CAMDEN—In preparation for the fourth annual Mini Maker Faire, Charley Lind has been like a kid again, constructing handcrafted slingshots out of wood with his three boys, 17, 14 and 11.

This will be Lind’s fifth time at a Maker Fair around the state of Maine. “In the past I presented a variety of projects: 3-D printed items; foam airplanes, using a design I created; and giant bubbles—we’re talking six to 15-feet across!—using my own bubble recipe formula and huge handmade bubble wands. Each time is different, but I try to steal the show the best I can,” he said with a laugh.

Makers like Lind all over the Midcoast are part of a contemporary subculture that love to create physical objects in their spare time such as electronics or robotics, as well as metalworking, woodworking and arts. Most makers learn new skills or about new projects from websites and YouTube, which is what inspired Lind on this latest slingshot design.

“My boys are fascinated by certain other makers’ and inventors’ YouTube videos, such as those created by kipkay, Grant Thompson -‘The King of Random,’ and Joerg Sprave of The Slingshot Channel,” he said. “They watch videos of these guys making incredible stuff out of household items. Unlike Myth Busters, which suggests ‘Don’t try this at home,’ these makers are saying ‘Try this at home.’”

The experience is more than just a hobby said Lind. “Watching these YouTube maker videos with my boys has been a new way to connect with them.  Actually building some of the contraptions has inspired them to become makers, too.”

Lind’s slingshots will be in a special area designated for practice and demonstration in the Camden Amphitheatre. “The organizers have put some special thought into this and the projectiles will be marshmallows. That’s the safest ammo I can imagine,” he said. "The slingshot the participants can use is sort of like an overpowered Angry Bird version. I will have other slingshots on display that are the typical letter-Y shape. I’ll also demonstrate the larger, more dangerous slingshot.” See his Facebook video demonstration.

The Midcoast Mini Maker Faire takes place on Saturday, September 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Camden Amphitheatre and in and around the Camden Public Library. Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers all ages and backgrounds. The public can expect to make a water piano, learn to code, build underwater marine sensors and virtual reality headsets, and meet a replica of R2-D2 from Star Wars. With more than 20 makers presenting, people will be able to witness mandala stones, animation, yarn, tatted lace, tintype photos, found object sculptures, drone photography, and even homemade slime. This annual event is a collaboration between the Camden Public Library, Midcoast Magnet, and the Steel House. Admission is by suggested donation of $2/person and $5/family. For more information visit midcoastmakerfaire.com.

Photos courtesy Charley Lind

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com