Oak Park/River Forest

St. Vincent Ferrer School - River Forest

1515 Lathrop Ave, River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 665-4921

Grades: K - 8
Running from: June 16 - August 1

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This camp is filling up quickly!

Camp Information

Details about this unique camp location

Camp Information
Week Before Camp
Camp Logistics
Camp Communications
What to Bring
Camp Policies

Camp Information

Welcome to Summer 2025!

At Camp Galileo, we set the stage for campers to explore and create with confidence and joy. The guidelines below aren’t just about keeping things running smoothly. They’re the secret ingredients that let every camper dive fully and freely into hands-on projects, epic games and satisfying teamwork. When everyone knows what to expect, we can focus on what we do best: making this summer the best one yet!

Camp Location

This summer, our camp is located at:

St. Vincent Ferrer School - River Forest

1515 Lathrop Ave

River Forest, IL 60305

Camp Phone Number

(708) 665-4921

Camp Email

[email protected]

Camp Director

Jen Brice

Learn more about Jen Brice

This is Jen's second summer with Camp Galileo, but her first in the Oak Park/River Forest location. With over five years of experience teaching science to middle and high school students, Jen brings a strong educational background to her role as Camp Director. Her passion for innovative learning, collaboration, and creating exciting experiences for campers aligns perfectly with the mission of Camp Galileo. Having worked with a variety of camps in the past, Jen chose Galileo because of its emphasis on creativity, innovation, and community — values that she holds dear. She believes in nurturing a camp environment where campers can explore their own ideas, work together, and have fun while learning. Beyond her teaching career, Jen has been tutoring for over 10 years and is also a proud mom to a 5-year-old daughter. When she's not at camp, you can find her running with friends or taking family road trips to new destinations. Jen’s commitment to fostering an engaging and supportive camp experience makes her excited to lead another summer of growth, adventure, and creativity at Camp Galileo Oak Park/River Forest!

Our camp phone number is available during camp hours 8am-6pm to address urgent questions and updates including updates to your authorized pickups, questions about your upcoming camp week, and current week attendance.

For any other questions about your camp location or feedback about your camper’s experience, please email us to the camp email address listed above.

Questions?

Keep an eye out for a pre-camp email with information from your Camp Director
Let your Camp Director know if you have any other questions or concerns

We can’t wait to see you at camp and make every arrival and departure a breeze! If you have any questions, just ask! We’re here to help make this the best summer ever.

Week Before Camp

Prepare for a Smooth (and Super Fun) Week at Camp Galileo!

A little prep goes a long way toward making your camper’s week mind-expanding and worry-free.

Please follow these steps to get set for a stellar start:

Review Your Details: Log in to your account and double-check your registration details, especially the Health History section for each of your campers. A few minutes now means more time for hands-on fun later and at Monday’s check-in!
Review Emergency & Authorized Contacts: Make sure all the right grown-ups are listed as emergency contacts and authorized for pick-ups. Please remind all your the people in your authorized pick-up list to bring their phone ID when picking up your camper. Safety first, adventure always!
Review your schedule and sign up for Extended Care: Need a little extra time before or after camp? Sign up for Extended Care so your camper can keep the fun going (and you can keep your day running smoothly). We offer Extended Care from 8-9am and 3-6pm

With these quick steps, you’ll help set the stage for a week full of curiosity, creativity, and Galileo magic!

Camp Logistics

Checking In and Checking Out

We’re so excited to kick off the week with you!

Monday Check-In: 8:30–9:00am

Try to arrive as close to 8:30am as possible for a smooth start to the week
Parents/guardians MUST check in with their campers on Monday, so we can verify health history forms and authorized pick-up lists
The camp fun officially begins at 9:00am sharp!

Tuesday–Friday Check-In: 8:45–9:00am

Drop off your camper anytime between 8:45–9:00am
If you arrive early, please wait with your camper until we’re ready to welcome everyone in
Most camps offer curbside drop-off on Tuesdays through Fridays. Please check the Camp Specific Details section below for more details

Daily Check-Out: 3:00pm

Camp wraps up at 3:00pm each day
For safety reasons, only adults on your camper’s authorized pick-up list (with a photo ID) can pick-up your camper
Pick-up people (including parents) must show a photo ID every day at check out
After 3:30pm, we charge a late pick-up fee of $1 per minute and campers will wait for you in our Extended Care area

Camp Specific Details

Monday, please park and proceed to our main entrance at the back of the school off Le Moyne Parkway near the playground and blacktop area. Check-in tables will be available.

Tuesday-Friday, we offer curbside drop-off along Le Moyne Parkway. Staff will greet you at your car and walk your kids to check-in with their group. Please drop your camper off along the school side of the street only.

During check-out , please use curbside check-out along Le Moyne Parkway. All cars should have your Galileo dashboard name tag on display that you will receive at check-in. As cars approach, we will notify our staff to bring out your camper to your car for pick-up. Please have photo ID ready. For additional safety, drivers should remain in their cars and should not be on their cell phone during the pick-up process.

If it is raining, please be patient and expect that the check-in and check-out process will take longer than normal.

Camp Parking

Street parking is available on Le Moyne Parkway and other near by streets. Cars are not permitted to enter the playground area of the school off of Le Moyne Parkway for the safety of our campers and staff.

Extended Care (AM: 8:00–9:00am | PM: 3:00–6:00pm)

If your camper is enrolled in Extended Care, you can check in as early as 8:00am for AM Extended Care and pick-up as late as 6:00pm for PM Extended Care
For PM Extended Care, pick-up is anytime between 3:30–6:00pm
Please note that there’s a $1 per minute late fee after 6:00pm (and after 3:30pm for regular camp)

Changes to Authorized Pick-Up List

Please make any updates or additions to your Authorized Pick-up list in your account by 9:00am the Friday before your camp week
Changes after that? No worries—just make your updates online AND make sure your camp staff is up to date at check-in. You can also email your camp to let them know

Running Late or Picking Up Early?

No problem! Give your Camp Director a quick call or email (contact info is in the Camp Information section) so we can make sure your camper is ready.

Camp Communications

Stay in the Loop – Camp Galileo Style!

At Camp Galileo, we believe that mind-expanding adventures and unforgettable fun start with great communication! Here’s how we’ll keep you connected to all the camp magic:

Before Your Camp Week

8 Days Before Your Week Begins: Get ready! We’ll send you an email and SMS bursting with everything you need to know to launch your camper’s week of hands-on discovery and joyful learning. Be on the lookout for a fun clip previewing the week ahead
Wednesday Before Camp: Still need to finish up health forms? No worries! We’ll send a friendly nudge so you’re all set for a safe and spectacular start

During Your Camp Week

Tuesday: Watch out for a special message from your Camp Director unveiling the theme for Wacky Wednesday – let the creativity (and costumes!) begin!
Wednesday: Midweek, we’ll share a peek into your camper’s journey so far, plus a few fun questions to help spark big conversations about all the new things they’re exploring
Friday: Help us make Camp Galileo even better! On Friday, you’ll receive a quick survey. We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories – your feedback fuels our innovation

Can’t get enough of Galileo? We got you! Follow @galileocamps on Instagram or Facebook to see what’s happening across our camps.

We’re here to make every moment at Camp Galileo extraordinary for your camper and for you. Get ready for a summer of growth, creativity, and serious fun!

What to Bring

What to Bring to Camp

The ultimate checklist! Please label all non-disposable items with your camper’s name.

Every Day

Backpack: For all your adventure gear below
Nut-Free Lunch & Snack(s): Fuel up for fun! If your camper will be staying for PM Extended Care, please pack 2 snacks – one for during the camp day and one for the afternoon.
Water Bottle: Stay cool, stay hydrated
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, or shades-shine safely!
Towel: Bring it on Water Day (Thursdays only)!
Galileo Lanyard & Name Tag: Wear it proudly after your first Monday
EpiPen: Bring it if you need it
Photo ID: Grown-ups need this for pick-up!

Dress Code

Comfortable, casual clothes (expect paint, dirt and fun!)
Layers for cool mornings (especially in the Bay Area)
Closed-toed shoes are required for Supernovas (4th-5th graders) and Meteors (6th-8th graders) and recommended for all!

Theme Days

Camp Galileo has awesome theme days! Here’s what you need to know about them:

🌈 Tuesday: Team Color Day (Wear your team color, assigned Monday)
🤪 Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday (Different at every camp! Stay tuned for details from your Camp Director)
💧 Thursday: Water Day (At most locations. Check your weekly communications for details and see special Water Day items below)
👕 Friday: We Are Galileo! (Wear your camp T-shirt)

Special Items

On Water Day, if applicable, campers should bring a towel and wear a swimsuit (under their clothes) and closed-toed water shoes
EpiPen, if needed, labeled with the camper’s name. EpiPens will stay with campers throughout the day
Ice packs for perishable food. We don’t provide refrigeration at camp

What to Leave at Home

Pets
Toys, games, cards, video games and other tech
Personal valuables
Weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco and banned substances

Cell Phones at Camp

Phones must stay off and in backpacks all day including during Extended Care. Repeated reminders to put them away may result in phones being held in the camp office
If you need to contact your camper for an emergency, please call the Camp Office – (the camp phone number is in the Camp Information section)

Camp Policies

Illness & Absences

At Camp Galileo, we follow all local Public Health Department guidelines. Therefore, if your camper is showing signs of illness, please keep them home and let your Camp Director know of the absence.

Behavior Policy

At Camp Galileo, we’re all about kindness, creativity and collaboration. The following policies help everyone feel safe and included, so campers can focus on learning and having fun:

Campers are expected to participate safely and respectfully
Campers requiring 1:1 supervision, disrupting camp or threatening safety may be asked to leave
Behaviors meriting expulsion include violence, threats, dangerous behavior, possession of weapons/substances, robbery, property damage, harassment, hazing or intimidation
We do not issue refunds for campers asked to leave

4th-8th Graders: Safe Materials Usage

Supernova (4th–5th graders) and Meteor (6th–8th graders) campers get to take their projects to the next level, using advanced materials to build big, bold creations. As safety is our top priority, we review responsible tool use at camp and encourage families to talk about these guidelines at home.

Glue Gun Safety:

Hold the glue gun carefully and never touch the metal part or hot glue
Dispense only small amounts of glue at a time (small dots work best!)
Always return the glue gun to its designated space after use
Wait 10 seconds before touching glued items

Meteors ONLY Additional Tools:

Camp Galileo 6th–8th graders use additional tools, including tape measures, screwdrivers, clamps, drills and hand saws
Always use tools as intended and respect your fellow innovators

A Day at Camp Galileo

Camp Galileo’s acclaimed curriculum combines STEAM exploration and outdoor fun for kids in grades K–10.

K-1st
2nd-3rd
4th-5th
6th-8th

Kinder - 1st

Our Nebula Campers work on 1-2 day, age-appropriate projects individually and in small groups to challenge their thinking and test their perseverance.

Optional AM Care

Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
Opening Ceremony

Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
Innovator's Studio

Campers build creative confidence by turning their ideas into individual, polished STEAM projects to take home every week.
Snack Break

Campers take a nut-free snack break to refuel their brains and bodies.
Idea Lab

Campers collaborate in small groups on daily design challenges, experiment with wild ideas and discover that sending their creations crashing down is all part of the fun—and learning!
Lunch/Free Play

All-camp lunch and break. Campers eat lunch and play outside with friends.
Outdoor Adventure

Campers play exciting outdoor games, take on team-building challenges with an innovative twist and engage in traditional camp fun.
Closing Ceremony

We end the day together with a special all-camp gathering.
Optional PM Care

Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.

Learn More

2nd - 3rd

Our Star Campers work on 1-2 day, age-appropriate projects individually and in small groups to challenge their thinking and test their perseverance.

Optional AM Care

Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
Opening Ceremony

Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
Innovator's Studio

Campers build creative confidence by turning their ideas into individual, polished STEAM projects to take home every week.
Snack Break

Campers take a nut-free snack break to refuel their brains and bodies.
Idea Lab

Campers collaborate in small groups on daily design challenges, experiment with wild ideas and discover that sending their creations crashing down is all part of the fun—and learning!
Lunch/Free Play

All-camp lunch and break. Campers eat lunch and play outside with friends.
Outdoor Adventure

Campers play exciting outdoor games, take on team-building challenges with an innovative twist and engage in traditional camp fun.
Closing Ceremony

We end the day together with a special all-camp gathering.
Optional PM Care

Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.

Learn more

4th - 5th

Supernova campers work to complete small group challenges and work on longer, individual projects that test their determination.

Optional AM Care

Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
Opening Ceremony

Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
Innovator's Studio

Campers build creative confidence by turning their ideas into individual, polished STEAM projects to take home every week.
Snack Break

Campers take a nut-free snack break to refuel their brains and bodies.
Idea Lab

Campers collaborate in small groups on daily design challenges, experiment with wild ideas and discover that sending their creations crashing down is all part of the fun—and learning!
Lunch/Free Play

All-camp lunch and break. Campers eat lunch and play outside with friends.
Outdoor Adventure

Campers play exciting outdoor games, take on team-building challenges with an innovative twist and engage in traditional camp fun.
Closing Ceremony

We end the day together with a special all-camp gathering.
Optional PM Care

Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.

Learn more

6th - 8th

Our Middle schoolers campers, Meteors, work on one epic individual project throughout the week. They collaborate with others to provide feedback and a helping hand.

Optional AM Care

Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
Opening Ceremony

Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
Individual Project Work

Campers focus on one amazing week-long project, building incredible new skills as they transform their grand vision into reality.
Lunch/Free Play

Campers take a nut-free snack break to refuel their brains and bodies.
More Project Time

Campers get back to work on their epic projects with help from inspiring instructors, sophisticated tools and like-minded peers.
Closing Ceremony

We end the day together with a special all-camp gathering.
Optional PM Care

Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.

Choose Your Weeks

Click on "See Details" below to learn about the unique Galileo projects happening each week at camp.

Week	Jun 16 - Jun 20 *	Jun 23 - Jun 27	Jun 30 - Jul 3 *	Jul 7 - Jul 11	Jul 14 - Jul 18	Jul 21 - Jul 25	Jul 28 - Aug 1
Nebulas Collaborative innovation challenges; mindful outdoor play; and weekly STEAM projects designed for rising K-1st graders	Almost Full Summer Celebration $465 See Details	Almost Full Taking Flight $535 See Details	Almost Full Slumber Party $465 See Details	Almost Full River Adventure $535 See Details	Almost Full Make Believe Market $535 See Details	Almost Full Enchanted Forest Fun $535 See Details	Almost Full Summer Celebration $535 See Details
Stars Collaborative innovation challenges; mindful outdoor play; and weekly STEAM projects designed for rising 2nd-3rd graders	Almost Full Puppet Theater $445 See Details	Almost Full Destination Downtown $515 See Details	Almost Full Thrill Rides & Theme Parks $445 See Details	Almost Full Teeming Tide Pools $515 See Details	Almost Full Tabletop Tournament $515 See Details	Almost Full Backyard Bugs $515 See Details	Almost Full Puppet Theater $515 See Details
Supernovas Collaborative innovation challenges; mindful outdoor play; and weekly STEAM project designed for rising 4-5th graders	Almost Full Roving Robot Inventors $445 See Details	Almost Full Custom Furniture Crafters $515 See Details	Almost Full Arcade Game Designers $445 See Details	Almost Full Master Shipbuilders $515 See Details	Almost Full Personalized Print Makers $515 See Details	Almost Full Giant Costume Creators $515 See Details	Almost Full Roving Robot Inventors $515 See Details
Meteors Week-long STEAM projects for rising 6-8th graders	Open Escape Room $445 See Details	Open Custom Go Karts $615 See Details	Open DIY Camp Chair & Table $445 See Details	Open Escape Room $515 See Details	Open Custom Go Karts $615 See Details	Open DIY Camp Chair & Table $515 See Details	Open Escape Room $515 See Details

k-1st
2nd-3rd
4th-5th
6th-8th

Week	Nebulas Collaborative innovation challenges; mindful outdoor play; and weekly STEAM projects designed for rising K-1st graders
Jun 16 - Jun 20 *	Almost Full Summer Celebration $465 See Details
Jun 23 - Jun 27	Almost Full Taking Flight $535 See Details
Jun 30 - Jul 3 *	Almost Full Slumber Party $465 See Details
Jul 7 - Jul 11	Almost Full River Adventure $535 See Details
Jul 14 - Jul 18	Almost Full Make Believe Market $535 See Details
Jul 21 - Jul 25	Almost Full Enchanted Forest Fun $535 See Details
Jul 28 - Aug 1	Almost Full Summer Celebration $535 See Details

Week	Stars Collaborative innovation challenges; mindful outdoor play; and weekly STEAM projects designed for rising 2nd-3rd graders
Jun 16 - Jun 20 *	Almost Full Puppet Theater $445 See Details
Jun 23 - Jun 27	Almost Full Destination Downtown $515 See Details
Jun 30 - Jul 3 *	Almost Full Thrill Rides & Theme Parks $445 See Details
Jul 7 - Jul 11	Almost Full Teeming Tide Pools $515 See Details
Jul 14 - Jul 18	Almost Full Tabletop Tournament $515 See Details
Jul 21 - Jul 25	Almost Full Backyard Bugs $515 See Details
Jul 28 - Aug 1	Almost Full Puppet Theater $515 See Details

Week	Supernovas Collaborative innovation challenges; mindful outdoor play; and weekly STEAM project designed for rising 4-5th graders
Jun 16 - Jun 20 *	Almost Full Roving Robot Inventors $445 See Details
Jun 23 - Jun 27	Almost Full Custom Furniture Crafters $515 See Details
Jun 30 - Jul 3 *	Almost Full Arcade Game Designers $445 See Details
Jul 7 - Jul 11	Almost Full Master Shipbuilders $515 See Details
Jul 14 - Jul 18	Almost Full Personalized Print Makers $515 See Details
Jul 21 - Jul 25	Almost Full Giant Costume Creators $515 See Details
Jul 28 - Aug 1	Almost Full Roving Robot Inventors $515 See Details

Week	Meteors Week-long STEAM projects for rising 6-8th graders
Jun 16 - Jun 20 *	Open Escape Room $445 See Details
Jun 23 - Jun 27	Open Custom Go Karts $615 See Details
Jun 30 - Jul 3 *	Open DIY Camp Chair & Table $445 See Details
Jul 7 - Jul 11	Open Escape Room $515 See Details
Jul 14 - Jul 18	Open Custom Go Karts $615 See Details
Jul 21 - Jul 25	Open DIY Camp Chair & Table $515 See Details
Jul 28 - Aug 1	Open Escape Room $515 See Details

*The weeks of June 16 and June 30th are 4-day weeks due to the Juneteenth and 4th of July federal holidays.
Meteors program Custom Go-Karts week has a $100 materials fee reflected in the price.

Week of

Enroll Now

Weekly Overview

Extended Care

Morning: $40/wk
Afternoon: $80/wk
Morning and Afternoon: $100/wk

Discounts

For a limited time only, save $30 per week with code MDW25.
Spend more than one week with us and save $25/week after your first week.
Join us for six weeks and save an additional $100 off your total.

More Weeks = More Savings

Note: Effective weekly rates and totals are calculated based on the price of a 5-day week and do not include the $100 materials fee for Meteors Custom Go-Karts.

K-1st
2nd-3rd
4th-5th
6th-8th

1 week

$535

2 weeks

$~523/week

Savings: $25

Total price: $1,045

3 weeks

$~518/week

Savings: $50

Total price: $1,555

4 weeks

$~516/week

Savings: $75

Total price: $2,065

5 weeks

$~515/week

Savings: $100

Total price: $2,575

6 weeks

$~498/week

Savings: $225

Total price: $2,985

Enroll Now

1 week

$515

2 weeks

$~503/week

Savings: $25

Total price: $1,005

3 weeks

$~498/week

Savings: $50

Total price: $1,495

4 weeks

$~496/week

Savings: $75

Total price: $1,985

5 weeks

$~495/week

Savings: $100

Total price: $2,475

6 weeks

$~478/week

Savings: $225

Total price: $2,865

Enroll Now

1 week

$515

2 weeks

$~503/week

Savings: $25

Total price: $1,005

3 weeks

$~498/week

Savings: $50

Total price: $1,495

4 weeks

$~496/week

Savings: $75

Total price: $1,985

5 weeks

$~495/week

Savings: $100

Total price: $2,475

6 weeks

$~478/week

Savings: $225

Total price: $2,865

Enroll Now

1 week

$515

2 weeks

$~503/week

Savings: $25

Total price: $1,005

3 weeks

$~498/week

Savings: $50

Total price: $1,495

4 weeks

$~496/week

Savings: $75

Total price: $1,985

5 weeks

$~495/week

Savings: $100

Total price: $2,475

6 weeks

$~478/week

Savings: $225

Total price: $2,865

Enroll Now

Extended Care Pricing

Extended Care is priced on a weekly basis. 4-day week pricing of $32/week for morning care, $64/week for afternoon care and $80/week for both morning and afternoon care.

Extended Care AM

Drop off your camper as early as 8am.

$40/week
Extended Care PM

Pick off your camper as late as 6pm.

$80/week
Extended Care AM and PM

Pick up your camper as early as 8am and drop off as late as 6pm.

$100/week

Need-Based Scholarships & Discounts Available

Learn More

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Locations FAQ

Questions and answers about our camp locations and other basic camp info.

View All FAQs

Which camp location is closest to me?

We have camps throughout the United States, with locations in California, Washington, Colorado, & Illinois. Our partnerships with local schools ensure we can provide convenient facilities for campers throughout multiple Bay Area cities. Use our Camp Finder to explore and find the summer camp near you.
What if my preferred location is listed as TBD?

If a location is listed as TBD, it means we are confident that we will have a camp in that community, but are still confirming the specific location. As soon as we have finalized our site plans, our website will be updated and parents on our newsletter list will be informed!
What ages can go to our summer camp?

Camp Galileo is available for rising kindergarteners through rising 8th graders. At select locations, we also offer a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for rising 8th-10th graders, with 8th graders having the option to choose between Camp Galileo and the CIT program where available. We follow local school age guidelines, starting with campers entering kindergarten in the fall of the upcoming school year. Our youth summer camp programs provide tailored experiences for different age groups. Please note that we are unable to accept TK or Pre-K students.
What are the hours of camp?

During a typical camp week, camps run from 9am-3pm Monday through Friday. We offer optional extended care hours from 8am - 9am and from 3pm - 6pm. We are closed on Juneteenth (June 19th) and Independence Day (July 4th). Some camps may not run the week of the 4th of July. Please check your location’s page for details.
How much does camp cost?

Camp Galileo pricing varies by location and program. Please note that for our youngest campers, the Nebulas (rising kindergarteners and 1st graders), we provide a higher staff-to-camper ratio. As a result, their session price includes an additional $20/week, which is reflected in the listed price. For our Meteors (rising 6th–8th graders), there is a $100 materials fee for the Go-Kart project weeks. To find the specific price for the camp you're interested in, please use our Camp Finder to select your preferred location and view detailed pricing information. We also make adjustments to the price of a session for the weeks of Juneteenth and 4th of July since we only offer 4-day sessions on those weeks.

View All FAQs