Berkeley Parents Network: Camp Galileo (Bay Area, CA)

Berkeley Parents Network

Camp Galileo (Bay Area, CA)

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Summer Camps & School Breaks > Camp Galileo (Bay Area, CA)

http://www.campgalileo.com/

August 2009

Re: your summer camp experience?

I've had my daughter (now 8) in Sarah Science and Galileo. I really liked both. Loved Sarah Science in the Berkeley hills with the trees and classic, natural camp setting. The counselors had great energy and warmth which was good for my then shy 6-yr-old. It's a bit of a trip going up to Tilden, but an amazing setting. You can also do it in Oakland. Also Loved Galileo (and hear people rave about it). Went to the one in Orinda, which is near the first exit after the tunnel, and maybe gets hotter in summer than Rockridge(?), but the Rockridge site books up quickly. The Galileo counselors are even more pumped up about the science and they greet you with funny hats every morning, which I liked (not sure if my daughter did as much). My daughter had good friends there, so liked it even more. I'm planning to sign both my kids up next year. My friend sent her daughter (8 yrs) to Camp Szofim, and she loved it, which was unexpected bc she usually likes staying at home. If I were you, I would also look into the Lawrence Hall of Science camps, which are really well done and focus on animals and dinosaurs, etc., as well as science, and you get to take advantage of the museum (as well as a discount if you're already members.) They're perfect for 6 yr olds.

August 2009

Re: your summer camp experience?

My children have been to Sarah's Science, Tzofim and Galileo. All three are excellent camps!

For the first time ever, I have all three kids at one camp - Tzofim - and they are all having a great time (ages 10, 10 and 6)! The camp is set up to really engage each grade level. The camp offers tons of exciting fieldtrips, small group sizes and wonderfully warm counselors. The kids come home singing camp jingles, with a dozen freindship bracelets on their wrists and a list of buddies that they want playdates with asap. The older kids have overnight camping trips.

Sarah's Science is another fantastic camp! The hands-on science projects are top-rate and worth keeping in the house! Sarah's Science also offers ''Bug of the Month Club'' throughout the school year -- highly recommended!

Galileo, another great camp with an impressive ''curriculum'' and excellent staff. mm

April 2009

Camp Galileo is Top of the Line!!
I highly recommend Camp Galileo in El Cerrito, held on the campus of Prospect-Sierra Elementary School. My son has attended summer camp there for 3 years, K-2, and loved it. I'm most impressed by the quality of the staff - no lazy uninterested slackers here, but rather empathetic, interested, lively college-material young men & women, who really enjoy kids & have been very well trained how to teach in a fun & respectful manner. The curriculum is fantastic too - 3 subjects: Science, Art & Outdoor Games - all of them presented so interestingly that the kids hardly know they are learning & exercising. The Camp Director, a smart & caring young African- American man, and some of the staff, have been there all 3 years the camp has been open. You can enroll for just a week or for the whole summer. Call 800-854-3684 or go to campgalileo.com. And no, I really don't work for Camp G!!! Nor did I get a discount. They are just good. Cass

Feb 2009

Our son has been attending Camp Galileo summer day camp www.galileo-learning.com in Oakland for the past four years, and it's been a great experience. Their diverse group of camp counselors is absolutely the best and brightest around. They're warm, engaged, talented, supportive and a ton of fun. You can tell they love what they're doing, and it rubs off on every kid. Miles of smiles at Galileo. Second, Galileo's vision of combining art, science and play is exceptional, and incredibly effective. Our son loves to talk about the bridges they built and tested, the wild experiments they did, the sculptures they made and the new games they played. As a parent, I admire how Galileo has nurtured his love of learning and creativity. They make learning fun, and having fun the best way to learn. And one more important observation - our son started out as a Galileo "Star" (1st/2nd grade) and is now a "Supernova" (4th/5th grade). And because Galileo gives their older campers bigger challenges, more complex projects and tools, and treats them like the "big kids" they are, the program remains exciting and rewarding for him. Supernovas are treated with a special regard, but also nurtured to be respectful leaders. Another important experience for 9 and 10 year olds. OK, end of rave. But YAY for Galileo! - happy campers

March 2008

If you haven't started thinking about summer camp already, I would highly recommend Camp Galileo. My sons have really enjoyed it in summers past, and I think it has a great philosophy. Not only that, but it is close and wonderfully easy to get to! Each session has a different science/art theme, and if you sign up before the end of Feb, you get a $20 discount per session. The staff is exerienced, enthusiastic and inspiring for the little campers. It'd definitely a cut above. Sally in Upper Rockridge

Feb 2008

My son, now in second grade, has attended Camp Galileo in Oakland for the past two years. He warmed up to the camp staff and kids quickly and looked forward to each day. There is a great combination of art and physical activities. The organization maintains the highest standards for combining fun, and learning while providing a safe and secure environment. We are so pleased with Camp Galileo, we are looking forward to sending our youngest son who is entering kindergarten this fall and he is already looking forward to his own ''Camp G'' experience. Kelly

Feb 2008

We are considering Camp Edventure More in Moraga versus Camp Galileo in Lafayette this summer for my 6 and 8 yr old kids. I've seen alot of reviews on Camp Galileo, but none for Edventure More, and would love some feedback. They both sound like they have similar programs that feature science and art, but Edventure More is closer to us and even provides lunch which is sounding pretty attractive (that extra 5 mins to sleep in!) Would love any feedback if your kids have attended either one or both. Thanks! Never too early to think about camp
Hello Kelly....I am sitting with my 11.5 year old twins and my 8 year old son who want to answer this post. They have each attended Camp Galileo for three sessions each over the past two years, and also went to Edmore last summer. There is NO comparison!!

First from the blond twin: Camp Galileo was FUN! At Camp G we get to do fun activities and make new friends.

Now from the brunette twin: The up side of Edmore was the good tasting lunches. The Camp Galileo staff is SOO enthusiastic and you can tell they are glad to be there.

The 8 year old says, Camp Galileo is a blast!

Now from me, the mom: Camp G has been running their program longer than Edmo. Camp G has been around since 2002, and now have 19 locations; Edmo has been running since 2004 and only has 7 locations

There is a better separation of ages. For example, the kindergarteners at Camp G are separate and the other kids are grouped in smaller age ranges (1st-2nd grade together and 3rd-5th together) Edmo groups K-2 together, and 3-5 together. But the week we were there (at Edmore), there were so few campers my then 10 year olds were with 6 year olds!

Galileo has weekly art and science themes, and also offers sub themes for each age group that create variety for returning campers and are age-appropriate for the age groups. The themes were exciting and creative. As I recall, Edmo just does weekly themes with no sub-themes. The activities and projects my sons came home with and talking about from Camp G far outshone anything they did at Edmore.

And Camp Galileo is less expensive! The value is amazing! And the staff seriously ROCKS!

Guess where we're going to camp this summer???

A happy Camp Galielo family

May 2007

Does anyone have any first hand comments on this camp? Thanks!

I sent my daughter to ''Camp G'' (that's what they call it, affectionately) last year at the El Cerrito location. It's one of the few day camps that excepts incoming Kindergartners under the age of 5. They also have a part time day (9-1 as opposed to 9-3) which appealed to me because I thought it would be a very long day for my girl. Turns out when I arrived to pick her up the first day, she didn't want to leave, so they let us try it out for a few days (pro-rated) and by the end of the week she was signed up for full days for three weeks. She LOVES the camp and can't wait to go back. We've recommended it to our friends, and now three of her friends will be joining her. Also, one thing that was nice was, being a new location, the camp was not totally full, so it wasn't too overwhelming for her. Her group consisted anywhere from 5 to 8 kids in the 3 weeks she was there. Personally, I loved the camp because I thought it was a great balance between art, science and outdoor activity. No swimming, which I didn't want anyway, but water balloons and squirt guns for hot days. The science is fantastic. And the art! Kids not normally artistic were VERY involved. The security for your child is awesome. Be sure to bring your DL every time - they won't let you take your kid out unless you have it (I had to walk back to my car numerous times!) even if they know you. Last year, my daughter's counselor's were Kindergarten teacher's, so well qualified and Jason, the camp director who is returning this year, is fabulous. My only complaint is that they don't have more themes! They repeat after three weeks, and so I don't see much point in continuing...but I'm sure my daughter wouldn't care. She was VERY disappointed when the camp ended for the summer. I'm sure your child will enjoy it!

My daughter attended two weeks of Camp Galileo last summer at the El Cerrito/Prospect Sierra location. My daughter didn't know anyone going into the camp, so she bonded more with the counselors than some of the other kids. I think they run an excellent camp, keep the kids engaged, have great projects, and I would sign her up again, BUT I gotta say the sustained high energy of the counselors first thing in the morning is a bit of shock to anyone pre-caffeine. Maybe that's just me-- I think it is very appealing to kids who are also high-energy, but might be a bit intimidating to shyer kids. anon

March 2007

I am thinking about the upcoming summer, and trying to find one camp where both my 5 (entering kindergarten) and 7 (entering 2nd grade) year olds can go. I am interested in anyone's experiences with Camp Galileo (specifically the Rockridge location), Junior Center For Art & Science, Tree Frog Treks, or Mad Science camps. I like that most of these mix science with art and outdoors experiences, and I like that they all provide flexibility with the way their sessions are structured. I would love feedback on how your children enjoyed the programs, what you thought of the staff, etc. Any information would be appreciated! mom

Hello...I, too, am in the midst of planning for summer already! Like you, I have children 2 years apart. Last summer all three (twins age 9 and younger child age 7) went to Galileo at their Bentley School location. I was HIGHLY impressed not only with the rich programming, but the level of commitment and enthusiasm displayed by all the staff. They are super energetic and get the kids excited and engaged about what they're doing. I felt my three sons were in very good hands each day I dropped them off. In fact, I was so pleased that I am now an Advisory Board member for the Lafayatte and Alamo locations, and my boys will be attending again this summer. It is one of the few day camps they attended that they still talk about. It is definitely worth checking out! The themes this year are different form last, but just as interesting. Their website is: www.campgalileo.com Good luck! Galileo Fan

Greetings, I saw your question and had to reply. Last year my son (then almost 6) went to Rockridge's Camp Galileo for one fun filled week and also to Junior Art and Science Center. Of the two, he most definitely enjoyed Camp Galileo the most. The staffers are beyond exuberant and it clearly rubs off on the campers. My son came home everyday having learned a new science project and a new art technique (he attended during Psychedelic 60's/Space Exploreres week). He wouldn't stop talking about it, so much so that I attempted to enroll him in another week, but alas they were all full. This year he will be attending weeks 2,4, and 6. He will also be going into 2nd grade in the Fall so there is a strong possibility our son's could be in the same class. I am also looking into sending my 5 year old daughter to Camp Galileo for one week. It will be her first full time camp experience, but I am sure she will love it as much as my son did.Feel free to contact me should you have any more questions. Sylvia

I can't speak to all of the camps, except for Camp Galileo. My son, who was going into kindergarten, went last year and loved it. He learned a lot, both in science and art, it was the 60s art and he'll still see art today from that time and make a comment about it! He was so excited to go everyday, which he wasn't about other camps. The staff were energized and knowledgable. I have no hesistation about recommending it. Sally

Hi, My son, now 6, attended Camp Galileo last year at the Rockridge location for one week. After our week, we really wanted to sign up for more, but couldn't. This summer, we're signed up for three weeks in the first grade program. I loved that Camp Galileo was so organized. I walked in and saw that all the counselors were adults, not high schoolers. They all looked enthusiastic, and importantly, they looked like they all knew what to do. There was a sign-in station afterwhich I walked my son to his group. The leader of the group always had time to go over what the kids would work on that day and even pulled me aside to talk about the work he did during the day. My son had a wonderful time. I thought the projects, both art and science were very engaging. He came home talking about them (always a good sign). He was also upset that I signed him up for the half session, because he missed some events in the afternoon.

Galileo even has funny camp songs and a rubber chicken. Overall, we were very pleased with the program. I encourage you to look into it for this summer. Although I only have one child, I know there were lots of families that had more than one student at Galileo last summer. Best, Dagmar

Our 6 yr old son had so much fun at Camp Galileo / Rockridge last summer. We'd heard raves about other Galileo locations for years, and were excited when the Rockridge camp opened. We've also tried many science and discovery camps, with so-so experiences. But Galileo has found that magic mix of creativity and discovery, science, fresh air and tons of fun. The counselors are exceptional, and the absolute best of any camp we've tried. They're smart, engaged, intuitive teachers and best pals, all at the same time. At the end of each week, there's a parents-invited "open house", and we all just walked around beaming. Best camp decision we ever made, and our son is already signed up for this summer. Carroll

A review was also received for Tree Frog Treks

Jan 2007

Re: All-day summer camp in Oakland for a 6 year old?
Although they do more than nature activities, we were very happy with Camp Galileo in Oakland (and they have other locations, too). While science was a big part of the curriculum, it also included a big art component, both done in a fun--not academic--way, as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor play. What sets Camp Galileo apart is that they have a pretty sophisticated approach to creating a balanced yet fun day for campers, and their staff is more mature than the other nature-oriented summer camps around here. They tend to be college students instead of high school students. And they are incredibly organized--you could tell right from the first drop-off that they knew what they were doing and would do a good job keeping my son safe and happy. It was so great for my 6-year-old that his older brother, who was 10, was jealous of him! You can check out their website at www.campgalileo.com. Lysa

Dec 2006

Hi everyone, I am beginning to think about summmer camps and wanted to see what people thought about Camp Galileo. Thanks for your comments. parent

My son and several of his friends attended Camp Galileo in Upper Rockridge last summer. They all loved it and my son is already talking about next summer. I felt that they created a camp experience with a perfect combination of interesting intellectual challenges and plain old fun. The science and art topics are interesting, challenging and accessible to all different learning styles. Many of the outdoor activities are games I knew and loved as a kid that aren't competitive in nature, rather, they focus on team building skills. All of the staff I encountered were excellent. My friends who sent their kids also said that they were very happy with their Camp G experience and would be sending their child again .
Parent of Happy Camper

Two of my children attended Camp Galileo last year, and they loved it. The now-first grader will be going for all three sessions this summer, and the now-fifth grader can’t wait until she can go back as a counselor. The staff was great, the curriculum was engaging and interesting, and the projects were fun. After 10 years of dealing with summer camp, we think Camp Galileo is one of the best around—we’re lucky they expanded to the east bay. deirdre

Our children attended Camp Galileo this past summer and LOVED it. It was amazingly well-organized, incorporated a good mix of activities, and did a good job at building comraderie among the group in the short week-long sessions. We will definitely have our children attend again this coming summer.
Camp Galileo is Great

Nov 2006

Re: Summer camp for awkward 11 year old boy
I recommend Camp Galileo for your 11 year old son. And although it costs extra, send him to the ''before camp care.'' The kids are engaged the moment they arrive. There is a smaller group. The morning counselors are enthusiastic, kids get a chance to start feeling part of the mix before other kids arrive. Morning kids have name tags and ALL of the counselors know them before the other kids arrive.

Then, there's the Art, Science and Outdoor games. It your son feels slightly awkward in one event, another will roll along soon. It's also broken down in age groups, so there will be a few kids older and a few younger in most cases. The camp has a three week rotation, meaning that the first week will repeat on week 4. My nervous 7 year old is begging to go back this summer. While some of the activities were below her actual ability, the camp was FUN and engaging. Camp Galileo Fan

Feb 2006

I have heard great things about Camp Galileo - a fun science based summer camp for kids - in Palo Alto. I've heard they plan to start a Camp at Prospect Sierra school in El Cerrito and one in Rockridge this summer and I was wondering if anyone knows about this, or if anyone else has any comments about the camp. Thank you. Kate

Camp Galileo will i ndeed be held at Prospect Sierra School this summer. There are five 1-week sessions from 6/26-7/28. For more information about locations, sessions, and details, go to their website, www.campgalileo.com.

I have signed our kids up for Camp Galileo after hearing rave reviews from my friends on the Peninsula. They've all been telling me about this great camp that combines science, art and outdoors and I was excited it was being offered here in East Bay for the first time...in my contact with the office, I've been impressed with their organization and responsiveness. Consistent with what I've heard from other parents about the counselors. Christine

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