What is Galileo doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other illnesses at camp?
As we welcome campers and staff back to camp in 2021, safety is our top priority. Our comprehensive COVID-19 plan is designed to protect every member of the Galileo community in an on-site environment that minimizes risk and maximizes fun.
Camper Cohorts
- Campers are grouped in stable cohorts.
- Each cohort is supervised by two consistent staff members that don’t interact with other cohorts.
- Cohorts stay separate from other cohorts both indoors (only one cohort per classroom at a time) and outdoors (distanced from other cohorts).
- Sharing of supplies will be limited as much as possible; any supplies shared within cohorts will be limited to a consistent pod of four campers and disinfected daily.
Safety Training
- All staff is First Aid and CPR certified
- Staff and families receive training regarding safety guidelines and expectations at camp
- Camps complete any state and county required safety planning, tools and/or certificates
- Camps post any state and county required signage
Health Screening
- Campers and staff complete daily health screenings before being admitted to camp
- Campers and staff that present with symptoms of infectious illness during the day will be sent home and asked to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if COVID-19 testing is recommended
Masking and Distancing
- All campers and staff wear masks when at camp (except when eating or drinking); we provide extra masks for staff and campers as needed
- All individuals at camp maintain a minimum of six feet of social distance between them, except to provide developmentally appropriate support or supervision (for example, a staffer applying first aid, helping a young camper open a snack, etc.)
Contact Reduction
- Staggered camper drop-off and pick-up schedule
- Campers bring their own snacks and lunch to camp
- Aside from one 70-minute indoor rotation, campers spend all of their time outdoors
- No all-camp gatherings, ceremonies or large group activities—though of course we’ll have lots of COVID-safe traditions, ceremonies and games within cohorts
- No use of outdoor playground equipment
Handwashing and Sanitizing
- Campers and staff practice frequent handwashing and hand sanitizing (before and after snack and lunch, between rotations, before and after using the restroom, after sneezing, etc.)
- We sanitize high-touch surfaces for indoor and outdoor classrooms between use by each cohort
- When supplies must be used by multiple cohorts, they will be disinfected between each cohort’s use
Are your staff vaccinated?
In order to ensure the safety of our staff and customers, we are recommending to our staff that they get vaccinated. We recognize it’s a privilege to be in a position to have vaccination priority and we are grateful that we are able to add one more layer of protection for staff, families, campers and their loved ones.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE SERIOUS ALLERGIES AT CAMP?
We take allergies very seriously. As part of the sign-up process, you’ll complete a detailed health history form with any information we should know about your camper’s allergies. We send this information to the staff at your camp location. Before camp begins, we welcome you to contact your Camp Director (we’ll send you contact information in early June) to talk through any concerns or specific instructions you may have.
All camp locations are nut-free. All staff members are trained on how to administer an EpiPen in the event of an emergency.
Our staff members are trained in how to recognize the signs of anaphylactic shock and administer an EpiPen, if needed. EpiPens brought to camp will remain with the camper and supervising staff member at all times.
Do Galileo camps serve children with special needs?
While our camps aren’t specifically designed to accommodate special needs, a wide range of kids with special needs have had great experiences with us over the years. To help decide if our camps are right for you, please give our customer service team a call at 1-800-854-3684. We also welcome camper aides, but require all aides who attend camp to complete a background check before camp begins.
WHAT LEVEL OF MEDICAL CARE FOR MY CAMPER ARE YOU ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE?
Chronic medical conditions like diabetes are typically able to be supported at camp. For more serious or specialized conditions, please email us at info@galileo-learning.com.
It’s a big school – how do you keep supervision on so many children?
As part of our standard safety procedures, we maintain one of the lowest camper to staff ratios in California. During camp hours, it’s a maximum of 12:1. During programs, campers are organized into smaller groups or teams so that our staff can effectively maintain a watchful eye. Camp Galileo campers are never alone – even trips to the restroom happen with a buddy or group – and our staff is trained to take attendance every 15 minutes and during every transition.
What if my child gets hurt?
We do everything we can to keep your campers safe, and we’re prepared to support them in the event of an injury. All staff on every campus are first-aid and CPR certified. We notify all parents about minor injuries (like scraped knees) during the check-out process every day. In the event of a more serious injury, we call 911 if needed, and notify the parents or guardians immediately.
How do I know your staff is trustworthy?
Our staff goes through a rigorous interview process that includes: application, in-person interview, reference check, and criminal background check; and leadership team members will attend an additional one-on-one interview. Those that meet our standard of excellence – 15% of applicants on average – are invited to join the Galileo team. Once hired, all staff receives several hours of online training plus 2 full days of in-person training, followed by ongoing supervision and professional development provided by their Camp Director. But don’t just take our word for it! Over 98% of nearly 7,000 parents rated our staff highly on their post-camp survey.
You can learn more about Galileo’s staff, including selection and training, here.
How do you know the right child is going home with the right adult?
Our staff is required to check for a photo ID and cross check it with the list of people that you have authorized to pick up your child. Please be prepared to bring your photo ID each day at check out.
How do you protect campers?
Just like the school’s teachers during the school year, our staff is trained to approach all visitors to campus. Our staff also rehearses a lockdown process while setting up for camp, for use in the unlikely event that we’d need to shelter in place.
Do you have protocol in the event of an emergency, like a fire?
We have evacuation plans at each of our sites and camp staff is trained on what to do in the event of almost any emergency, including earthquakes, fire, airborne exposures, and much more.
Have you had 3rd party certification for your safety procedures?
We have received the Markel Safety 1st* award for over 10 years running. Keeping your camper physically and emotionally safe is, above all, our highest priority, and we have an excellent safety record that proves we’re serious.
*Markel’s Safety 1st program recognizes policyholders who have shown an exceptional commitment to the safety of their employees and customers. Camps and clubs must meet stringent criteria to quality for the Safety 1st designation. They must have a proven safety record, undergo formal assessments and inspections, and participate in continuing education and certification programs.
