Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Chester Township
Tamarack Day Camp’s Explorer program is created specifically for children ages 6 to 8. Campers in this age group are ready for more independence and a greater variety of challenges, and our program reflects that. Each day includes a mix of hands-on learning, physical activity, and creative play, all structured to support both social development and personal growth. From instructional swim and sports to nature exploration and team-building games, campers stay engaged while building confidence and friendships.
Families living near Chester Township, NJ choose Tamarack Day Camp because the Explorer program provides a thoughtful balance of fun and development, designed to meet the unique needs of early elementary-aged children.
First graders begin their camp journey with exciting, age-appropriate challenges like the Zipline and Giant Swing, helping them build physical confidence and trust in a safe setting. They also take part in GAGA, a fast-paced game that encourages movement, coordination, and social interaction.
In their second year, campers are introduced to CHOICE—a daily period where they select their favorite activity for the week. This structure encourages independence and allows them to explore new interests. Second graders also start our Learn to Bike Program, which builds foundational cycling skills and prepares them for the Mountain Biking program offered in later years.
Parents near Chester Township, NJ value how Tamarack Day Camp supports both physical development and personal growth through structured programs that meet the needs of growing children.
Explorer Athletics
Explorer Athletics is designed for campers ages 6 to 8 and focuses on teaching the basics of sports in a way that fits their developmental stage. All activities take place on smaller fields and courts using equipment sized specifically for younger children. This setup helps campers build skills while experiencing success in every session.
Campers are introduced to sports like Pickleball and Lacrosse, in addition to traditional games. Athletic Specialists focus on teaching rules, techniques, and movement through active play and skill-building drills. Tamarack counselors join in every session, guiding campers and helping them apply what they’ve learned during games and group activities.
Families living near Chester Township, NJ choose Tamarack Day Camp because the Explorer Athletics program offers a structured and supportive environment where young children develop physical coordination, confidence, and teamwork.
Creative Arts
Campers in the Explorer program spend time each week in air-conditioned studios engaging in hands-on creative activities. Guided by experienced instructors, they rotate through sessions such as Ceramics, Mad Science, Cooking, Nature exploration, Digital Photography, Dance, Drama, and Jewelry Making. Each activity is structured to help children express ideas, follow steps, and build new skills through guided practice.
Explorer Girl groups also prepare for a Dance and Drama Production held during the sixth week of camp. The performance takes place at a local venue and includes full sound and lighting. Campers rehearse and participate in every part of the show, from choreography to stage presence.
Families near Chester Township, NJ choose Tamarack Day Camp because it offers structured opportunities for creative expression that support communication, confidence, and collaboration.
Learn to Swim
The Learn-to-Swim program at Tamarack Day Camp is built specifically for young campers, with a focus on safety, skill development, and individualized instruction. Campers ages 6 to 8 receive daily 40-minute swim lessons each morning, taught by certified instructors and supported by their group counselors. Each child is placed in a swim group based on skill level—not age—allowing them to progress at the right pace.
The swim facility includes a 12,000 square foot pool with water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, creating a safe environment for beginners while also supporting more advanced swimmers. In the afternoons, all groups participate in free swim sessions, giving campers time to practice what they’ve learned and enjoy time in the water.
Tamarack’s swim instruction is guided by American Red Cross standards and more than 25 years of teaching experience. Instructors are trained annually in proven teaching techniques designed to help young swimmers build confidence and master essential water skills.
Parents near Chester Township, NJ trust Tamarack Day Camp to provide structured and effective swim instruction that helps children grow stronger, safer, and more capable in the water.
Ropes Course
