Code on Wheels: Video Game Creation After-School Coding Program – Grand Rapids, MI
Code on Wheels: Introduction to Programming is a four-week after-school coding program for kids ages 8–12 at the David D. Hunting YMCA in Grand Rapids. Developed by Code on Wheels, a local nonprofit working to broaden access to tech education, the program teaches programming fundamentals through video game creation using GDevelop, a visual game-development platform.
Each Wednesday session builds on the previous week, so students move from basic concepts to more complex game mechanics over the course of the month. No prior coding experience is required.
Program Details
Status: Available
Last reviewed by Michigan STEAM Kids: April 6, 2026
Program name: Code on Wheels: Introduction to Programming
Ages served: 8-12
Program type: After-school coding program
Focus areas: Programming fundamentals, video game design, logical reasoning, problem-solving
Format: In-person
Pricing: $125 (YMCA members) | $200 (non-members)
Date and time: May 6 – May 27, 2026 (Wednesdays) | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (2 hours)
Location:
David D. Hunting YMCA
475 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Program Overview
Most kids play video games. This program puts them on the other side of the screen.
Over four Wednesday afternoons, students use GDevelop — a free, open-source game engine built around visual event logic rather than typed code — to design, build, and test their own playable games. That distinction matters for this age group: instead of memorizing syntax, kids work with a drag-and-drop event system that makes programming concepts visible and concrete. They can see how a conditional statement controls whether a character jumps, or how a loop drives a scoring mechanism, without getting stuck on semicolons and brackets.
Sessions are structured progressively. The first week covers basic movement and game objects; by the final session, students are layering in scoring systems, collision detection, and simple game physics. Because each week’s project carries forward, kids experience what iterative development actually feels like — building, testing, breaking things, and fixing them.
The program is taught by instructors from Code on Wheels, a Grand Rapids nonprofit that partners with the YMCA to deliver its curriculum. Class size is capped at 10 students, which keeps the ratio small enough for individualized support.
Learning Focus & Skills Developed
Programming logic: sequencing, conditionals, loops, and event-driven design
Video game design principles and interactive storytelling
Iterative development: building, testing, debugging, and refining
Problem-solving through hands-on creative projects
Introduction to GDevelop as a game-development tool
Who This Program Is Best For
Kids who want to make games, not just play them
Beginners with no prior coding experience
Students who learn best by building something tangible
Families looking for structured after-school STEM enrichment in Grand Rapids
About the Provider
This program is a partnership between two organizations. Code on Wheels is a Grand Rapids–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded to close the diversity gap in the technology industry. The organization brings coding instruction to communities that have historically had limited access to tech education, with a curriculum designed around hands-on, project-based learning. Code on Wheels develops the content and provides instructors; the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids provides the facilities, registration infrastructure, and community reach.
The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a nonprofit with multiple locations across West Michigan, serving families through youth development, wellness, and enrichment programming. Its STEAM offerings are part of a broader commitment to making educational opportunities accessible through sliding-scale pricing and financial assistance.
Program Location & Local Context
Sessions take place at the David D. Hunting YMCA on Lake Michigan Drive NW, on the west side of Grand Rapids near the intersection with Covell Avenue. The facility is well-known to families in the area and sits within a short drive of several elementary and middle schools on the city’s west side. For families in Grandville, Walker, or Standale, it’s a practical after-school option that doesn’t require crossing downtown.
Grand Rapids has a growing ecosystem of youth-oriented tech programs, but most are concentrated in summer camp formats. This after-school session fills a gap for families who want consistent weekly enrichment during the school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids actually build their own video games?
Yes. Students use GDevelop to create playable games from scratch. By the end of the four weeks, each participant will have built a working game with movement, interactions, and scoring.
Does my child need coding experience to participate?
No. The program is designed for beginners. GDevelop uses a visual event system rather than typed code, so kids can focus on logic and design without needing to know a programming language.
What is the difference between the member and non-member price?
YMCA members pay $125; non-members pay $200. The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids also offers financial assistance for families who need it.
How many students are in each session?
The class is capped at 10 students, allowing for individualized attention from the Code on Wheels instructors.
When is the registration deadline?
Registration closes on May 6, 2026, the first day of the session. Online and in-person registration are both available through the YMCA.
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