FAQ

We’ve completely adapted our program to these times! Campers will be outdoors all day, they’ll stay with the same group and staffer all day and all week, and they’ll do a mix of outdoor games and fun camp traditions, with some art and engineering challenges along the way. Our typical Camp Galileo program has a more structured design, and an art and science curriculum that is thoughtfully prepared years in advance around a single theme with well-tested projects and challenges.

Enrollment of Camp Galileo Anywhere Mini Camp are non-refundable. Should you cancel sessions for any reason, or should Galileo be forced to cancel sessions due to government restrictions, pandemic, protests, other acts of God or any other reason that would deem camp to be unsafe to families and staff, or commercially unreasonable, all fees paid will be credited back to your Galileo account. Credits may be applied toward future Galileo camp or class purchases and will expire on 12/31/21

Campers are encouraged to bring their own mask from home and to wear it, but will not be required to do so. Staffers will wear masks at all times.

Yes! As long as campers are in the same age group we are happy to honor grouping requests. You can make the request when you enroll, and is in the same section as the health history form.

No, all campers must enroll for both weeks.

Campers may attend camp as long as they have met CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation, including 3 days with no fever, symptoms have improved and 10 days since symptoms first appeared.

If your camper is not feeling well or has a temperature, they should stay home. If they arrive at camp and their temperature is 100.4 or higher, we will take a second temperature reading to confirm. Campers with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be able to return to camp during this session. A partial refund will be granted for that week. You can contact Customer Service team for a refund.

If there is no natural shade in your camper’s group’s outdoor space, we will be providing shade structures. Additionally, we will integrate frequent water reminders and on particularly hot days, some light water activities.

It is highly encouraged for the health and safety of campers and staff, that all caregivers use curbside drop off and pick up. If you need to park and come into camp for any reason, we ask that only one caregiver comes onto campus and that they wear a face mask.

In an effort to reduce crowds and visitors on campus, check-in will be entirely curbside. Prior to camp, you will receive a location and window of time during which you will be asked to drop off your camper(s). Because of this, it is important that you review your camper’s health history and authorized pick up list ahead of time.

Here is what you can expect during your check-in window:

Upon arrival daily, you will follow staff instructions, be asked to answer a few health screening questions, then your camper’s temperature will be read with a touch-free thermometer before exiting the car and joining the camp fun. More detailed instructions will be included in your guide to camp.

Each live online class is led by a qualified instructor with experience leading Galileo curriculum. All class sizes are small, with a ratio of 1 instructor to no more than 10 campers, allowing for personalized instruction. Unlike standard school-based distance learning, your camper’s online Zoom class will engage them in fun and creative hands-on curriculum. Hundreds of campers have already experienced Galileo online classes with high praise from kids and parents. Unlike school-based distance learning, Camp Galileo Anywhere classes will allow your child to engage in fun hands-on activities that build confidence and innovation-focused learning.

Camp Galileo Anywhere offers dozens of Online classes for kids rising to Kindergarten (5 years old in September) through 8th Grade. Each age/grade level includes multiple offerings for a range of topics and interest levels.

Beginning June 1st, 2020 we will offer single-session classes that range from 45 minutes for pre-K to 90 minutes in duration for upper age/grades. Week-long classes will be launched soon with similar durations.

Each class has a list of materials that you will need to gather in advance of class. We make an effort to develop classes that use materials that are easily available at the craft of grocery store, online, or that that you may already have at home. All materials list include alternates where appropriate.

After you enroll for a class, we will send you an email with all of the details you will need to prepare – including materials.

Each online class requires the your camper have internet access and a computer or tablet.

Each class is offered using Zoom and you will want to download the Zoom application In advance of the class if you don’t have it already.

After you enroll for a class, we will send you an email with all of the details you will need to prepare including materials and the customZoom links you will

5-10 minutes in advance of your child’s scheduled class, you will want to login to Zoom, make sure to test your sound and camera are on and enter your child’s name so the instructor knows who they are.

We make an effort to develop our camps in such a way that your children can participate independently as much as possible.

For younger children in Pre-K to 1st grade, we recommend a parent stay nearby to assist, if needed.

For 2nd to 8th grade kids, they should be able to participate and engage in activities on their own.

Each of our seasoned Camp Galileo Anywhere instructors are highly trained and experienced Galileo staffers. All Zoom sessions are recorded for training and safety purposes.

Once you have determined the classes you are interested in, you can enroll here.

Enrollment closes at 5pm the day before the class is scheduled to begin.

If you have an existing Galileo credit, it will apply after you add the sessions to your cart and proceed to checkout. Click here for more information about using your credits.

If your child needs to miss a class they are enrolled in please contact us at least 24 hours prior to the start of your session to let us know. We are happy to reschedule you to a different class that is more convenient for you. We will not be able to offer a credit or refund for classes that are cancelled less than 24 hours prior to a session.

If your camper is not able to participate in the class due to technical difficulties, contact us right away and we will do what we can to assist if we can. If we aren’t able to assist and the technical difficulties, we will reschedule your camper based on availability.

Each camper will need to enroll separately, and we recommend campers in the same household join from their own screen, if possible.

Although we do not ever plan or want to cancel a session, Galileo reserves the right to cancel camp programming for any reason. If that happens, Galileo will work to schedule you in a future class.

Here is a copy of the notice that was sent to enrolled 2020 families on May 27th describing your options.

Credits that have been issued to your Galileo account will be automatically applied at check-out.

Galileo will issue you a personal coupon code that you can enter at check-out to receive your discount.

Credits may be applied toward any purchase, including Extended Care, lunch, or partner offerings.

The 50%-off coupon may be applied toward Extended Care, but is not applicable toward lunch or any partner offerings.

With public safety a top priority in our communities, most of our school partners are making the decision that they will not be hosting in-person summer programs. Health officials also have indicated that large groups will be unable to safely gather for much or all of the summer, and if they do they will need to adapt to social distancing requirements that our current model of camp cannot support. As we view the safety of our campers, their families and our staff we feel compelled to comply with the prioritization of reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Though it seems unlikely, we are considering how we might be able to offer safe pop-up camp options that are different from our current camp model, should the current situation evolve rapidly. In the event we are able to do so, we will send email notifications to families in close proximity to those options.

Please see here for an important notice sent to all enrolled 2020 families on May 27, 2020 regarding an opportunity receive a 50%-off coupon or 110% credit for your 2020 enrollment fees if you choose an option by June 26, 2020.

We are dedicated to making sure that your investment in Galileo is able to provide you and your children with the value and learning your campers were looking forward to this summer.

In addition to having the ability to apply your credit to future Galileo purchases for up to five years (through May 31, 2025), families can transfer their balance to other siblings, or even gift it to friends.

Your enrollment credit can also be applied in 2020 to new Galileo virtual camp offerings, and also to several partnership options which will be announced in more detail soon. You are also welcome to donate any amount of your enrollment credit to Galileo’s Innovation for All fund which helps provide summer and virtual camp scholarships for those with financial need.

Absolutely. The Galileo team has rallied together to find new ways to impart our mission and recently launched Camp Galileo Anywhere — a free resource that provides weekly activities, parenting resources, and Facebook live appearances. We will be taking this program to the next level in just a few weeks and throughout the summer, offering a virtual camp experience that provides your camper with projects they can do at home with support from the Galileo team. Subscribe here to get weekly Camp Galileo Anywhere updates in your inbox.

Galileo is a purpose-driven organization and we look forward to continuing to ignite future innovators in the communities we serve for many more decades to come.

Here are some way our camper families can support us in continuing to meet our mission:
– Leave a positive review of your past positive camp experience.
– Donate what you can to our Innovation for All program that offers scholarships to those why may not otherwise be able to afford camp. Last year, we were able to offer scholarships to more than 10,000 kids!
– Participate in upcoming virtual and online programs. Our teams are committing to provide support to parents of innovators as they juggle daily schedules with kids at home.
– Join us in 2021. We will have an exciting line-up themes, majors and journeys for your kids and are already looking forward to seeing them again!

Creating inclusive and diverse communities and culture is deeply linked to achieving Galileo’s mission to develop innovators who envision and create a better world. We strive to design programs that take all campers and staff into account. That said, we will not always be able to accommodate each individual’s specific needs. Most common needs and/or potential challenges are often accounted for, and we know that every person and family is unique. We commit to providing transparency and support during your camp selection process and your week(s) at camp. This includes guiding you to make the best decision possible when choosing your camp program.

Camp Galileo is a great place for your tiny innovator in training. We design activities specifically suited for pre-K and kindergarten-aged campers (we call them Nebulas), surround them with staff who are experienced with this age group and work with them to develop teamwork skills—a great preparation for kindergarten. Campers are grouped exclusively with other kids their own age and enjoy a maximum of 8:1 camper-to-staff ratio

We currently offer only full day programming as we have found that most Nebula families prefer the full day offering and don’t want to miss a moment of camp!

If you don’t do any social planning in advance, don’t worry. Our group structure and stellar staff work all week to facilitate new friendships and make every camper feel safe and included

We maintain one of the lowest camper to staff ratios in California. During class time, it’s a maximum of 8:1 for entering Kindergarteners, and 10:1 for all other grades. During lunch and camp hours, we keep our ratio at 10:1 or smaller. During activity time, 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.

Log in to your account and review your registration details. Check your camper’s emergency contacts and t-shirt size, and confirm that you’ve signed up for lunch or extended care if you need it. If you see discrepancies or have questions, email us at info@galileo-learning.com. If you’ve purchased lunch and would like to customize your camper’s menu, you’ll need to do so by 8 am the day before camp.

Learn About First Time Galileo Families

Pricing varies by location and program. Use camp finder to find your nearest camp and see pricing details.

We have camps throughout the Bay Area, Southern California and Chicago areas. Use our camp finder to find a location near you.

The balance of fun and learning is at the heart of what makes Galileo so great. Camp is bursting with joy and creativity, with exploration and adventure in both outdoor games and hands-on projects in the classrooms.

Learn more about what your camper’s day looks like:

• Pre K – 6th grades
• 5th – 8th grades
• Counselor in Training

Yes. Every year, we award thousands of weeks of specially priced camp through our scholarship program. Apply on our Scholarships page.

Help us make camp a reality for all with a donation to our assistance fund. Make a non-tax-deductible donation by adding it to your camp purchase when you check out, or click here to make a donation at any time.

We want to make scheduling your kids’ summer easy.

• You can switch to another in-person session or location with no transfer fees by contacting us before 3pm the Friday before your camp week starts.
• For online offerings, you can transfer to another session by notifying us up to 24-hours prior to the start of your registered online session.

Simply email us at info@galileo-learning.com and we will be happy to help.

Camp purchases are non-refundable. However, if you decide to cancel your 2020 camp session(s) your entire purchase (including session fees, extended care, lab/materials fees and lunch fees for cancelled sessions) will be credited to your Galileo account. Your credit can be applied until 5/31/2025.

The same policy will apply should Galileo deem it necessary to cancel camp to protect the health and safety of its campers and staff, or due to any other circumstances.

If the camp week you want to enroll in or transfer to is already full, you can join the waitlist online or by emailing us at info@galileo-learning.com. There is no cost to join a waitlist, and no obligation to enroll once you’re on it.

If space opens up and you’re next on the list, we’ll send an email letting you know. You’ll have three business days to enroll for that session. If you don’t enroll during that timeframe, we’ll email the next family on the list to offer them the open spot.

Definitely. At Galileo Summer Quest and Summer Camps @ The Tech, simply coordinate your camper’s dates and major or class with the friends in question. At Camp Galileo, you can submit friend requests if campers are in the same age group as part of the sign-up process. While we’ll try to group your camper with as many friends as possible, we can only guarantee one request.

If you don’t do any social planning in advance, don’t worry. Our group structure and stellar staff work all week to facilitate new friendships and make every camper feel safe and included.

Don’t forget about our Refer a Friend program — click here to learn more.

As our curriculum and activities are designed specifically for each age level, we strongly discourage grade group hopping. If your camper is concerned about seeing friends who are in a different grade group, remember that campers eat lunch together and participate in all-camp activities and games throughout the week.

At Camp Galileo, we group campers by grade in four groups—pre-K – entering K (Nebulas), entering 1st and 2nd (Stars), entering 3rd through 5th (Supernovas) , and entering 5th through 6th grades (Meteors) —and carefully customize our curriculum for each group. At Galileo Summer Quest, 5th – 8th graders will spend the week with the like-minded visionaries in their major.

At Summer Camps @ The Tech, campers spend most of their week with the other campers in their chosen class or classes, which are organized by grade—entering 4th – 6th and 6th – 8th.

We offer extended care everyday from 8AM-9AM and 3PM-6PM. At Summer Camps @ the Tech, afternoon extended care starts at 4 PM.

Your kids will have a blast long after the regular camp day ends in our extended care program. Signing up for extended care is a simple part of the camp sign-up process. If you’ve already signed up for camp and want to add extended care to your order, log in to your account, click “Add Lunch/Extended Care” next to your camper’s name, select your camp program and click the “Extended Care” box or boxes for the weeks you want to add extended care.

Learn more about how they’ll spend their extended care time.

In California we partner with Choicelunch and in Chicago we partner with Gourmet Gorilla. Our partners provide kid-friendly (and approved) meals with tons of options. Both partners let you customize.

Lunch prices range based on where you live and your customized order (in Chicago). Learn more about menus, how to order, how to customize, details about pricing, and more on our Lunch details page.

SHOULD I SEND MY PRESCHOOLER TO CAMP?
Camp Galileo is a great place for your tiny innovator in training. We design activities specifically suited for pre-K and kindergarten-aged campers (we call them Nebulas), surround them with staff who are experienced with this age group and work with them to develop teamwork skills, a great preparation for kindergarten. Campers are grouped exclusively with other kids their own age and enjoy a maximum of 8:1 camper-to-staff ratio.

Nebulas must be entering kindergarten in the fall or turning 5 by December 1st.

As part of our standard health and safety operating procedures during camp, we work to reduce the spread of communicable illness or disease through regular, rigorous hand washing and facility cleaning, as well as ensuring that campers or staff who are unwell stay home and get well.

Additionally, our camp staff will now adopt the following daily protocols:

• Wipe down all surfaces (door handles, camper desks, lunch tables, etc.) using disinfectant spray between rotations and at the end of each day.
• Avoid high-fives, handshakes and hugs and adjust games and celebrations to decrease person-to-person transmission.
• Wash their hands regularly and oversee the hand-washing of every camper before and after snack and lunch, and after using the restroom.

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.

We designate nut-free tables at all of our camps during snack times and lunch and enforce a strict hand-washing policy. 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.

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.

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.

We maintain one of the lowest camper to staff ratios in California. During class time, it’s a maximum of 8:1 for entering Kindergarteners, and 10:1 for most other grades. During camp hours, we keep our ratio at 10:1 or better. 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.

We do everything we can to keep your campers safe, and we’re prepared to support them in the event of an injury. At least 2 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. Log in to your account and review your registration details. Check your camper’s emergency contacts and t-shirt size and confirm that you’ve signed up for lunch or extended care if you need it. If you see discrepancies or have questions, give our customer service team a call at 800-854-3684. If you’ve purchased lunch and would like to customize your camper’s menu, you must do so by 8 am the day before camp.

Campers should wear casual clothing that can get dirty and comfortable shoes for indoor and outdoor activities.

If you’ve purchased lunch, the only sustenance your camper needs is a water bottle. If your camper’s day includes afternoon extended care, please include a snack as well. If you do not plan to purchase lunch, please pack your camper a snack, lunch and a water bottle (plus a second snack for afternoon extended care, if needed).

Campers should arrive with sunscreen already applied and may want to bring a hat and additional sunscreen.

What should my camper bring for water day?

Campers should show up with bathing suits under their clothes, closed toe shoes (water shoes are a great option), a towel, and sunscreen.

Campers should show up with bathing suits under their clothes, closed toe shoes (water shoes are a great option), a towel, and sunscreen.

Check out all of our active discounts and savings by visiting our Promotions and Specials page.

71-086-9453

• As a pre-sale VIP member you receive the biggest per-week camp savings for purchasing camp weeks early.
• VIP members are give the option to register and select their preferred camp locations and times before enrollment opens to the public. That means you can lock in your first choice of locations, dates, themes and majors before wait lists start to form. Your pre-sale purchase grants you access to early registration, January 6 – 8, 2020.

The Extended Care option includes both AM and PM care and is offered as a complete package with your camp week. Extended Care cannot be canceled or returned as an “a la cart” item. If you wish to cancel Extended Care, you will need to cancel your camp session that includes Extended Care, as well. Please note, canceled sessions cannot be re-purchased at the promotional price after August 31st 2019.

You can purchase (and save) by purchasing one or more weeks of camp by purchasing early, but would have to wait to choose your specific camp locations until the new camp season begins during VIP enrollment.

Keep in mind that specific locations, dates, themes and majors from previous camp years are not guaranteed in subsequent years. Once the new camp season opens, and find you are no camp locations that works for you may receive a full refund before May 31, 2019 for Pre-Sale weeks you had purchased.

Extended Care cannot be canceled or returned on its own. If you wish to cancel Extended Care, you will also need to cancel your camp session that includes Extended Care. Please note, canceled sessions cannot be re-purchased at the promotional price after August 31, 2019.

Families that have pre-purchased camp weeks must enroll in their preferred sessions before May 31, 2019, to retain discount pricing. Purchase value of pre-sale weeks does not expire. 2019 locations and camp session dates, themes and majors are subject to change in 2020. Galileo cannot guarantee your first-choice of camp dates, locations, themes or majors after the exclusive registration period closes on January 9th, 2020. Once you’ve enrolled in your specific camp sessions, Galileo’s standard transfer, cancellation and refund policies apply.

Please note: We are updating these FAQs real-time, as we continue to get guidance re: COVID and health-related issues. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey Esposto, Camp Director, abbey@galileo-denver.com

• All staff are COVID tested every 7-14 days
• We will be at a ~1:10 staff to camper ratio. We will have no more than 8 classrooms each week.
• To the extent possible, we will create pods of campers that are consistent throughout the summer.
• We will spend a lot of the day at social distance
• All staff will wear masks at all times.
• All students over 5 will be required to wear masks when indoors
• We will require daily temperature and health checks before drop off for both staff and students.
• Frequent hand washing or hand sanitizing will be required and all surfaces will be cleaned daily.
• We will take all other safety precautions as outlined for child care. Please see the link for more information from Healthy Child Colorado.
• We are also following the newly released guidelines for Summer Camps. We will follow the stricter guidelines when the child care guidelines and the camp guidelines are slightly in conflict.

Great question! Innovation Station is excited to be embracing the Galileo Innovation Approach! Campers will engage with exciting hands on projects that encourage them to plan, design, build, iterate, and share! Each week will be centered around a fun theme and the projects will follow suit. Some examples include fairy gardens and miniature tree houses during Trees & Garden Week, bionic hands and self-portraits during Amazing You Week, and bird mobiles and box puppets during Animal Week. By taking time to embrace the innovator’s mindset, make marvelous mistakes, and dig deep to create something they are truly proud of, campers will be on the path to learning how innovators approach the world!

Campers will also have lots of time outside with fun organized outdoor games, special water afternoons, tending to garden plots in a community garden, and time to relax and explore. Throughout the day special attention will be paid to be sure that social distancing measures and general safety are being followed.

Yes, sign up for as many weeks as you like!

Each camper will need to bring their lunch, a drink and snacks

If you child is feeling ill, please keep your child at home and let us know. After you enroll, we will provide additional details and instructions.

Each camper will need to bring their own frequently used supplies (markers/crayons, scissors, glue sticks, etc.), but we will try to keep that to ~$10/week. For campers that are with us for multiple weeks, these supplies can be kept at camp week to week. For materials that are unique and specific to the innovation projects, Galileo will provide enough for each camper to have one. For unique supplies that must be shared (e.g. a hot glue gun) Galileo will provide and the instructor will wipe down with bleach wipes between campers.