Boise LEGO group inspires STEM learning and community building brick by brick

Greg Fastabend launched IdahoLUG in 2004 with the goal of finding and connecting with other LEGO enthusiasts. Today, it has grown into something that he never could have imagined, with nearly 1,500 members who all love and enjoy the same creative hobby.

“Originally created as a way for local builders, collectors and hobbyists to connect, IdahoLUG quickly evolved into a thriving organization focused on creativity, education and community engagement through LEGO building,” Fastabend said. “Members from across Idaho now gather monthly to share techniques, collaborate on large-scale projects, plan public exhibitions and inspire one another through hands-on creativity.”

The organization is now recognized as an official LEGO User Group (LUG) by the LEGO Group, allowing members to participate in sponsored activities, collaborative builds and special opportunities with the company.

“That recognition has helped the organization expand its outreach and take on increasingly ambitious community and display projects,” Fastabend said.

Members regularly participate in numerous school programs, library displays, community exhibitions and STEM events across the GEM State and other neighboring regions. IdahoLUG also hosts an annual signature exhibition called MOCFEST in Boise. “MOC” which stands for “my own creation” is a term used often in the LEGO builder community and describes original designs without following official instructions. This year’s June event is expected to feature more than 50 local builders and hundreds of original LEGO creations.

“MOCFEST celebrates that spirit of imagination and innovation by showcasing custom creations from local builders of all ages and skill levels,” Fastabend said.

While there have been many fun and unique IdahoLUG projects over the years, Fastabend said that one of its most ambitious and memorable projects began in October 2022 when the organization was selected by the LEGO Group and Disney from among hundreds of LEGO User Groups worldwide to create a massive LEGO recreation of the planet Pandora from the “Avatar” film series.

The project involved months of planning, digital CAD modeling, prototype development and builder coordination. LEGO provided eight pallets of bricks to support the effort and over the course of three months, more than 100 volunteer builders worked nights and weekends at Bricks & Minifigs Boise to complete it. Other members built from home and local students and library LEGO groups also contributed to portions of the display. The final product contains more than 1 million LEGO elements and represents over 3,000 volunteer work hours. It has been featured on television, in magazines and across social media, and has toured events throughout the western United States.

Membership for IdahoLUG is free and open to anyone who’s interested in LEGO building, collecting, STEM learning or creative collaboration. It’s supported through its nonprofit organization, ILUG LLC, which is funded solely through donations and support from local businesses, community partners and individual supporters. Funding supports its mission of promoting creativity, engineering, artistic expression and problem-solving skills, and aids in supporting outreach efforts to local schools, libraries and other STEM-focused events. In the past year, IdahoLUG members have participated in a variety of events, including Gem State Comic Con, Hackfort, Witches Night Out and Ontario Festival of Trees.

“At its core, IdahoLUG is about far more than LEGO bricks,” Fastabend said. “The organization exists to foster creativity, friendship, learning and community through collaborative building experiences that inspire people of all ages.”
IdahoLUG’s commitment to the community and fostering an interest in STEM-related education bodes well for the state’s increase for in-demand STEM careers. Dr. Angela Hemingway, CEO of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council and advocate for STEM education, explained Idaho’s economy is uniquely diverse and STEM shows up in more places than people often expect.

“Attraction and retention start early,” she said. “Our youth need exposure to the full range of opportunities available to them in Idaho. It’s also important to broaden how we define STEM. Many people think only of it as science, technology, engineering and math, but STEM also includes agriculture and food systems, health care and medical science, finance and data-driven industries, energy and environmental systems, and many apprenticeship programs that are STEM-focused. STEM careers offer not only meaningful work, but also strong earning potential and financial stability. STEM is more than you might think, with opportunities across so many fields so be open to exploring what resonates with you.”

Sometimes, a love for STEM starts with a mentor inspiring someone to pursue a path that leads to a rewarding career. Other times that passion is lit with a simple LEGO creation that gets the creative juices flowing.

“Whether someone is an experienced builder, a parent introducing LEGO to their children, or simply someone looking for a creative and welcoming community, IdahoLUG provides opportunities to learn, create, volunteer and connect with others who share a passion for imagination and innovation.”