Name: Pixel Racers: Build Your Own Time?Trial-6/29/2026 - 7/3/2026 | Ages 6-12 | Blue Ridge Boost
SKU: SUMMER26-CODECRAFT-W5-26
Price: 509.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Pixel Racers: Build Your Own Time-Trial

Pixel Racers: Build Your Own Time‑Trial Game

Parents: In 5 days, each child designs a simple, playable time‑trial racing game from scratch. Short, scaffolded tasks introduce sequencing, loops, variables, and basic conditionals. Built‑in “Try This First” and “Level Up” tracks support both beginners and kids with prior experience.

Kids: Make your very own Racing Challenge! Your Agent helps lay tracks, lights, and checkpoints. By Day 5, you’ll start your engine, chase the clock, and share your fastest lap!

Project Model

Every student creates a personal “Agent Speedway” in a private plot. Daily features stack to form a complete time‑trial game—track pieces, checkpoints, lap timer, and a start/reset flow. Helpers are welcome for ideas, but each world and code is your own.

Daily Structure

4 one‑hour sessions per day (S1–S4)
Individual worlds, individual code; optional 5‑minute neighbor check‑ins for ideas
Differentiation: “Try This First” + “Level Up” tasks each session

Day 1: Start Your Engines — Events, Sequencing, Loops

Outcomes: Open Code Builder, use on‑chat events, sequence steps, repeat actions, move/place with the Agent.

S1 Welcome + Tour Activities: Learn controls; open Code Builder (Blocks); run “on start.” Mini‑task: Agent forward 3, turn right, place a marker cone. Words: event, sequence, loop, Agent.
S2 Track Pads with Loops Activities: Use a repeat loop to lay a 5×5 asphalt pad. Challenge: Checkerboard pit area. Level Up: Nested loop for a short straightaway.
S3 Make a Command Activities: Create buildBarrier(length, blockType) and place side rails along your straight. Debug with chat prints.
S4 Mini‑Showcase Activities: 1‑minute solo demo of your “/buildStraight.” Reflect: What did loops save you?

Level Up (advanced): Chat input for straight length; try Python for the move/place routine.

Day 2: Corners and Coordinates — Variables, If/Else

Outcomes: Read XYZ, use a size variable, make choices with if/else.

S1 Coordinate Hunt Activities: Teleport to markers; place a flag at your player position; torch 5 blocks north.
S2 Adjustable Turns Activities: Variable r sets a 90° corner radius with staggered pads. Test r=2,3,4. Challenge: Choose block via chat.
S3 Guard Rails Activities: If edge is air, place rail; else move along. Build rails around your new corner.
S4 Debug + Share Activities: Fix wrong axis/off‑by‑one/facing bugs; 30‑second solo demo.

Level Up (advanced): Diagonal chicanes with simple vectors; validate r (min/max).

Day 3: Style and Variety — Arrays and Random

Outcomes: Create patterns with lists; add variety with random.

S1 Track Textures Activities: List of blocks [asphalt, asphalt, stripes, stripes]; lay a patterned lane.
S2 Fun Extras Activities: Randomize decorative banners or lights along the straight. Extension: Weighted randoms for rare “gold” lights.
S3 Event Magic Activities: On chat “lights,” place lanterns near checkpoints; on item used, Agent comes to you.
S4 Clean Code + Test Activities: Self‑test checklist; invite one neighbor to try “/buildCorner” for 2 minutes.

Level Up (advanced): Seeded randomness; save/load pattern lists.

Day 4: Checkpoints and Lap Timer — Core Game Mechanics

Outcomes: Add checkpoints, a lap timer, and start/reset flow—individually.

S1 Checkpoint Plates Activities: Agent places a plate + lamp; “checkpoint lights up” when crossed.
S2 Lap Timer Activities: Start countdown on “/race”; track elapsed time between Start and Finish; show best lap in chat.
S3 Build the Circuit Activities: Combine straights and corners into a loop; place 2–3 checkpoints.
S4 Playtest Activities: Two solo laps; adjust spacing/speeds using variables.

Level Up (advanced): Penalty if a checkpoint is skipped; store top‑3 times in a list.

Day 5: Finish and Share — Time‑Trial Showcase

Outcomes: Each student completes a unique track with start/reset commands, lap timing, and a short presentation.

S1 Plan Final Touches Activities: Pick personal features; checklist review (start, reset, 2+ checkpoints, timer, best lap).
S2 Build + Code Activities: Add “/startRace” and “/resetRace”; tidy names/comments.
S3 Practice + Polish Activities: Test for gaps; simplify loops; add a help chat command.
S4 Showcase! Activities: 1–2 minute solo demo; share fastest lap; celebrate with badges (Loop Legend, Timing Ace, Track Designer).

Level Up (advanced): Optional Python refactor of lap logic; “difficulty” variable that narrows lanes slightly.

Why Families Love This

For Parents: Clear individual progress and a finished, personal game in 5 days.
For Kids: It’s your speedway—design it, code it, race it, and show it off!

Camp Essentials

Ages: 6 to 12 years old.
Dates: Monday, 6/29/2026 to Friday, 7/3/2026
Times:
- Full-Day,8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- AM, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- PM, 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: 2171 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
What to Bring: Water bottle, lunch, and one or two light snacks.
Video gaming: Allowed with parent permission during Exploration Time
Tech Provided: Computers and robotics kits (for in‑camp use only; equipment stays with us).
Skill Level: Beginners welcome; no prior coding experience required
Dress Code: Comfortable clothes; indoor‑friendly shoes
Contact: camps@yblueridgeboost.com • (434) 260‑0636
Allergies/Medical: Share details during registration; bring any necessary meds
Behavior & Safety: Kindness first; follow staff directions; internet safety rules apply

Note: The camps listed as ages 6 to 12 will be divided by age into two groups.