Summer Camp Preview: Bricks 4 Kidz, Star Wars Lego Camp

When you hear the camp instructor say, “Unfortunately we don’t have the technology to put lasers on our Speeders...although, that would be pretty cool,” you know it’s gonna be a good day at camp.

My kindergartner and I recently visited one of Bricks 4 Kidz many spring break camps. This one was themed Star Wars Lego and met at Willamalane Sports and Recreation Center. 

My little guy hummed the Star Wars theme song the whole way there. He is the kid who uses the Force to open the automatic sliding doors at Target (moms of little boys -- you know what I'm talking about). So I was quite appreciative of the Star Wars-y ambience, complete with music and a video, upon arrival.

We were greeted by Joe, one of B4K instructors in Lane County. B4K is a franchised business with a local chapter in Lane County, recently started by Zach Smith and his mother. 

Zach said, “I originally found Bricks 4 Kidz while looking for cool education programs for kids. I've always been very passionate about helping people improve their lives. Bricks 4 Kidz looked like the perfect opportunity to offer something fun and educational to make a positive impact in the community. I showed it to my mom and she fell in love with the idea too.”

B4K classes provide an extraordinary atmosphere for boys and girls, where they learn, build, and play with Lego bricks. Zach said, “I really wish I had something like this when I was a kid. It's very inspiring watching the fun and excitement among the kids while they build creativitiy and learn things that help get them ready for the real world. The kids and the teachers have a blast together which makes it very rewarding.” 
 Learn more here about B4K. In addition to spring break and summer camps, they also do a daily after-school program at a number of local schools. Check the list here.

B4K supplies tablets and project kits from which instructors can generate dozens of Lego creations. On the last day of the Star Wars Lego Camp, the students built a Speeder. They watched a two-minute video to become familiar with the concept of a Star Wars Speeder and then gathered around tables to build. ​

Joe said this was the most time-consuming and challenging project of the week but after a quick informal survey of the kids, it was also the most favorite project. Kids like a good challenge!

Students worked at different paces, those who finished first were encouraged by Joe to,  “Partner with someone and help them finish, like a good Jedi.” Once the Speeders were complete, it was time to race! ​

Besides building models, students also do mosaics using single bricks and a Lego base board and 3D figures using classic bricks.
I appreciate how B4K does not use Lego themed sets (which are no small cost and are NEVER on sale) and teaches kids concepts to use their imagination with the basic, classic Lego bricks. I also appreciate Joe’s thoughtful, conscientious instruction. He emphasized play and kept encouraging kids they could do these challenging projects on their own – even when the kids were stumped. They perservered and made it through a very tough project! 
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B4K wants GoMomGo readers to know that the program is the perfect combination of fun and educational. The hands-on building helps engage kids. In the after school classes B4K teaches concepts of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) which gives kids valuable concepts and skills that will help them later in life. They work in teams and learn to share and work together. 

GOMOMGO DISCOUNT!!
Zach and B4K are happy to offer a summer camp discount to GoMomGo readers. Please call 541-600-6614, mention GoMomGo and receive $25 off a summer camp!
Summer is coming soon! Make sure you check our summer camp page to start planning and stay tuned for our next Summer Camp feature with Old School Eugene!