Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Mount Arlington
Tamarack Day Camp offers a program for children ages 6 to 8 that focuses on building confidence, independence, and social skills during the early camp years. Our Explorer program introduces campers to a wide range of activities designed for this age group, allowing them to try new things in a structured and supportive environment.
As campers grow through the program, activities gradually expand to match their developing interests and abilities. Children learn teamwork, follow instructions, and gain comfort participating in group activities while still having plenty of time for play and exploration.
Families choose Tamarack Day Camp because the Explorer program gives younger campers a positive first camp experience while helping them build skills and friendships that carry forward into future summers.
At Tamarack Day Camp, first graders begin to take part in new activities that introduce them to greater challenges and independence. Campers are guided through experiences such as the Zipline and Giant Swing, where they learn to build confidence while participating in structured adventure activities. They also take part in GAGA, a long-standing Tamarack favorite that encourages movement, teamwork, and friendly competition.
As campers move into their second year, their schedule begins to include more opportunities for personal choice. During the CHOICE period, campers select the activity they want to participate in for the week, allowing them to explore their interests while gaining a sense of independence in their daily camp routine.
Second-year campers also begin their cycling experience through the Learn to Bike Program. This program focuses on building balance, control, and safety skills, giving campers the foundation they need before moving on to the Mountain Biking program in future summers.
Explorer Athletics
Explorer Athletics at Tamarack Day Camp is designed specifically for campers ages 6 to 8, giving younger children the opportunity to learn and enjoy sports in a way that fits their stage of development. Activities are structured so campers can focus on learning basic skills, understanding the rules of each game, and building confidence while participating with their peers.
To support younger athletes, games are played on smaller fields and courts using equipment sized for children. This approach allows campers to stay involved in the action and better understand how each sport is played. The goal is to help children learn the fundamentals while making sure every camper feels comfortable participating.
Campers are introduced to sports such as Pickleball and Lacrosse along with other traditional games. Tamarack Day Camp Athletic Specialists lead these activities, teaching core skills and guiding campers through practice and game play. Counselors participate alongside the campers, helping them stay engaged, encouraging teamwork, and supporting each child as they develop new abilities.
Creative Arts
Creative programs give young campers the opportunity to explore art, performance, and hands-on projects in comfortable, air-conditioned studios. These dedicated spaces allow children to focus on learning new creative skills while working with instructors who guide them through each activity step by step.
Each week, campers take part in a variety of activities such as Ceramics, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, and Jewelry Making. These programs introduce basic techniques while encouraging campers to experiment, create, and express their ideas through different forms of art and creativity.
Explorer Girl groups also prepare for a Dance and Drama Production that takes place during the sixth week of camp. Campers learn choreography, practice stage movement, and work together as a group while building confidence performing in front of an audience. The final production is held at a local venue near Mount Arlington, NJ and includes professional sound and lighting, giving families the opportunity to watch their children perform on stage.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is an important part of the daily schedule for campers ages 6 to 8. Tamarack Day Camp provides a structured Learn-to-Swim Program that helps young campers build water safety skills while becoming more comfortable and confident in the pool. The aquatic facility includes a 12,000-square-foot pool with water depths ranging from 1 foot to 6 feet, allowing swimmers to practice in areas that match their current ability level.
Each morning, campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors and supported by group counselors. Lessons are organized by skill level rather than age so that every child receives instruction that matches their progress. This approach allows beginners to focus on water comfort and basic movements while more experienced swimmers continue developing stronger technique and endurance.
In the afternoon, campers return to the pool for supervised free swim. This time allows them to practice the skills they learned during lessons while enjoying the water with their group.
The teaching approach used at Tamarack Day Camp combines American Red Cross guidelines with decades of experience teaching children how to swim. Instructors receive training each year to ensure they are prepared to support swimmers at every level. Families living near Mount Arlington, NJ value that Tamarack Day Camp provides a swim program that focuses on safety, skill development, and building confidence in the water.
Ropes Course
