| | Published April 11th, 2012
| Hands-On Learning 'New Normal' for Summer Camps Galileo Summer Quest Program Opens in Lafayette
| |  | | With a hand from camp staff, campers test go-karts they create at Galileo Summer Quest.
Photo Galileo Learning
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Kids are benefiting from focused curricula in today's summer camps, whether they are building advanced robotics, or cooking gourmet meals, there is something exciting to learn for kids of every age. And camps are utilizing the most advanced systems and techniques that give students an understanding of what they can accomplish in the world.
This year, Galileo Summer Quest, which empowers campers to try their hands at real-world skills such as Web Design, Fashion Design and Digital Filmmaking, is opening several new locations in the Bay Area, including one at Stanley Middle School in Lafayette. The camp gives entering fifth- through eighth-graders a chance to work with industry mentors who will guide them as they learn specific skills.
"Having a singular focus for middle-schoolers is important," said Kellee Quane, Camp Director of Galileo Summer Quest in Lafayette. "The campers are at a developmental stage where they want to explore things in detail and create something original and innovative. In Fashion Design, for example, we teach them how to design, use sewing machines and put on a fashion show -- all within a week! Having that depth of focus really helps the campers to complete their week-long majors with projects they love."
Digital photography students use tools of the trade such as DSLR cameras, studio lighting kits and Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, learn to plot, shoot, polish and present their work, for example. Go-Kart Maker students begin with a go-kart kit as their foundation, learn how to safely use keyhole and straight cut saws, power drills, sandpaper, rasps and files to construct your kart and its wheels, steering column, axles and hubs. Students work with fellow crew members to test and redesign their kart, then use semi-gloss acrylic paints to customize it.
"We focus on using technology as a tool that allows campers to express themselves more fully," said Glen Tripp, Founder and CEO of Galileo Learning. "But the key goal is empowering kids to turn their ideas into reality, and we do that with both our high-tech and low-tech subject matters."
Campers immerse themselves in developing their own personal project, while cultivating the skills, knowledge and confidence to make their ideas reality. "Technology is infused into the curriculum," Quane said. "Technology helps make this camp different from more traditional camps."
When kids collaborate to complete a meaningful project, they build their confidence and ability to create something special, added Tripp. "The project becomes a metaphor for larger life challenges."
This summer, Galileo will also operate the Chabot Space & Science Camp at the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, featuring hands-on space, science and technology classes for rising third- through seventh-graders. Galileo is also operating The Tech Summer Camps, hands-on science and technology classes for incoming fourth- through eighth-graders, at The Tech Museum in San Jose. For more information or to enroll, call 1-800-854-3684 or visit www.galileo-learning.com.
- J. Wake
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA