Camp Galileo: Where learning meets fun

As a stay at home mom, I really struggled with the decision to put my son in preschool. Early learning is very important to me and I wanted to be sure I wasn’t just placing him into a “daycare” environment. Luckily, we found a fantastic preschool near us that has a great full day curriculum filled with learning under the guise of fun. Having had a full 9am-4pm educational schedule for the past 3 years now puts me once again where I started, but this time with Kindergarten. It seems that after school and summer care is just that – care only. I’ve wrestled with several local summer options, hoping to find a good mixture of academic engagement while still having fun.

Thank you Galileo Learning for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to experience Galileo camps.

Luckily, I recently discovered Camp Galileo. There are 4 new Los Angeles locations, with optional extended care and even a healthy lunch. More than just a summer camp, they provide an amazing learning experience while retaining that “fun” factor. Children will find themselves engrossed in art projects, science challenges and outdoor activities that make them laugh, think and express themselves with complete freedom. Each week, the adventure is new, different and exciting. And with options from pre-K all the way through 8th grade, its a place that your child can grow with and look forward to returning to each year.

To get a taste of the activities performed at Camp Galileo, we received a craft kit to make our own illuminated card. Our son is only 5, but he was super excited about creating a birthday card for his cousin. Although the project required my assembly expertise, my son came up with his own idea of what to draw and what would light up.

I also walked him through the concept of how a battery works and completing the circuit and while he may not have completely “gotten” the science behind it, he did understand the basics and was thrilled upon completing the project (if you couldn’t tell by the smile!). Surely you recognize the cast of The Avengers, right?

If you’d like to try some sample crafts yourself, there are four downloadable PDF projects to try!

PDF 1: Illuminated Card
o Inspired by Galileo Summer Quest Electronic Painting Studio
o Included in the pdf will be a material list and GIA (Galileo Innovation Approach) based instructions to create your own Illuminated card (please note that this project requires some items that may have to be purchased to complete – copper wiring / led lights – links will be provided).

PDF 2: Chefology: Sushi Design and Creation
o Inspired by Galileo Summer Quest, Chefology: International Eats
o Included in the pdf will be a material list and GIA (Galileo Innovation Approach) based instructions to design and create your own Nori rolls.

PDF 3: Rubber Band Helicopter
o Inspired by Camp Galileo Science Curriculum
o Included in the pdf will be a material list and GIA (Galileo Innovation Approach) based instructions to create your own rubber band helicopter (please note that this project requires some items that may have to be purchased to complete – specific rotor sticks – links will be provided)

PDF 4: Spoon Catapult
o Inspired by Camp Galileo Science Curriculum
o Included in the pdf will be a material list and GIA (Galileo Innovation Approach) based instructions to create your own spoon catapult

If you live in Los Angeles, you can visit the Galileo page and SAVE $50 when you sign up for Camp Galileo or Galileo Summer Quest at one of their Los Angeles locations. Enter promotional code 2015GALILEOCAMPSLA.

*Limited to one use per family. Not valid in combination with additional offers or for previous purchases. Offer valid through 5/31.