Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Mount Olive Township
Tamarack Day Camp offers a program specifically designed for campers ages 6 to 8. The Explorer program helps young children build confidence, independence, and social skills through activities that match their stage of development. Campers are introduced to new experiences at a pace that supports learning while keeping them engaged and active throughout the day. Families living near Mount Olive Township, NJ choose Tamarack Day Camp because the Explorer program grows with each child and provides a structured, supportive environment for their early camp years.
First grade campers at Tamarack Day Camp are introduced to new activities that encourage confidence, movement, and teamwork. They begin participating in the Zipline and Giant Swing with guidance from trained staff, helping them try new challenges in a supportive environment. Campers also take part in GAGA, a long-standing Tamarack activity that promotes active play, cooperation, and friendly competition among peers.
In their second year, campers are given more independence through CHOICE, a dedicated activity period where they select the activity they want to participate in each day of the week. This allows children to explore their interests while learning how to make decisions and engage with different programs.
Campers also begin their cycling journey through the Learn to Bike Program. This program focuses on developing balance, control, and basic riding skills to prepare them for the Mountain Biking program offered in later years. Families living near Mount Olive Township, NJ value how Tamarack Day Camp helps children grow through structured activities that support physical development while also building social and emotional skills.
Explorer Athletics
Explorer Athletics at Tamarack Day Camp is designed for campers ages 6 to 8 who are beginning to learn and enjoy organized sports. The program focuses on teaching the basics of different games in a way that matches the abilities of younger children. Fields and courts are adjusted in size, and equipment is selected specifically for this age group so campers can learn skills, stay active, and feel confident while playing.
Campers are introduced to a variety of sports, including Pickleball and Lacrosse, along with other traditional athletic activities. Athletic Specialists guide each session by teaching fundamental skills and then helping campers apply those skills through structured games and group activities.
Tamarack counselors participate alongside the campers, offering encouragement and helping them stay involved throughout each activity. This approach helps children build coordination, understand teamwork, and develop a positive attitude toward sports. Families living near Mount Olive Township, NJ appreciate how Tamarack Day Camp creates an environment where younger campers can learn the basics of athletics while staying engaged and supported.
Creative Arts
Creative arts are an important part of the experience at Tamarack Day Camp. Campers take part in a wide range of hands-on activities inside air-conditioned art studios where they can explore different forms of creativity while staying comfortable throughout the day. Each week, campers rotate through programs such as Ceramics, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, and Jewelry Making. These sessions are led by experienced instructors who guide campers as they learn new techniques, create projects, and express their ideas through different artistic outlets.
Explorer Girl groups also prepare for a Dance and Drama Production that takes place during the sixth week of camp. Campers work together throughout the summer to practice routines, develop stage confidence, and perform as a group. The production is held at a local venue near Mount Olive Township, NJ and features professional sound and lighting. Families look forward to this event each year as campers step on stage and share what they have been working on with friends and family.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is a central part of the daily schedule for campers ages 6 to 8 at Tamarack Day Camp. The Learn-to-Swim Program is designed to help young campers build water confidence while learning proper swimming techniques in a structured and supportive environment. Campers use a large aquatic facility with areas that range from very shallow water to deeper sections, allowing beginners and more experienced swimmers to practice safely as they progress.
Each morning, certified swim instructors lead 40-minute swim lessons. Campers are grouped by skill level rather than age so every child receives instruction that matches their current ability. This approach allows beginners to focus on comfort and basic movement in the water while more advanced swimmers continue developing strokes, breathing, and overall technique. Tamarack counselors remain with their groups during lessons to provide additional support and encouragement.
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 time in the water with their group.
The swim program at Tamarack Day Camp follows methods based on American Red Cross guidelines and decades of experience teaching children how to swim. Instructors are trained each year to ensure they are prepared to guide campers safely through every stage of their swimming development. Families living near Mount Olive Township, NJ appreciate how the program helps children become stronger, more confident swimmers over the course of the summer.
Ropes Course
