6-8 Year Old Summer Camp near Jefferson Township

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

At Tamarack Day Camp, we focus on helping children ages 6 to 8 develop confidence, independence, and a love for trying new things. Our Explorer program is thoughtfully designed to match the needs of this age group — providing the perfect balance between guidance and growing independence. Campers explore a wide range of hands-on activities, including swimming, creative arts, team sports, and nature discovery, all led by experienced counselors who understand early childhood development.

Located near Jefferson Township, NJ, Tamarack gives young campers a safe, supportive environment where they can build friendships, develop new skills, and enjoy every day outdoors. As Explorers grow, the program grows with them — introducing age-appropriate challenges and experiences that keep camp exciting year after year.

1st Grade Summer Camp Jefferson Township

First graders begin their Tamarack Day Camp journey with exciting milestones that build confidence and curiosity. They take on the Zipline and Giant Swing, learning to challenge themselves and celebrate each accomplishment. Campers also join in GAGA, a well-loved Tamarack tradition that encourages teamwork, friendly competition, and active play.

By their second year, campers gain more independence through CHOICE, a special activity period that lets them pick what they’d like to do each day for the week. This gives children a sense of ownership over their camp experience and helps them explore new interests. During this stage, they also start our Learn to Bike Program, where skilled instructors teach them the basics of cycling in a safe and supportive setting — preparing them for the Mountain Biking program that comes next.

Located near Jefferson Township, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp helps young campers grow in confidence, athletic ability, and emotional awareness, creating experiences that stay with them long after summer ends.

Explorer Athletics

2nd Grade Summer Camp Jefferson Township

Explorer Athletics is designed specifically for campers ages 6 to 8, offering an introduction to sports in a way that builds confidence and enthusiasm for physical activity. The program focuses on helping young athletes understand the fundamentals of each game while keeping play fair, safe, and fun. Scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, allow every camper to fully participate and experience success — whether they are learning a sport for the first time or building on what they already know.

Campers are introduced to Pickleball, Lacrosse, and other traditional sports, each taught through engaging lessons and team-based games that emphasize cooperation, skill-building, and sportsmanship. Our Athletic Specialists focus on developing core athletic abilities such as coordination, teamwork, and confidence in an encouraging setting.

At Tamarack Day Camp, counselors join in every activity, guiding campers through both challenges and achievements. Located near Jefferson Township, NJ, Tamarack provides the structure and support that help young athletes grow — not only in skill but also in character, teamwork, and enjoyment of the game.

Creative Arts

6 Years Old Summer Camp Jefferson Township

In our fully equipped, air-conditioned art studios, campers explore a wide range of creative activities designed to spark imagination and hands-on learning. Guided by skilled instructors, children rotate through engaging projects each week, gaining exposure to areas such as Ceramics, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature Exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, and Jewelry Making. Each activity is structured to help campers express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and take pride in creating something of their own.

A highlight of the summer is the annual Dance and Drama Production, where our Explorer Girl groups present a full performance complete with professional sound, lighting, and staging. This event takes place during the sixth week of camp and offers campers a chance to showcase their creativity and teamwork in front of family and friends.

Located near Jefferson Township, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp provides an environment where young artists can explore their interests, build confidence through performance and creation, and experience the joy of bringing their ideas to life.

Learn to Swim

Day Care Summer Camp Jefferson Township

The Learn-to-Swim Program at Tamarack Day Camp is one of the most valued parts of the Explorer experience for campers ages 6 to 8. Our 12,000-square-foot pool provides a safe and structured space for learning, with water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet to support every level of swimmer — from beginners gaining confidence to those ready to refine their strokes.

Each morning, campers take part in 40-minute swim lessons led by certified instructors and supported by group counselors. Lessons are grouped by skill level, not age, ensuring that every child progresses at a comfortable and challenging pace. This individualized approach helps campers build both ability and confidence in the water. Afternoon sessions are devoted to free swim, giving children additional time to practice their skills and enjoy the water with friends.

Our teaching methods are based on American Red Cross standards and over 25 years of proven experience in children’s swim instruction. Every year, Tamarack’s instructors undergo specialized training to ensure they use the most effective, encouraging techniques. Located near Jefferson Township, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp provides a swim program that helps young campers grow stronger, safer, and more confident in the water.

Ropes Course

7 and 8 year olds Summer Camp Jefferson Township

Campers ages 6 to 8 begin their adventure on Tamarack Day Camp’s Ropes Course, designed to build confidence, coordination, and trust. Starting with the Tamarack Confidence Course, which sits just five feet above the ground, children learn the basics of climbing and balance while becoming comfortable on belay. This beginner-level experience mirrors many of the challenges found in our High Ropes Course, allowing campers to progress safely and steadily at their own pace.

As their confidence grows, campers take on exciting elements like the Zipline and Climbing Walls, each designed to encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and personal achievement. Every activity is carefully supervised by certified ropes instructors, who guide campers through each challenge and celebrate every success along the way.

Safety remains our top priority. Tamarack’s ropes courses are professionally inspected before each season by the same company that built them, and our instructors perform daily safety checks to ensure all equipment meets the highest standards.

Located near Jefferson Township, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp provides a secure and encouraging environment where young explorers can take on new challenges, build self-confidence, and create lasting memories high above the ground.

Social Development

The Explorer program at Tamarack Day Camp is designed to help campers ages 6 to 8 develop teamwork, communication, and confidence through daily group experiences. Campers take part in structured activities that encourage cooperation, problem-solving, and mutual respect. Whether working together on a challenge, cheering on a teammate, or sharing responsibilities, each experience helps children understand the value of collaboration.

Our counselors play an active role in guiding campers as they learn to express themselves, listen to others, and build positive relationships. Through consistent encouragement and hands-on participation, they help children practice respectful interaction and direct communication with both peers and staff.

Located near Jefferson Township, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp provides an environment where young campers grow socially and emotionally while forming friendships that last beyond the summer.