When Daniel Shammas (Professor D) first walked into Camp Galileo, he was 16 years old and starting as a summer intern in Lafayette. He didn’t know then that Galileo would become his career, and, play a central role in his understanding of learning, growth and childhood development.
His sister had attended Camp Galileo, and seeing the impact camp had on her planted the idea that Camp Galileo was a place where people grew and developed.
Over the next decade, Daniel did something unique and experienced nearly every role at camp.
Summer intern, Team Leader (Maroon, Yellow, and Teal — “Teal is obviously the best color”), Lead Instructor, Assistant Camp Director, and Camp Director at multiple sites!
And now, he’s a full-time member of the HQ team, helping coordinate Galileo’s East Bay camps and staff.
But the turning point to making Galileo his career wasn’t a promotion or title change. It was a camper.
The Camper Who Changed Everything
After briefly stepping away from camp to try a career in sales, Daniel returned one summer and worked with a camper named Emma.
Emma was shy and emotionally fragile. Small things felt huge to her. But over the course of the summer, something shifted.
Through hands-on projects, collaborative games and community, Emma became more open, more confident and more curious. She even started her own little show, “Conversation Corner with Emma,” interviewing fellow campers during project time.
For Daniel, that transformation was everything. “That was the moment I knew I needed to devote my life to education and childhood development.”
It wasn’t just about the finished projects. It was about who kids become when they feel safe, seen and encouraged.
From Camp to HQ
Before joining HQ full time, Daniel was also a classroom teacher, bringing science to life for TK–5th graders by literally dressing as a mad scientist, hence his nickname at camp, Professor D (see photo above! 🤪).
That playful, intentional approach now shows up in his HQ role too.
Today, Daniel is a Program Manager supporting 10 camps and 11 Camp Directors across the East Bay. His job is to make sure the “boss of each camp” is trained, supported, confident and equipped to lead with both competence and heart.
His work includes:
- Training and mentoring Camp Directors
- Refining staff training materials
- Supporting staff development throughout the season
- Bringing field experience directly into HQ decisions
And yes, sometimes wearing costumes in the office.
“Office life can be just as silly as camp life,” he says.
What Makes a Great Camp Director?
In Daniel’s view, a great Camp Director isn’t just organized and capable.
They are:
- Thoughtful decision-makers
- Emotionally present and empathetic
- Trusted guides for staff, campers and families alike
He jokingly describes the role as “a bit like Dumbledore”—someone everyone turns to, who gently guides a whole community.
That philosophy shapes how he trains leaders today, with practice, patience and space to grow into their roles before they ever step into camp with kids.
Why Staff Come Back
When asked why so many Galileo staff return year after year, Daniel doesn’t romanticize it too much—but he doesn’t understate it, either.
“Camp is magical,” he says. “It’s fleeting. It’s only six weeks. But when it’s done right, it changes people.”
Staff leave summer with new skills, new perspectives, deep connections and a sense that what they did mattered. And that feeling is hard to replace.
(Also, there is a beloved Pokémon popsicle-stick game hidden throughout camp each year that Daniel fully intends to keep playing into his hundreds.)
A Note to Parents
Daniel wants parents to know that beneath the water balloons, face paint, and joyful chaos, something powerful is happening.
Camp gives kids:
- Comfort in group learning
- Exposure to new ideas in a low-pressure environment
- Confidence to try, fail and try again
- A joyful relationship with learning
It’s not just fun. It’s formative.
And when asked why he trusts Camp Galileo with kids, his answer is simple:
“Our entire organization is an assemblage of talented educators whose sole purpose is fostering a camp learning environment for children. The success of our job is how we make campers feel at the end of the day.”
Why This Story Matters
When your child arrives at camp, the people greeting them aren’t just energetic and fun— they’re experienced, intentional and deeply committed to kids.
That’s what makes the magic last.
We hope to see your family at camp for a magical summer! ☀️
