- 2026 eChallengeCoin

the continuing Adventures of Sara Cladlow

Hi, I’m Sara Cladlow. For the past 6 years I’ve been a social consultant in the Washington, DC area. I have met some truly unique people along the way and they have opened so many doors for me. But now it's time for something completely different.

I am teaming up with Tod Troche and Lory Ester to form T.E.C.!

Together, we take on challenges across the globe. If something (or someone) important is lost or stolen and traditional solutions won’t work, that is where you will find us.

2026 eChallengeCoin Front

2026 eChallengeCoin Back

2026 eChallengeCoin Edge

2026 eChallengeCoin Case

Sara and the Missing Artifacts

More About the 2026 eChallengeCoin

The Challenge

Something isn't right at the British Museum. Artifacts have gone missing. The museum curator suspects foul play. The artifacts were scheduled to be returned to their origin countries but wispers were heard from those who still upheld the existence of the 'British Empire'.

Sara and the TEC Team (Tod Troche, Lory Ester, and Sara Cladlow) are on the case!

Introducing 'Sara and the Missing Artifacts' - the all new 2026 eChallengeCoin text adventure game!

What's New

The 2026 eChallengeCoin is a limited edition release.

This eChallengeCoin can be enjoyed two ways: as a text adventure game and as a CircuitPython development platform!

The 2026 eChallengeCoin has one big honkin' touch pad. It is not used for the text adventure game. It is provided for use with CircuitPython. There are also three groups of Neopixels distributed around the perimeter and a small speaker.

There is no battery this year. The 2026 eChallengeCoin is very much a 'coin' when not connected to a computer.

The driving force behind the design of the 2026 eChallengeCoin is was 'keeps the costs down' while also supporting both a full text adventure game ... and CircuitPython. Then came the idea of making a brass eChallengeCoin. At that point, artistic license trumped frugality.

Whereas prior eChallengeCoins weighted 12-15 grams, the addition of brass gives the 2026 entry an absolutely wonder feel, weighing in at 46 grams.

The 2026 eChallengeCoin is priceless ... by which we mean you can not buy one. The plan is for 40 brass 2026 eChallengeCoins to be made. Demand for eChallengeCoins has waned over recent years and these take a lot more labor to create. If you want to insure you get one, read the next section on philanthropy.

The text adventure game - Sara and the Missing Artifacts - is accessed using terminal software and the eChallengeCoin has a Micro-USB connector. As soon as it is connected to the computer with a USB cable, it presents as a serial device. And, since its is easy to install new firmware, the hardware will support our other text adventure games.

The 2026 eChallengeCoin is CirCuitPython compatible. Once you have completed the text adventure game, the eChallengeCoin is great for creating a one-button macropad! Visit CircuitPython.org for the latest firmware build specifically for the eChallengeCoin. Then check out the many learning guides published by Adafruit.

Philanthropy

Now, you are asking, 'If the 2026 eChallengeCoin is not for sale, then how do I get one?' The answer is, these will be given as gifts for those who's deeds promote STEM and technical skills in our youth. Specifically, a $100 (or greater) confirmed donation to a public charity of your choosing which provides STEM education opportunities to youth. When asked, just present a screen shot or digital receipt and you will be granted one 2026 eChallengeCoin. These will be available in-person and available within the USA by postal mail. For those seeking the 2026 eChallengeCoin by post, reach out to 'bradanlane' via X/twitter, BlueSky, or Discord (links at the bottom of the page)

What donations qualify?

If you are unsure if a donation qualifies, then ask the most important question, 'Is the charity or program for youth?'. There are lots of worthy charities. The priority of this campaign is for young people (eg around ages 7-19). The second question is 'Does the charity or program provide education and opportunities related to science, technology, engineering, or maths?'. Some examples in this space include robotics, computer skills, maker space programs, wood working, soldering, and even puzzle making.

Ideally the donation is going to a public charity. However, we know some community programs are not 501(c)(3). If they are doing good work and not focused on profit, then we leave that decision up to you.

BTW: The remaining 2025 eChallengeCoins will also be available in similar fashion for a $50 (or greater) donation.

And that is not the only philanthropic element of the 2026 eChallengeCoin!

The first 20 recipients of a 2026 eChallengeCoin will get something a little extra special. While the engraving process of the brass faces has been done by Bradán Lane STUDIO, 20 sets of brass blanks were created by a group of students from a local high school engineering program.

The students acted as a bespoke manufacturing team. They located materials, performed design, and established testing and quality control processes. Then they submitted a formal quote. Once approved, they manufactured the brass blanks under the supervision of their instructor.

The students (actually the school) received payment when the order was successfully completed. This provided the students with real world experience in manufacturing as well as entrepreneurship.

One student noted, 'I had not expected manufacturing to strict tolerances to be so challenging.' All of the students said they hope this type of project can be done with future classes.