As Bay Area schools cope with ongoing budget cuts — forcing, in part, larger class-sizes and the elimination of key curriculum — Galileo Learning’s creative summer enrichment programs have emerged as an integral part of the educational equation. By spurring creativity, innovation and collaboration through hands-on art, science and outdoor activities, Galileo Learning picks up where cash-strapped schools leave off, delivering a quality educational experience that extends learning beyond the school year. The Oakland-based operator of Camp Galileo (Pre-K through 5th graders) and Galileo Summer Quest (5th through 8th graders) at 26 Bay Area sites is bridging the educational gap by offering high-quality curriculum delivered by extraordinary staff, while also providing early-bird discounts to families who enroll by March 1, 2010.

“Amidst the severe budget constraints at schools today, Galileo Learning is more dedicated than ever to providing a quality summer enrichment program that inspires children to discover their passions,” remarked Glen Tripp, Galileo Learning founder and CEO. “Our highly qualified staff of educators delivers an engaging art, science and outdoor curriculum that not only bridges the gap, but also nurtures a love of learning.”

Budget cuts have forced schools to focus on reading, writing and arithmetic, leaving classes like art and physical education on the chopping block. Galileo Learning’s summer curriculum helps round-out a child’s education by essentially continuing the academic year and offering campers a chance to take part in hands-on art, engineering activities, and team-building exercises. Camp Galileo has developed hands-on, age-appropriate art projects in partnership with the de Young Museum, outdoor activities that engage kids and make learning fun in conjunction with Klutz®, and science challenges with real-life applications in collaboration with the Tech Museum in San Jose.

In Camp Galileo’s Egyptian Art program this summer, campers will ‘visit’ the Valley of the Kings and craft amulets, mummies, and their own Egyptian masks to immerse themselves in the ancient culture. The camp’s outdoor curriculum not only celebrates fun camp traditions but also helps kids build teamwork skills through their collaboration on Klutz® projects and other team-building activities. Similar to the art programming, Camp Galileo’s science curriculum engages kids by building sessions around intriguing, age-appropriate storylines and themes developed with The Tech Museum. Hands-on group science and engineering challenges often have real-life applications; in Amusement Park Engineers, kids create a roller coaster and other rides to learn about Newton’s laws and other scientific principles.

Galileo Learning has announced a new location in Pleasanton, CA, this year. “We are thrilled to open a Camp Galileo location in Pleasanton at Carden West School” says Chris Goetz, Galileo Learning’s East Bay Area Director. “The quality reputation of the school, convenient location, and wonderful facility make them a great partner.”

The Galileo Summer Quest program, designed with older campers in mind, takes the same creative educational approach and elevates Camp Galileo’s programming to the next level via college-style Majors and Minors. Artistic creativity abounds in Majors like Claymation, where campers learn about stop-motion animation and time-lapse movies to create their own film, and Fashion Design, where they stitch their own designs and showcase them on the runway at a final fashion show. In the Sports Medley Minor, creativity meets competition and sportsmanship as campers learn about various sports by playing them—and then create their own outdoor game and teach it to their peers. Such programming helps campers develop essential skills in creativity and collaboration throughout the summer. Galileo Learning relies upon the quality of its year-round and summertime staff, which develops and delivers its innovative curriculum and serve as role models for campers engaged with the creative process.

“The fact that Galileo Learning offers continuing education for my children is important to me. As a working parent, if I send my children to summer camp, I want to invest in an experience that will be both educational and fun,” reflected Lisa Fung, whose two children annually attend Camp Galileo.

Galileo Learning’s sessions run June 14th through August 6th, and dates vary by location. Please check Galileo Learning’s website for more details.