Frequently Asked Questions

Not recommended, as projects span full days and weeks, but contact your Camp Director if needed. Info is in your Camp Guide or on your location page.

Wear a swimsuit under clothes, closed-toe shoes (water shoes OK), bring a towel and sunscreen.

Casual clothes that can get messy including use of paint, comfortable shoes, nut-free snack and lunch, water bottle (and extra snack for Extended Care). Apply sunscreen before arrival and pack a hat and extra sunscreen.

Yes—log into your account, review emergency contacts, t-shirt size, Extended Care selections, and complete camper health information. Contact [email protected] with any issues.

The first day of camp will be full of excitement, anticipation, new friends, and fun! Trust A joyful, busy day of new friends and fun. Bring comfy clothes, sneakers, a water bottle, and nut-free food. Meet your Camp Director, verify safety info, and join the opening festivities. Ask questions—our team is ready to help every camper feel comfortable and excited.

By grade: Rising K–1 (Nebulas), Rising 2–3 (Stars), Rising 4–5 (Supernovas), Rising 6–8 (Meteors). CIT programs (8th–10th) available at select sites, focusing on leadership, mentorship, and innovation projects.

No. Curriculum is tailored by grade for optimal challenge and fun.

Yes, if they’re in the same grade range. Add friend requests in your account under Child Information. For solo campers, our team fosters inclusion and new friendships.

No. Please send a nut-free snack and lunch and a refillable water bottle.

Our 20-year-tested approach makes learning fun through hands-on projects in art and engineering, outdoor play, games, and camp traditions like songs, dress-up days, and Water Day.

We’re always exploring new communities! If you know a school or site interested in hosting, email [email protected].

Yes. Ask your Camp Director during camp hours. Items left after the last day are donated—please check before leaving.

Directors work full-time in June and begin responding to family emails one week before camp starts. Their contact info is in your Camp Guide and on your location page. Before then, contact Customer Service.

That means we plan to host camp in that community but are finalizing the site. We’ll update the website and notify newsletter subscribers when confirmed.

We run camps in CA, WA, CO, and IL. Put your zipcode in our Camp Finder to locate the most convenient site.

Yes. Families must submit a health history and current immunization or exemption certificate before attending. Non-immunized campers may be excluded during outbreaks.

No, sessions are non-transferable between campers, though you may transfer to a different week or location up to 14 days before camp.

Absences happen! We’ll help your child catch up but do not refund missed days.

Yes. Galileo promotes positive behavior and reserves the right to remove campers for unsafe actions, including physical aggression, discrimination, threats, or substance possession. See full list in Terms of Purchase.

We encourage full participation; we do not pro-rate for missed hours or days.

No. All sessions are full-day, 9 AM–3 PM.

See Transfer & Cancellation policy on the Terms of Purchase page.

Transfers allowed up to 14 days before camp at no charge (subject to availability). Sessions cannot transfer between campers.

We communicate with the Primary Account Holder listed on your camper’s account for all enrollment confirmations and any modifications to registered sessions, and will also send relevant camper experience messages to any secondary parents or guardians the Primary Account Holder designates in their contact information. The Primary Account Holder is responsible for adding and updating these details. Parents and guardians are responsible for sharing information with one another as needed. Galileo is not able to mediate custody or parental disputes and will follow the direction of the Primary Account Holder for enrollment, authorized pick-ups, schedule changes, and account decisions, unless a valid court order states otherwise.

All backup care customers have Galileo Customer Accounts created for them using the email address associated with their backup care request. If you are unable to access your Galileo account, please reach out to the Customer Service Team at [email protected] so they can reset your password to allow you to login.

All backup care registrations include access to both AM and PM care, providing full-day availability from 8 AM to 6 PM. However, your enrollment will only cover the specific hours selected in your backup care reservation.

No, backup care registrations cannot be transferred through the Customer Portal. Any changes to a reservation need to be processed through your backup care provider.

If your care request has been accepted, your backup care provider should have sent you a receipt to confirm the care. You should also receive an automatic email from Galileo with a registration confirmation. If you have not received both, contact [email protected]

Submit a care request to your backup care provider for your desired dates. Once approved, your provider sends confirmation to Galileo, and we enroll your camper(s). You’ll receive a registration confirmation and will need to complete the Camper Health Information Forms.

We apply our standard cancellation policy to subsidy enrollments. Exceptions may be made if prior arrangements exist with the partnering organization. For questions, contact [email protected].

Yes! Galileo partners with various organizations to facilitate camp payments for families. If you’d like to use an external subsidy, email [email protected]. We’re also open to partnering with new organizations.

Group enrollments are subject to our standard cancellation policy, which can be reviewed in our Terms of Purchase page.

Yes! To book for large groups: contact [email protected], identify a group contact, provide details, confirm capacity, sign a contract, and submit payment. Our Customer Service team will guide you through each step.

Yes. Every year, we award thousands of weeks of sliding scale scholarships. Learn more about the program and when to apply by visiting our Scholarships page.

Anyone can apply for a Galileo Scholarship! While we do not offer full scholarships, our program is designed to make Galileo accessible to more families. Scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale and are based on a family’s application, considering income and other factors that may affect their ability to pay full price. These awards provide a highly reduced rate for camp per week, per camper.

Scholarship enrollments cover the regular camp session from 9 AM to 3 PM, as well as Extended Care from 8-9 AM and 3-6 PM, all included at the awarded scholarship amount and at no extra cost. These options can be added to the registration at any time, subject to availability; however, it is recommended to add them at the time of initial booking. Each scholarship camper will be awarded up to 6 weeks of camp at the scholarship rate. Additional weeks may be offered upon request, depending on availability at their chosen location.

Families can direct any scholarship-related inquiries to our Scholarship team at [email protected].

Our Scholarship Program will launch at the same time as regular registration to give scholarship families the opportunity to plan their summer alongside the general enrollment period. The program will remain open until locations reach scholarship capacity. Awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage families to apply early. To stay informed and receive updates about the Scholarship Program, join our mailing list by emailing [email protected].

Scholarships cannot be combined with any discounts and promotions, such as our Early Bird discount.

While we do not offer full scholarships, our awards are offered on a sliding scale based on financial need, with discounts typically ranging from 20% to 75% off the standard camp price. Our Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance and reduce the cost of camp, making Galileo more accessible to as many families as possible.

Scholarships are valid only for the camp season in the year they are awarded and cannot be carried over to future summers. As financial circumstances and available funds may change from year to year, a new application and updated documentation will be required each season to be considered for a scholarship.

Scholarships may not be applied to previously purchased camp sessions—all paid sessions are considered final and subject to our cancellation policy. However, you are welcome to submit an application and apply a scholarship to additional sessions.

Our scholarship application requires that you submit proof of income. We currently accept the following forms: Pay stub, Tax returns, W2 form, 1099 form, TANF or SNAP benefits, or letter from an employer. Please make sure that the submitted form is in one of the following formats: pdf, jpeg, png, doc, docx, jpg.

You will have 3 weeks to use your scholarship before your award is reallocated.

Yes. Each site has an evacuation plan and trained staff for emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, or airborne exposures. Families will receive communication via email or phone if necessary.

Yes. Staff monitor weather and AQI regularly. If unsafe, campers stay indoors, and activities are adjusted while maintaining fun and engagement. Galileo follows local education standards such as California Department of Education guidance.

Yes, anyone picking up a camper must bring ID and be listed as an authorized pick-up.

All staff complete applications, interviews, reference checks, and criminal background checks. Leadership undergoes additional interviews. Staff receive multiple hours of training and supervision.

All management staff are first aid and CPR certified. Parents are informed of minor injuries at check-out. In serious cases, 911 is called, and families are notified immediately.

Galileo is nut-free. All food sharing is prohibited. Campers must bring nut-free food. Staff are trained to recognize allergic reactions and administer EpiPens if needed.

Allergy details are collected during enrollment and reviewed before camp. Families are encouraged to contact their Camp Director before camp begins to discuss support and safety measures.

If illness occurs before camp begins, families may transfer to another week at no charge. Mid-week cancellations are not eligible for refunds or transfers.

Log into your account, go to Child Information, and update authorized pick-ups. Each camper must have at least one emergency contact before attending.

We maintain small-group supervision ratios: 12:1 for grades 2–8 and 10:1 for K–1. Campers are never left alone, and staff take attendance every 15 minutes and during all transitions.

Yes. We welcome camper aides and strongly encourage them when a camper works with an aide in a school setting. Campers attending with a 1:1 aide must be registered by May 1. Families are responsible for arranging and supporting the aide process. For guidance, please contact [email protected].

Yes. Due to the required background clearance process, all campers who will be attending with an aide must be registered by May 1. This allows adequate time to complete onboarding and ensure we are fully prepared to welcome your camper on the first day of camp.

All camper aides are required to complete a background check. In California, this also includes a TB clearance. The onboarding process can take up to three weeks to complete. Once all requirements are cleared and verified, the aide will be approved to attend camp with your camper.

Families can contact our Customer Service Team at [email protected] to check on the status of an aide’s onboarding. We will also be in touch throughout the process.

No. Galileo does not charge a fee for camper aides. However, families are responsible for covering the cost of any required background checks or clearances.

Yes. If you are working with an agency, please share the agency’s details with our team as early as possible so we can begin coordination and onboarding.

Yes. Personal aides are welcome to attend, provided they complete the required Galileo onboarding process prior to the start of camp.

No. Galileo does not directly supply aides. However, we are happy to collaborate with families to support their needs. All aides must complete the Galileo background check and onboarding process before attending camp.

Families receive a 'Guide to Camp' email before camp with pick-up and drop-off details.

Schools or districts can fill out the contact form on our Partnerships page. Our team will reach out to explore partnership opportunities.

You’ll receive a confirmation email after enrollment and a detailed camp guide one week before camp. Contact [email protected] if you haven’t received these.

Yes, lunch is provided, and some sites also include breakfast and snacks.

Enrollment at Galileo X sites is by school district nomination only.

If your school or organization has a fundraising code with Galileo, they should have provided your community with the code via a flyer. If you did not receive any information about a fundraising code from your organization and would like for us to double check, please reach out to our Customer Service Team at [email protected] before you complete your purchase to ensure the code is used if it exists.

No. We are not able to retroactively add a discount to a purchase. Customers may use the code for an additional week of camp this summer, or may cancel the sessions and re-enroll with the discount; if you choose to do this, regular cancellation fees will apply. Please note if the session is already full when you cancel/re-enroll, you will lose the initial spot and be placed on our waitlist upon re-enrollment.

No. Auction codes are intended to be used for the season in which they are created. To maintain fairness and consistency for all of our customers, we are not able to extend these codes to future seasons.

Thank you for reaching out and including us in your school’s or organization’s fundraising efforts. To start the process, please complete the donation request form on our website. Our Community Engagement team will review your request and get back to you as soon as possible.

Yes. Galileo supports local PTAs, PTOs, booster clubs, and nonprofit organizations through our Auction Donations and Fundraising Program. Schools and organizations can request an in-kind donation (a week of camp) and receive a unique fundraising code that provides a $50 discount for families and a $50 donation back to your organization for each enrollment.

Our cancellation policy for Early Enrollment purchases is as follows:

• Prior to January 31: Full refund.
• February 1 – March 31: Refund minus $25 per session cancelled.
• April 1 to 46 days before camp: Refund minus 50% of total purchase price.
• Within 45 days of camp: No credits or refunds.

If you purchased during the Early Enrollment period, you received a code for each week of camp. When locations and dates are confirmed and the Priority Enrollment period opens, select your location and apply your codes to schedule your weeks.

Log in to your Galileo Customer Portal, scroll to Child Information, and click '+ Add Camp' under your camper’s name. Follow the prompts to complete enrollment.

Log in to your account, select Camper Information, click on the Emergency Contacts & Pickup Authorization tab, and select Add More Contacts. Enter the details and save your request.

Log in to your Galileo account. At the top of the page, select 'Print Receipt.' Scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'Print Receipt' again to download or print your record.

Select 'Reset Password' on the login page, enter your email, and click 'Next.' You’ll receive an email with a temporary password you can use to log in and update your credentials.

Our tax ID is 71-0869453. Mailing address: 548 Market St, PMB 38374, San Francisco, CA 94104.

You can view all of our open summer and year-round positions on our Job Postings page!

Most Galileo roles—both summer and year-round—require staff to be 18 or older. The exception is our Summer Intern position, which is open to individuals who will be 16 by May 1, 2026. Some states may also require a work permit.

Yes, depending on position. Many positions include free or discounted camp weeks. Specific benefits are listed in each job listing.

We’re dedicated to creating inclusive, diverse and supportive environments. We’ll partner closely with you to understand your needs, explore available options, and determine what may be possible as a reasonable accommodation.

Yes, if you already have valid U.S. work authorization. Galileo is unable to sponsor visas.

Visit our Summer Staff page for details, tips, and open roles.

You’ll receive updates by email (and text too). If you don’t hear within five business days, check your spam folder.

Congratulations! Your next step is to sign your offer letter (sent via email—be sure to check your spam folder). After that, our team will follow up with onboarding tasks and training details as we get closer to camp.

Most likely, yes. Roles remain posted until hiring is complete.  Explore current openings on our jobs page

Yes! We offer flexible roles, including part-time and substitute positions across multiple locations.
Please note: Applicants with 4-8 weeks of availability receive priority for core positions.

Apply for the position and area that best fits you; our hiring team will help match you during the process.

To apply for a Summer Intern position, you must be 16 years old by May 1, 2026. Depending on the state, you may also need a work permit.

No. Galileo is a day camp program, and does not provide housing for staff.

Yes! Summer staff receive one free week (including Extended Care) and 50% off additional weeks for their children.

1. Apply online
2. Complete a screening with our hiring team
3. Interview with our regional leadership team
4. If it’s a match, you’ll receive an offer!

Current Camp Directors receive four free weeks (including Extended Care) OR may gift two free weeks.

Absolutely! If you’re interested, apply early so we can talk through the role and explore future opportunities. We’re always excited to see returning staff grow into leadership positions.

Each region typically has openings every year. You can indicate your location preferences when you apply and discuss options during your interview.

Explore current openings on our jobs page.