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Young Innovators Create and Learn at Galileo Camps

2/3/15 - By Linda DiProperzio

For many kids, summer camp can be more than just a good time—it can actually be a life-changing experience. The right camp can give kids the chance to explore their interests while also discovering new ones, as well as build life skills and boost self-esteem. More importantly, children need to be in a place where they’re inspired to take risks without fear of failure. In fact, research shows kids who are exposed to that kind of environment are happier, more creative, and more confident when faced with life’s challenges.

Our sponsor Galileo Camps is an imagination-sparking program for kids in pre-K through 8th grade with the motto “fear goes on holiday.” I can’t stress enough how much I love that. I think many parents see that shift in our kids, from fearless toddlers to less self-assured students who are afraid to take a chance because they don’t want to make a mistake (at least I’ve seen it with my own son). Inspired by the Institute of Design at Stanford, Galileo Camps spark campers’ imaginations and literally change their way of learning. And luckily for Los Angeles residents, four new Galileo locations (Brentwood, Manhattan Beach, West LA, and Culver City) are opening up on the beachy side of town for summer 2015.

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Galileo is divided into two sections: Camp Galileo for the pre-K to 5th graders, and Galileo Summer Quest for 5th to 8th graders. At Camp Galileo, little campers are separated into three age groups: Nebulas (Pre-K to K), Stars (1st and 2nd graders), and Supernovas (3rd to 5th graders). The staff draws campers into a week full of hands-on art, science, and outdoor activities with four weekly themes:

  • Galileo Rocks: Music-Inspired Art and Instrument Engineering
  • Destination San Francisco:  Art and Engineering using the City by the Bay as inspiration
  • Galileo Makers: DIY Art and Real-World Inventions
  • Mount Everest Expedition: Himalayan Art and the Science of Scaling Mountains

While the campers are closely supervised, Galileo also encourages them to work both independently and in teams. The older they get, the more freedom they're given to delve deeper into art and science, use more advanced materials, and take on more complicated projects.  

By the 5th grade, kids have started to find their own personal interests and passions, which is the focus of Galileo Summer Quest. Campers still utilize the Stanford-inspired innovation process, but in place of weekly themes the staff introduces weekly majors in the Arts (painting, filmmaking, photography, and fashion design), Technology (Mod Design with Minecraft, 3-D modeling and printing, video game design, website design, and more), Culinary Arts, and Builders and Makers.

Summer Quest campers spend time exploring within their majors—learning new skills, collaborating with their major-mates, taking an idea from vision to reality—but camp certainly isn’t all major focused. Every week is packed with opportunities to participate in camp-wide activities or play games.

Tuition and schedules vary depending on location, so be sure to check out the Galileo site for information. There is also an early bird discount with $20 off tuition if you sign up by March 2nd. And for more tips and ideas on summer camps, be sure to take a look at our Los Angeles Summer Camp Guide.

This post is sponsored by Galileo Camps, but the opinions are those solely of the author.

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