chaos Tower at one time and there's really not a wrong way to build it.  The kit comes with a set of instructions, but teens can build any kind of tower they like.

Building instruction videos can be found here.

Learning with littleBits

Here's why you should use littleBits (we have 3 kits!)

What are littleBits?
"littleBits is a platform of easy-to-use electronic building blocks that empower you to invent anything, from your own remote controlled car, to a smart home device. The Bits snap together with magnets, no soldering, no wiring, no programming needed!"

What can you make with littleBits?
The possibilities are endless! Check out some of people's creations here.

How do littleBits work?
They're really easy!  These circuits can be used with ages 8+. Check out a "how to" here.

New VRR kits-what books would you like to see?

As mentioned in a previous post, I am currently working on creating some new VRR-style kits!

I've been reading the kit surveys for your ideas, and I'm currently working on some new themes, including seasonal and holiday themes (as those seemed to be the most requested).

Here's are 3 questions for you to answer:

1. What book would you most like to see in a new VRR kit?
2. What would that kit be called (it could be something as simple as "Summer" or you could be even more creative!)
3. What age group is the kit for (babies, toddlers, or preschoolers?)

The book(s) you select may appear in one of the new kits (if they are still in print!) Make your voice heard, answer the 3 questions in the comments (*don't forget to put your name and location) and I'll give you a prize at the next Youth Meeting!

Kits are now LIVE

The first round of Youth Services Kits are now live

 and ready to be reserved!

This means that you can request:
After School Zone Kits
Craft Kits
Science Experiment Kits*
Very Ready Reading Kits

A total of 30 ASZ, Craft, and SE Kits are currently available and more will be rolling out as we received ordered materials.  These kits must be reserved at least four weeks in advance; the earlier you get your request in the better chance you have of getting the requested kit.  HPL Communications is requiring programs to be planned four months in advance, so you should know when you'll need a kit well before the minimum request window.  *At this time only official ASZ locations can request Science Experiment Kits.

From the "Kits" page of the YS Blog, you can access:

• Kit Request links
• Kit Indexes including age, group size and kit description
• Kit Guidelines for Use

Stay tuned for posts on new kits!

- Rebecca