Camp Galileo West Loop

Key Highlights

• ✓Emphasizes invaluable skills like ingenuity, creativity, problem-solving, self-assurance, emotional security, kindness, and visionary thinking.
• ✓Children receive praise for making mistakes, being kind, and being a visionary.
• ✓Engaging and intriguing projects (e.g., backpack rocket booster, rocking chair, maze game, working water blaster, cardboard castle with drawbridge) using simple materials like cardboard.
• ✓Well-structured curriculum with activities balanced between fun, summer games, friendships, thinking, creating, and making.
• ✓Groups children by same age for activities.
• ✓Highly organized enrollment process and overall camp operations.
• ✓Friendly, engaging, and enthusiastic staff who genuinely enjoy their work.
• ✓Staff are adept at making shy children feel comfortable in a new environment.
• ✓Integrates age-appropriate projects/activities across a common theme (e.g., 'Castle Quest'), creating a coherent experience for multi-level cohorts.
• ✓Culminating themed events (e.g., Medieval fair with games and prizes on the last day).
• ✓Availability of early/late day care options.

Standout Features

• ⭐Curriculum designed to build critical mental strategies and emotional skills.
• ⭐Focus on hands-on creation and problem-solving using readily available materials.
• ⭐Supportive environment where mistakes are praised as learning opportunities.
• ⭐Exceptional organization from registration to daily camp activities.
• ⭐Enthusiastic and highly engaged staff.
• ⭐Themed sessions with integrated, age-appropriate projects.
• ⭐Themed culminating events like a 'Medieval fair' with games and prizes.
• ⭐Early and late day care available for parent convenience.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Campers must bring nut-free lunch and snack(s).
• • For PM Extended Care, campers should pack 2 snacks (one for the camp day and one for the afternoon).
• • Camp does not provide refrigeration; campers should bring ice packs for perishable food.
• • Daily nut-free snack break is scheduled.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Illness & Absences: If camper shows signs of illness, keep them home and notify Camp Director.
• • Behavior Policy: Campers are expected to participate safely and respectfully.
• • Behavior Policy: Campers requiring 1:1 supervision, disrupting camp, or threatening safety may be asked to leave (no refunds for expulsion).
• • Behavior Policy: Behaviors meriting expulsion include violence, threats, dangerous behavior, possession of weapons/substances, robbery, property damage, harassment, hazing, or intimidation.
• • Glue Gun Safety (4th-8th graders): Hold carefully, never touch metal part or hot glue, dispense small amounts, return to designated space, wait 10 seconds before touching glued items.
• • Meteors ONLY Additional Tools (6th-8th graders): Use of tape measures, screwdrivers, clamps, drills, and hand saws. Tools must be used as intended, and respect for fellow innovators is required.
• • Phone Usage Policy (Screen-Free Experience): Phones must stay off and in backpacks all day, including during Extended Care.
• • Phone Usage Policy: Repeated reminders to put phones away will result in phones being held in the camp office for the rest of the day.
• • Phone Usage Policy: For emergencies, parents must call the Camp Office directly (phone number is in Camp Information section).
• • Daily Check-In: Parents/guardians MUST check in with campers on Monday to verify health history forms and authorized pick-up lists.
• • Daily Check-Out: Only adults on camper’s authorized pick-up list (with photo ID) can pick up campers. Photo ID required every day at check out.

📅Booking Policy

• • Review and double-check registration details and Health History section in your account.
• • Review and confirm Emergency & Authorized Contacts; ensure all authorized individuals bring photo ID for pickup.
• • Sign up for Extended Care (8-9am and 3-6pm) in advance.
• • Changes to Authorized Pick-Up List must be made in your account by 9:00am the Friday before your camp week. Late changes require online update AND notifying camp staff at check-in or by email.
• • If running late or picking up early, call or email the Camp Director.
• • A late pick-up fee of $1 per minute is charged after 3:30pm for regular camp and after 6:00pm for Extended Care.

🚗Parking Information

• • Monday Check-In: Park along Carpenter St. or enter Arthington St. from Carpenter St. to staff parking lot behind the school. Check-in near Door 12, close to the west end of Arthington St.
• • Tuesday–Friday Drop-Off: Curbside drop-off at Door 12. Enter Arthington St. heading west and drop off at the west end of the street. Staff will greet cars. For extra time, park and walk to check-in.
• • Daily Check-Out: Curbside pick up at Door 12 on Arthington St. Display Galileo dashboard name tag. Photo ID is required.
• • General Parking: Park along Carpenter St., including in "no parking - school" zones. If full, use staff parking lot on Arthington St. (if available).
• • Parking is limited at this location.