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Makers Camp: Make Some Noise!
Build upcycled motorized music machines! Kids turn recycled items into automated rhythms and instruments in this creative, hands-on summer camp.
About the Camp
Upcycled Motorized Music Machines
What’s noise? What’s music? Let’s explore how we can make automated rhythms and melodies with items diverted from the landfill! You don’t need to be a musician; if you’ve ever noticed how a plastic bottle sounds when you crinkle it, or been fascinated by the sound of a plastic tube when you slap it, or noticed the spokes on a bike can make different notes, this camp is for you. We’ll combine stuff we bring from home with some supplies provided by Mr. V and we’ll build art that creates “soundscapes,” musical automata, or weird instruments that no one has invented yet!
Our summer camps provide hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Engaging in artistic activities allows children to express themselves in unique ways, boosting their confidence and emotional intelligence. Our experienced instructors offer a supportive and engaging space where all children can discover their passions, build lifelong friendships, and develop a sense of belonging. Not to mention, our summer camps are fun!
Snacks will be provided every day, but children are expected to come with their own lunches and beverage (or water bottle) each day.
Camps at the Center
Our summer camps provide hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Engaging in artistic activities allows children to express themselves in unique ways, boosting their confidence and emotional intelligence. Our experienced instructors offer a supportive and engaging space where all children can discover their passions, build lifelong friendships, and develop a sense of belonging. Not to mention, our summer camps are fun!
What to bring
- A water bottle or other beverage each day
- Their own lunch each day
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Their curiosity
What we provide
- Snacks & Water each day
- All supplies & Materials
- A safe learning environment
Optional Early Drop-Off
We are offering parents the option to drop their children off for camp at 9 AM rather than 10 AM.
You will be asked if you are interested during the registration check-out.
Early Drop-off is an additional $25 charge for the week of camps.
We will accept your payment in person on the Monday the same week as camp.
About your Instructor
Robert Van de Walle
Mr. van de Walle made his first mobile at age 4 using a coat hanger, paper, glue and crayons. His most recent creation is an award winning collaborative work called Trashlantis, a human-powered amphibious pedal car decorated as the lost city of trash found beneath the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. In the years between, he studied engineering and art, raised a family, studied facilitation and communication, and eventually found his own path towards environmental activism. He’s worked with youth his entire life.
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Makers Camp: Make Some Noise!
Build upcycled motorized music machines! Kids turn recycled items into automated rhythms and instruments in this creative, hands-on summer camp.
Schedule
Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17, 2026
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Optional:
9 AM Early Drop-off available. Learn More.
This Session
Monday, July 13, 2026 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14Registration
Registration Cost
$375
