based on 19 reviews
Neighbors say
- Still has openings for a 7 year-old in August
Things to note
- Art, science, outdoors summer camp
- Programs for PreK-5th
- Extended care available
- Partners with Tech Museum
- Partners with de Young Museum
By: Annette
Date: July, 2007
My 3rd grader has gone to Camp Galileo for the past 2 years and will be going again this year, as will my kinder. My older son loves it, and my younger son is excited to go. They do have programs for kids going into K in some locations. Most of the locations are schools, and they spend a good portion of the day in classrooms doing art and hands-on science. I think it is a good balance of learning, creativity, outdoor/physical activity, and traditional camp stuff (capture the flag, water play, songs, etc.). It is more expensive than camps run by city recreation depts.
Thanks to Savvy in Silicon Valley.
By: GreaterGood
Date: July, 2007
The Camp Galileo day camp experience is great for kids starting as young as K. They keep the K group somewhat separate from other levels - which is a nice idea. Speaking from two summers' experience, we've found the counselors to be enthusiastic, engaged, and great role models. Each camp week has a theme - from Ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages and everything in between - and the kids engage in art and "science" projects, along with physical activities. Each week, Thursday is a great water activity day that the children seem to love. The camps are run at local schools, so there's a great deal of variation in facilities: last year we were in Belmont (an old school, not the best layout, and the bathrooms were dark and far away from the K area so they had to be accompanied - which meant finding a free counselor to do that). This year, we went to Stratford, which has a great layout with lots of open spaces. It's not essential, but it's nice if your child can go with a friend, as - for a child who isn't very gregarious, a week probably isn't long enough to find a special friend to bond with.
But hats off to Camp Galileo for putting together a consistently fun experience for a wide age range of kids. It's a little pricey, but I felt I got value for my money. Highly recommended.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: September, 2007
It certainly lived up to its reputation. Many many parents recommended it to me. The activities were engaging and looked like they were challenging for my 5 year old. He enjoyed every day and asked to return again next summer. I really don't have any negative things to say. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: September, 2007
Both my 3rd grader and my kindergartener went to Camp G this year (1st camp ever for my kinder). The kids had a complete blast! It is all very age appropriate, the camp counsellors are energetic and enthusiastic, and the organization of the camp is top notch. Camp G is our Gold Standard against which all other camps are measured!
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: September, 2007
For my daughter who was 6 at the time she participated, it was too much. she didn't like the outdoor program.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: September, 2007
Great counselors, interesting subjects, well run.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: September, 2007
Art and Science camp with outdoor activities. DeYoung Museum, Tech Museum and Klutz help develop the programs. Full-day, great counselors and staff. Highly organized and efficiently run! My son wanted to be there every day
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: September, 2007
My 5 yr old son loved it, well organized, great camp staff.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: October, 2007
The activities were great, staff is very capable and caring. I would highly recommend it. the only weak spot is the after care, in which my son was building paper airplanes for three weeks, 2 hours a day. There were supposed to be other Klutz activities, we didn't see those in action.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: October, 2007
The camp counselors were fabulous and made it really fun for our son. He normally is shy in new situations, but with Camp Galileo, he couldn't wait to go.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: October, 2007
My daughter enjoyed camp. It's geared mostly towards younger kids (10 and under). It would be nice if they had access to better facilities, like a swimming pool.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: October, 2007
Great activities, great staff, well managed. Menlo Park location.
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: October, 2007
(San Jose Location) My daughter loved this camp....at the beginnning of every week in the summer she would ask if it is a "Camp G" week. High energy enthusiastic college students are the teachers. Lots of learning in a fun way. Cons - it is pricey
By: Summer Camp Survey 2007
Date: October, 2007
This was the best run camp we attended this summer. They were the most organized and had the safest check in/out procedures.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: November, 2007
My 8 year old son likes to know how things work and ask lots of questions. Unfortunately the counselors didn't know the project subject areas well enough to answer his questions. Probably they simply followed steps and repeated explanations that were given to them for their "special" projects. At the end of camp when I asked if he'd like to return, he told me that the camp was "Ok" but that he had just as much fun at other camps. Given how pricey Camp Galileo is, I'm happy to accommodate him.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: February, 2008
As a working mom of two enthusiastic boys, I've tried all the summer camps around. Galileo is by far the best. Although they are more pricey than most, it is worth every penny. My boys are going on their third year there and they are as excited as the first time. The staff is the best, the days are fun, and I know I have peace of mind for the week when they are there. Thanks Galileo...please continue what you do.
By: Your Neighbor
Date: February, 2008
Camp Galileo is by far the best organized camp in the Bay Area. It is a great mix of learning, fun and creativity. The staff is enthusiastic and engaging. My 6-yr-old loves Camp G!
By: Your Neighbor
Date: February, 2008
My two children loved Camp Galileo. I was impressed with the quality of the staffers, who made every effort to get to know my kids. Everybody - kids and staff - all seemed really happy to be there every day.
