Website for Camp Galileo: http://www.galileo-learning.com/

I am a mom in Lafayette with two kids (9 and 11) who are growing up Galileo. Galileo Learning has got to be one of the best organizaitons around! They operate camp Galileo and Galileo Summer Quest in locaitons throughout the Bay Area. My children will be attending camp for the 7th time this summer and we just love it. The themes are fantastic at camp G (camp for kids in pre-k through entering 5th grade (Leonardo's Apprentice, Celebrate the Golden Gate, Galileo Olympics and Galileo Rocks) and majors at GSQ (camp for kids entering 5ht-8th grades) that are engaging and interesting for the middle school crowd: Digital Photography, Digital Filmmaking, Cartoon Workshop, Painters Studio, Fashion Design, Inventors, Inc., Go-Kart Makers and Go-Kart Makers Extreme, Chefology (30 min meals and Just Deserts, Video Game Design Foundtations and Advanced, Web Design and Lego Robotics. Tomorrow is the last day to save on camp fees up to $200! Worth every cent...trust me! Lesley in Lafayette.

Re: Summer Camp for 6 year old who loves to learn
Hi, I can't say enough good things about Camp Galileo. My children (6&10) have attended multiple years. The approach is learning through innovation. The kids collaborate to design, test and redesign their projects while learning all sorts of scientific principles. This is with a bunch of fun and games and great themes! The strongest aspect is the amazing staff who are educators, in college, and college-grads. Their expertise, training, and enthusiasm make Camp Galileo a truly unique experience. Edie

Re: Summer Camp recommendations for incoming Kinder
For your incoming kindergartener, I would highly recommend Camp Galileo. Both my boys, now in 1st and 3rd grade, started their summer camp experiences with Camp G and both absolutely loved it. My older one claims he'll be going there until he can't and then he'll become a counselor. They have a separate space dedicated to incoming kindergartners so that they don't get lost amongst the bigger kids. The curriculum is age appropriate, the staff to camper ratio is low and they really get to know the personality of each child. The little ones are still involved in overall camp activities but for most of the day and for their outdoor playtime, they are given special attention and kept in their small group so that they feel safe and comfortable. My little guys is extremely shy and when asked each year what camp he wants to go back to, Camp G is always the first on his list. The camp director is easily accessible and if your child goes for more than one week, it seems that the entire camp staff knows them by name. It's a warm, fun and educational environment where kids come home with creative projects, make good friends and just enjoy their summer vacation. Good luck with your search! Kelly

My 3 children will be returning to Camp Galileo for their 4th year. Having 3 very different kids and one camp that pleases all is a huge relieve for us. Craigmont Elementary School in Berkeley! Save money if you enroll by March 1, 2012! Visit www.galileo-learning.com or call 1-800-854-3684. Lea

Galileo Summer Quest is an exciting camp for rising-5th -8th graders. Campers attend week long sessions and pick a one major to focus on. (new format this year! ) Returning campers can choose from advanced majors, such as go karts building advanced and video game design advanced. GSQ has the fabulous staff and curriculum as the well- known Camp Galileo. My children have attended Galileo camps for fours years. As a parent and educator, I highly recommend Galileo Summer Quest and Camp Galileo. Check out www.galileo-learning.com for discounts and details. Edie

My daughter has had the most fun at Camp Galileo. Absolutely her favorite of the many camps she attended over the last six years. She's entering 6th grade so this summer she'll move on to Galileo Quest. We visited the Oakland Quest site last summer to get a feel for it and it seems just as silly and fun but with more emphasis on choosing a major topic of study and immersing in it. She wants to do Go Carts and/or Fashion Design. I am completely sure she will love every minute of their top quality programs. Wonder if any of you have experienced Galileo Quest? Cathy

As a family who lives in Hong Kong 10 months a year, only returning to the Bay Area for summers, it is imperative that our kids have smooth, easy and comforting transitions so that their worlds are not rocked more than need be; (more than they already are just by being citizens of two continents who move back and forth each year.) For this reason, I will send my six year old son to Camp Galileo (Oakland) for every week of summer camp that he attends. Last year was our first major transition back from Hong Kong and he was completely freaked out by being dropped at yet another new spot on this planet. The Director of Camp Galileo heard our story at drop-off on Day 1 and took care to make his transition not only smooth, but he felt cared for, not afraid and even had fun pretty soon thereafter -- so much so that he doesn't want to attend any other camp ever again. She also made it easy on me, contacting me right when he settled in (which, by the way) was only about fifteen minutes after ''the big meltdown.'' (If you were a parent who just happened to be there, I'm sure you'll remember the scene.)

Camp Galileo takes care to hire caring professionals who take their jobs of making kids' summers fun, educational, and interesting very seriously. I cannot recommend it more highly if you're looking for a new camp for you child(ren). You will NOT be disappointed.

Also, I just got notice from them that their early bird deadline has been extended through April 15th. A great camp at a great discount!

FYI: My older son goes to Cal Camp (which we love equally and where he feels most comfortable having gone there for years and years.) -signed, BIG Transition Expat Mama

Re: Camp recommendations for 5 year old?
I highly recommend Camp Galileo for your 5 year old. My son's first ever camp experience 2 summers ago as an entering kindergartener was at the El Cerrito campus of Camp Galileo and he absolutely loved it. He insists that he will be going every summer until he goes to college. The 5 year old group uses the contained kindergarten classroom and playground and so they have their own special space to play and explore without the worry of bigger kids running into them or over them. The playground has plenty of space and with lower ratios and teachers who are dedicated to just this group, they get the perfect balance of small group activities mixed with large group interaction. The kindergarteners also are involved in overall group activities but build a close relationship with their group and their teacher. They get plenty of time to run around and burn off some energy and the activities designed specifically for that age group allow them to really be creative, engaged and excited. Even drop off is fun with giant bubbles and streamers and teachers who are literally smiling and full of energy every day. My son is going back for the third straight summer this year and with 4 themes instead of 3 as they had in past years, he gets to enjoy Galileo even more than before. Feel free to contact me if you have specific questions or concerns. Kelly

Camp Galileo, The happiest place on the planet. My daughter has been at CampG since she was a Nebula, then a Star now she'll be in her second year as a Super Nova. The talent and enthusiasm of CampG's staff is amazing. The curriculum unsurpassed. I feel it's very important, especially for girls to engage early with science. My background is Biology and work history all in biotech field. CampG allows children to really explore science. They hypothesise, experiment and determine success or failure without pressure to always succeed because that's what science is about. Trying new solutions. Sometimes you get it right and sometimes you don't but you try. The art program is equally superb. Rousseau, Picasso, Pollock etc. It's worth every penny and it costs a few more pennies than most, but we wouldn't miss a summer at CampG

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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