Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Boonton

At Tamarack Day Camp, the Explorer program is built specifically for children ages 6 to 8, providing structure and challenge that match their stage of development. Campers entering 1st grade begin with foundational confidence-building activities like the Zipline and Giant Swing, and quickly learn to engage socially through camp traditions such as GAGA. These experiences encourage resilience, cooperation, and a sense of accomplishment early in their camp journey.

By 2nd grade, campers are introduced to CHOICE—a daily period where they select activities based on personal interest. This adds independence to their schedule and helps them explore new skills. At the same time, they begin the Learn to Bike Program, which focuses on coordination and balance, serving as the groundwork for our Mountain Biking program in later years. Through physical activity, daily decision-making, and group interaction, children near Boonton, NJ gain more than just recreation—they grow emotionally, socially, and physically in an environment designed just for them.

Explorer Athletics

Explorer Athletics at Tamarack Day Camp is designed specifically for children ages 6 to 8, focusing on teaching sports fundamentals in a way that younger campers can understand and enjoy. We use smaller fields, modified equipment, and simplified rules to make sure each child can actively participate and build confidence while learning the basics of gameplay and teamwork.

Campers are introduced to a range of sports, including Pickleball and Lacrosse, in addition to more familiar games. Athletic Specialists lead each session, breaking down skills into manageable steps and helping campers apply them during structured play. Tamarack counselors join campers on the field, guiding them through every drill and game to help them improve and stay engaged. For families near Boonton, NJ, Explorer Athletics offers an age-appropriate, supportive setting where kids build coordination, develop social skills, and gain early exposure to organized sports.

Creative Arts

Tamarack Day Camp gives young campers the chance to explore a wide range of creative activities in dedicated, air-conditioned art studios. Each week, children rotate through hands-on programs such as Ceramics, Cooking, Jewelry Making, Digital Photography, Dance, Drama, Mad Science, and Nature. These activities are guided by instructors who provide step-by-step support so every camper can experiment, create, and learn at their own pace.

A highlight of the summer is the Dance and Drama Production performed by our Explorer Girl groups. Held during the sixth week of camp, the show takes place at a local venue and features full sound and lighting. Campers prepare throughout the season, learning choreography, practicing lines, and working as a team to bring the performance to life. For families near Boonton, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp offers a structured and supportive setting where creativity and self-expression are central to each camper’s experience.

Learn to Swim

The Learn-to-Swim Program at Tamarack Day Camp is designed for children ages 6 to 8 and takes place in a 12,000 square foot swimming pool with depths from 1 to 6 feet. This range allows campers to start in shallow water and move to deeper sections as their skills improve, creating a safe and steady learning path.

Swim instruction is scheduled every morning in 40-minute sessions. Each camper is placed into a group based on ability, not age, to ensure they receive the right level of instruction. Certified swim instructors lead the lessons with help from group counselors, focusing on stroke development, water safety, and personal progress. Afternoon sessions are dedicated to free swim, where campers can use what they’ve learned and gain additional comfort in the water.

The teaching methods combine American Red Cross guidelines with Tamarack’s own experience from more than 25 years of swim programming. Instructors are trained each year using updated techniques that focus on both skill development and helping campers enjoy the process. Families near Boonton, NJ can count on Tamarack Day Camp to support their children’s swimming goals through a program that balances structure, safety, and progress.

Ropes Course

At Tamarack Day Camp, children ages 6 to 8 are introduced to ropes course challenges in a way that builds confidence and emphasizes safety. Campers begin on the Tamarack Confidence Course, a low ropes setup standing just 5 feet off the ground. This allows them to get used to wearing a harness and being on belay while working through obstacles similar to those found on our High Ropes Course.

The progression is structured so that each camper can move forward at their own pace. As they become more comfortable, they take on greater challenges like the Zipline and climbing elements, all under close supervision. Certified ropes instructors lead every session and conduct daily safety checks. The entire ropes facility is also inspected annually by the same professional team that built it.

For families near Boonton, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp offers a ropes experience that supports both physical development and personal growth. Campers learn to trust their equipment, their counselors, and themselves as they navigate each element of the course.

Social Development