Hayden S., Gifted Youth Member
Aug 28, 2025
From live animal encounters to volcano eruptions and even building a pinball machine, Spark! gave our youngest Mensans an unforgettable mix of science, creativity, and teamwork. Hayden summed it up best: “I liked everything about this year’s Spark!
"I liked everything about this year’s Spark. I liked the location and everything about the 2025 Mensa Spark. Before this, I had never gone to Chicago. I liked the live animals and the Pinball machine making challenge."
~ Hayden
Spark! is a special program at the Mensa Annual Gathering designed for gifted kids, in this case 7–9-year-olds, to dive into hands-on learning and exploration. Guided by supportive educators, participants enjoyed everything from live animal encounters with Deb the Frog Lady’s reptiles and amphibians, to a dramatic volcano experiment, and teamwork-driven STEM challenges. The day blended fun, science, and collaboration into an unforgettable experience that brought learning to life.