Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Florham Park
At Tamarack Day Camp, our Explorer program is designed specifically for children ages 6 to 8. This age-specific group ensures that every camper is surrounded by peers at a similar stage of development, allowing for stronger friendships and a more comfortable social environment.
The program features structured, age-appropriate activities that encourage skill-building, creativity, and independence. As children grow over their summers with us, the Explorer program gradually introduces new challenges and opportunities—ensuring their experience evolves alongside their development.
Families living near Florham Park, NJ often choose Tamarack Day Camp because of our focus on early childhood engagement, helping young campers build confidence while enjoying a wide variety of hands-on activities in a nurturing setting.
1st grade campers are introduced to new challenges that support both personal growth and peer connection. Activities like the Zipline and Giant Swing focus on building confidence, coordination, and trust. GAGA, a staple group game, encourages fair play, quick thinking, and teamwork within a structured, active environment.
In 2nd grade, campers begin to make more independent choices through “CHOICE”—a dedicated period where they select one activity to focus on each day, continuing for the full week. This daily decision-making opportunity helps develop responsibility and commitment. They also start the Learn to Bike Program, where campers are taught the essentials of riding a two-wheeler in preparation for entering the Mountain Biking program in future years.
Families near Florham Park, NJ value this thoughtful progression, which supports early development in physical skills, confidence, and social awareness—all within an age-appropriate, supportive environment.
Explorer Athletics
Explorer Athletics is designed specifically for children ages 6 to 8, with a focus on introducing core sports skills in an environment that fits their developmental needs. Campers play on scaled-down fields and courts using age-appropriate equipment, which allows them to practice and improve while experiencing a sense of accomplishment.
The program covers a variety of sports, including early instruction in Pickleball and Lacrosse. These are taught alongside more familiar games to expand each camper’s exposure to team play, strategy, and coordination. Athletic Specialists guide each session by breaking down techniques into simple steps and reinforcing them through structured, game-based learning.
Tamarack Day Camp counselors participate directly in all athletic activities, helping children apply what they’ve learned while staying engaged and supported. This consistent involvement allows staff to provide immediate feedback, encourage teamwork, and ensure each child feels confident throughout the session.
Families near Florham Park, NJ choose Tamarack Day Camp for its thoughtful approach to early athletic development—where fun, skill-building, and personal growth go hand-in-hand.
Creative Arts
Explorer campers participate in a rotating schedule of creative arts each week, guided by instructors with experience in working with young children. Activities include Ceramics, Cooking, Mad Science, Nature exploration, Drama, Dance, Jewelry Making, Digital Photography, and other hands-on experiences that promote creativity and self-expression.
Studios are air-conditioned and designed for comfort and safety, giving campers the space and tools they need to focus on their projects. Campers are introduced to basic techniques and concepts, with a focus on process and participation rather than final product.
Each summer, Explorer Girl groups prepare for a Dance and Drama Production that takes place during the sixth week of camp. This performance is held at a local venue near Florham Park, NJ and includes professional lighting and sound. It provides campers with the opportunity to rehearse, perform on stage, and build confidence through public presentation.
Parents in the Dover area often highlight this performance experience as a meaningful part of their child’s summer, offering a balance of creativity, collaboration, and personal achievement.
Learn to Swim
The Learn-to-Swim program at Tamarack Day Camp is structured to meet the needs of children ages 6 to 8 through a skill-based, level-appropriate progression. Campers receive a 40-minute swim lesson each morning led by certified instructors. Lessons are assigned by skill level rather than age, ensuring that each child is challenged at the right pace. Group counselors assist in the water to support participation and safety.
The camp’s 12,000 square foot pool includes sections with water depth ranging from 1 to 6 feet. This design allows beginners to feel secure while giving more advanced swimmers space to improve technique and endurance. In the afternoon, campers return to the pool for supervised recreational swim, reinforcing skills in a relaxed setting.
Instruction is based on American Red Cross standards and over two decades of experience teaching swim skills to young children. All swim instructors are trained annually to stay current with effective teaching methods and safety practices.
Families near Florham Park, NJ consistently choose Tamarack Day Camp for its focused, safety-conscious swim instruction that helps children build water confidence and measurable progress in swimming ability.
Ropes Course
