Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio
Design and build virtual roller coasters, learning physics and engineering concepts in a top university setting.
▌ Editor's read The Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio camp is a day program focusing on STEM education, specifically engineering and physics through roller coaster design. The website states that Lavner Camps has been operating for 23 years, founded by Michael Lavner. They explicitly mention that all staff undergo background checks and are experienced professionals. The camp is not listed in the ACA directory. Google reviews for 'Lavner Camps' generally show a rating of 4.5 stars from over 1,000 reviews, with many parents praising the engaging curriculum and knowledgeable instructors. The program utilizes software like RollerCoaster Tycoon and physical model building to teach concepts. The camp is held at UCLA, providing a university setting for participants.
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Since 200323+ years operating
Who thrives here Ages 6–9
Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given science/tech program.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Day camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 2003 (23 years)
- Operator
- Private business
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Science/Tech
- Ages: 6–9
- Hours: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
- Address: UCLA – 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Phone: (310) 988-2968
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: $899/week. Early bird and multi-week discounts available.
↗ What parents like
- Project-based learning
- Take-home project
- Prestigious location
↘ Watch for
- High cost
- Limited age range
Logistics
- Lunch provided: Yes
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: indoor
Frequently asked about Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio
- What ages does Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio accept?
- Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio is open to children ages 6–9. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio cost?
- Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio publishes $899/week for the standard session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio's hours?
- Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio runs 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio?
- Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio is operated by a private business, with 23 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio provide lunch?
- Yes — Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
- Does Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio offer extended care?
- Yes — Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio offers extended care (8:00-9:00 AM ($10/day) and 3:00-5:45 PM ($28/day)). Extended care is usually billed separately from the core session; ask whether single-day drop-in is allowed or if it requires a full-week commitment.
- How does Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio compare to other science/tech camps in Los Angeles?
- Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio is one of 525 science/tech camps in Los Angeles that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Lavner UCLA: Roller Coaster Design Studio with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- STEM summer camps guide · Compare projects, staff fit, and age-readiness signals.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
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