Galileo Summer Quest- San Francisco

I have an opinion about everything; I’m pretty annoying that way. I have just got to tell you that I have yet to find a single thing that I do not like about Galileo at Woodside elementary. This is my 5 year old daughter’s second week of her first year. She has come home happy every day, and loves the things she’s learning.
The ecology portion of learning last week was not your usual «Save the Earth. if you use a plastic baggie a whale will die.» that is often shoved down our childrens’ throats. Instead she learned about urban planning, graffiti, installation art, growing plants in different habitats… and when they grew their little bean sprouts THEY USED A CONTROL… so she began learning about the scientific method. .something so many grown ups have forgotten about.
She exercised, painted, made a bridge, learned silly camp songs and talked a lot about a chicken a hamster and a penny. I have no idea what that whole thing was, but she had so much fun she said it was THE BEST CAMP EVER.
my thoughts on the staff:
I had a personal little breakdown when my son broke away from me in the parking lot as we were picking up my daughter one afternoon… very scary leap and tackle. I was so shaken up, but the young counselor who greeted me volunteered to get my daughter for me so I could «have a minute.» She handled my tears and terror with such grace it made me want to find her mommy and thank her for raising such a wonderful young woman… and every counselor/​staff member I have met seems to come from a similar mold. I am very impressed by the way they treat my daughter with respect, and make the parents feel comfortable.
We will be there next year.

We loved it. My 6 year old daughter had a great time. The programs were engaging and the staff was very enthusiastic and capable. We’ll go again this summer but may try a location closer to home. We signed up late and got a place in Woodside, which is a beautiful campus.