Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Chatham Township
Tamarack Day Camp supports the developmental needs of children ages 6 to 8 through its Explorer program, which is carefully structured to match the growth stages of this age group. Each day, campers participate in activities that challenge them both mentally and physically—whether they’re learning new skills in sports, working as a team during group challenges, or expressing creativity through hands-on projects. The program emphasizes routine, responsibility, and confidence-building, which are key for children in early elementary years.
For families living near Chatham Township, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp provides a consistent, engaging environment that encourages independence while maintaining the safety and structure younger campers still need. The Explorer program gradually introduces more advanced activities throughout the summer to align with each camper’s growing capabilities, ensuring every child is both supported and appropriately challenged.
Campers entering 1st grade begin their journey with age-appropriate challenges that promote confidence, coordination, and group participation. Activities like the Zipline and Giant Swing give children the opportunity to test their courage in a safe, supportive setting. Daily games of GAGA help reinforce sportsmanship and social interaction, while keeping kids physically active and engaged.
By 2nd grade, campers are introduced to CHOICE—an activity period that allows them to select from a rotating schedule of options each day for the week. This promotes decision-making, independence, and personal interests. They also begin the Learn to Bike Program, which provides structured instruction in balance, pedaling, and control, preparing them for more advanced riding in the Mountain Biking program later on.
Families near Chatham Township, NJ appreciate how Tamarack Day Camp introduces each new skill with purpose. The program is designed to support a child’s growth in physical ability, emotional development, and social confidence through consistent guidance and age-specific milestones.
Explorer Athletics
Explorer Athletics is designed specifically for children ages 6 to 8, with sports instruction that matches their developmental stage. Fields and courts are sized down, and equipment is selected to match smaller hands and growing coordination. This setup allows each camper to build fundamental skills while experiencing success and staying engaged throughout the activity.
Campers are introduced to a variety of sports, including Pickleball and Lacrosse, alongside traditional team games. Instruction is led by Athletic Specialists who break skills into manageable steps and reinforce them through structured games. Each session emphasizes practice through play, so campers not only learn how to perform a skill but also how to use it in real-time situations.
Tamarack Day Camp counselors are actively involved in every session, playing side by side with campers. This helps younger children stay focused, feel supported, and gain confidence with each attempt. For families living near Chatham Township, NJ, the Explorer Athletics program offers a well-supervised environment where campers learn, improve, and enjoy sports at a pace that suits their abilities.
Creative Arts
Campers spend time each week in Tamarack Day Camp’s air-conditioned studios, where they rotate through hands-on programs like Ceramics, Jewelry Making, Digital Photography, Cooking, and Mad Science. Each activity is led by instructors who guide campers through step-by-step projects that match their age and ability level. Sessions are structured to allow for creativity while building practical skills such as fine motor coordination, following directions, and working in small groups.
Dance and Drama are key parts of the weekly schedule, especially for Explorer Girl groups who rehearse throughout the summer for a full-scale performance. This production takes place during Week 6 at a local venue and includes professional sound and lighting. Campers are introduced to choreography, stage direction, and teamwork while preparing for the show, and families are invited to attend and see their child’s progress in action.
For families living near Chatham Township, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp offers creative programs that combine skill development with personal expression. Whether a camper is making a clay sculpture or practicing lines for the stage, every project is designed with purpose and care.
Learn to Swim
The Learn-to-Swim Program at Tamarack Day Camp is built specifically for children ages 6 to 8, with a focus on helping each camper progress at their own pace. Swim instruction takes place in a 12,000-square-foot pool with water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet. This range allows instructors to work with beginners in shallow water while offering more advanced swimmers the space to build endurance and technique.
Each morning, campers receive a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors. Lessons are organized by skill level, not age, so each child receives instruction that matches their current abilities. Group counselors are in the water during every session to provide added support, guidance, and encouragement.
In the afternoon, all groups participate in free swim, which gives campers the chance to practice skills, explore the water with confidence, and enjoy unstructured time under supervision. Tamarack Day Camp’s swim curriculum is based on American Red Cross guidelines, reinforced by over two decades of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Families living near Chatham Township, NJ trust Tamarack’s consistent approach to water safety, skill development, and confidence-building in the pool. Each instructor is trained annually in proven teaching techniques, helping campers make real progress while feeling supported every step of the way.
Ropes Course
