Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Dover
For families living near Dover, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp offers a program specifically created for children ages 6 to 8. Our Explorer program is structured to support young campers at each stage of their early development. Activities are age-appropriate and gradually build new skills, helping campers gain confidence, try new things, and enjoy being part of a group. Each year, the program evolves to match the growing interests and capabilities of the children, allowing returning campers to continue discovering new experiences without repeating the same routine. This approach ensures that first-time and returning campers alike stay engaged, supported, and excited about each day at camp.
At Tamarack Day Camp, 1st grade campers begin to take on new challenges designed for their age group. They are introduced to activities like the Zipline and Giant Swing, which help them build confidence and practice courage in a safe, supportive setting. Campers also take part in GAGA, a long-standing camp game that quickly becomes a favorite and encourages teamwork and friendly competition.
When campers return for their 2nd year, the program expands with CHOICE, a daily activity period that allows them to select what they want to do for the week. This gives children a sense of independence while also letting them explore new interests. They also start the Learn to Bike Program, where they practice essential cycling skills that will prepare them for the Mountain Biking program as they grow older.
Families living near Dover, NJ, appreciate that Tamarack Day Camp places equal importance on physical development and social-emotional growth. Each activity is designed not only to build athletic ability but also to strengthen confidence, friendships, and decision-making—skills that campers carry with them beyond their summers at Tamarack.
Explorer Athletics
Explorer Athletics at Tamarack Day Camp is designed for campers ages 6 to 8, with a focus on helping younger children learn and enjoy sports. Fields and courts are scaled to match their size, and all equipment is age-appropriate. This setup helps campers learn the basics of each sport while building confidence through active participation and achievable goals.
Campers are introduced to sports like Pickleball and Lacrosse, in addition to other core athletic activities. Each session is led by Athletic Specialists who teach fundamental skills and guide campers through structured games that reinforce what they’ve learned.
Tamarack counselors are present throughout every session, actively participating with the children. This hands-on involvement ensures that campers receive consistent encouragement and support as they learn how to work as part of a team and experience personal success.
Families near Dover, NJ, value that Explorer Athletics is not just about play—it’s about developing coordination, focus, and sportsmanship through a program built specifically for young children.
Creative Arts
Campers in the Explorer age group (ages 6 to 8) participate in a wide range of creative activities held in air-conditioned studios designed for hands-on learning. Each week includes structured sessions in Ceramics, Cooking, Mad Science, Jewelry Making, Drama, Dance, Nature, and Digital Photography. Instructors lead each activity with a focus on skill-building, project completion, and creative expression appropriate for young learners.
Explorer Girls take part in a weekly rehearsal process leading up to a Dance and Drama Production during the sixth week of camp. This event is held at a local venue and features professional lighting and sound. The production helps campers build confidence, practice teamwork, and experience the accomplishment of performing in front of an audience.
Families living near Dover, NJ, choose Tamarack Day Camp for its consistent focus on creativity and its structured approach to introducing arts-based experiences that are both fun and developmentally appropriate.
Learn to Swim
The Learn-to-Swim Program at Tamarack Day Camp is a core part of the experience for 6- to 8-year-old campers. Swim instruction takes place in a 12,000 square foot pool designed with safety and skill progression in mind. The pool features shallow areas starting at 1 foot and deeper sections up to 6 feet, giving young swimmers the space they need to build confidence at their own pace.
Each morning, certified swim instructors lead 40-minute lessons that are based on skill level, not age. Group counselors assist in the water, ensuring that every camper receives individual attention and support. Instruction follows a teaching method shaped by American Red Cross guidelines and more than 25 years of experience helping children become stronger swimmers.
In the afternoons, all groups return to the pool for free swim, allowing campers to continue practicing what they’ve learned in a relaxed setting. Instructors are trained annually to stay current on teaching strategies and safety procedures.
Families near Dover, NJ, choose Tamarack Day Camp because the swim program combines strong instruction with a structured, child-focused approach that helps young campers make clear progress in the water.
Ropes Course
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