The Village | Camp | Thrill Builders Engineering (Jul 13–17, 2026)
Roller Coaster Engineering Camp: Where Creativity Meets Gravity!
About the Class
Session 2: July 13-17, 2026 Welcome to the Thrill Builders Academy, where young engineers design the rides of the future! In this high-energy STEAM camp, kids explore the science of speed, loops, and motion as they design, build, and test their very own marble roller coasters. Through hands-on construction, team challenges, and real design testing, campers learn how gravity, friction, and momentum combine to create thrilling rides. Then — the future of engineering meets imagination! Using our Oculus Rift virtual reality lab, campers experience roller coasters in stunning 3D, comparing digital design with their own handmade models. The week ends with our Theme Park Expo, where families tour a kid-created amusement park and celebrate each child’s engineering achievement. It’s part science lab, part theme park, and 100% unforgettable fun. Details & Logistics: We have a very low camper to staff ratio. Our camps feature plenty of outdoor time, lunch, play and field games at Littlejohn Park. Our camps are for ages: 4 (entering K) to 11 Drop Off: 8:45–9:00am | Pick Up: 4:00pm Extended Care Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm Food: Bring a labeled water bottle, two hearty snacks, and a nut-free lunch. Discounts: Members - please contact us for your discount code. Please use code “Siblings10” for a 10% discount on the 2nd child. ________________________________________ Daily Highlights Monday – Motion Lab: The Physics of Fun Build and test your first coasters! Explore how height and speed work together to make the perfect drop. Focus: Gravity, force, motion. Tuesday – Loop Lab: Designing for Thrill Add loops, curves, and spirals! Discover how energy moves through twists and turns. Focus: Kinetic & potential energy. Wednesday – Safety Lab: Build, Test, Redesign Be a coaster engineer! Strengthen supports, reduce friction, and make smoother, safer rides. Focus: Friction, stability, redesign. Thursday – Innovation Lab: Virtual Design & Simulation Experience roller coasters in virtual reality with the Oculus Rift! Compare real and digital rides — then add creative themes and decorations to your own. Focus: Digital design, comparison, creativity. Friday – Park Launch Day: Theme Park Expo! Invite families to the grand opening of your Thrill Builders Theme Park! Showcase your coasters, test your tracks, and earn your Master Builder Certificate. Focus: Presentation, teamwork, celebration. Transfers are one-time and must be into a camp starting within 90 days of this one. See our Program Policies.
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
VKC Fair + Flexible Cancellation Policy We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both our campers and our organization. 2026–27 School Year Camp Policy 60 Days or More Before Camp Start Date 100% refundable, minus a 3% payment-processing fee. No cancellation fee — book early, risk-free! 45–59 Days Before Camp Start Date Refunds are available, less a $50 cancellation fee and a 3% payment-processing fee. Transfers to another week or camper are allowed at no charge, if space permits. Less Than 45 Days Before Camp Start Date No refunds will be issued. You may transfer your registration to another student or camp week for a $25 transfer fee, space permitting. Summer 2026 Camp Policy (for camps running June–August 2026) After May 1, 2026: No refunds. You may transfer your registration to another student or camp week for a $25 transfer fee, space permitting. Transfer Terms (All Camps) Transfers are one-time: each registration may be transferred once. After a transfer, standard cancellation terms apply to any further change. Transfers must stay within a 90-day window: the camp you transfer into must start within 90 days of your original camp's start date. Transfers into a camp outside that window — for example, from a summer week into a fall, winter, or spring camp — are not available. Transfers may be to another week, camper, or family when the 90-day window and one-transfer limit are met, space permitting. The standard $25 per-child transfer fee applies (members: see below). Differences in Tuition If you transfer into a higher-priced camp, the tuition difference will be charged at the time of transfer. If you move into a lower-priced camp, the difference will be refunded (less applicable processing fees) or credited toward a future VKC program. Member Benefit Members may transfer or switch camps free of charge up to 10 days before the camp start date. Our Promise We want your child to have a wonderful camp experience — and we'll always do our best to accommodate changes with kindness and flexibility. If you need to adjust plans, just reach out early and we'll help find the best option.
Contact Details
The Village Kids’ Club, Lincoln Avenue, Alameda, CA, USA
info@thevillagekidsclub.org
