Camp Galileo – Oak Park/River Forest

Camp Galileo Oak Park/River Forest is an award-winning summer day camp program hosted at St. Vincent Ferrer School in River Forest, Illinois. Operated by Galileo Learning, the camp serves children in grades K through 8 and combines hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) projects with collaborative design challenges and classic outdoor camp fun.

The camp runs weekly sessions during the summer months, with a standard camp day from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Optional extended care is available, with morning care from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and afternoon care from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Campers are grouped by grade level into age-appropriate cohorts: Nebulas for rising Kindergarteners and 1st graders, Stars for rising 2nd and 3rd graders, Supernovas for rising 4th and 5th graders, and Meteors for rising 6th through 8th graders.

Each week features a unique themed curriculum designed by a year-round team of educators, artists, makers, and engineers. Younger campers work on one- to two-day projects individually and in small groups, while older Meteors campers tackle epic week-long projects such as building remote-control robots, designing custom go-karts, and creating escape room experiences. Daily activities include an energizing opening ceremony with songs and skits, hands-on Innovator’s Studio time, collaborative Idea Lab challenges, outdoor adventure games, team-building exercises, and a closing ceremony.

Camp Galileo emphasizes building creative problem-solving skills, collaboration, perseverance, and confidence through its acclaimed Galileo Innovation Approach. Multi-week discounts are available, and need-based scholarships are offered to ensure accessibility. The camp maintains a nut-free snack policy and campers bring their own lunch. With over 20 years of experience and having served more than 570,000 young innovators nationwide, Camp Galileo provides a safe, engaging, and joyful summer experience.