Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Riverdale
Tamarack Day Camp’s Explorer program is built for young campers ages 6 to 8. At this stage, children need a camp experience that helps them build confidence, try new activities, and feel comfortable in a supportive group setting.
The program gives campers a mix of structured activities, active play, creative projects, and time to build friendships with children their own age. Each part of the day is designed to match their energy level, attention span, and growing independence.
Tamarack Day Camp offers an age-appropriate program that helps younger campers feel ready, engaged, and excited to return each day.
In 1st and 2nd grade, campers are ready for new challenges, more independence, and activities that help them build confidence.
In 1st grade, campers are introduced to the Zipline, Giant Swing, and GAGA. These activities give children a chance to try something new, stay active, and take part in camp traditions with guidance from staff and support from their group.
In 2nd grade, campers begin making more choices during the camp day. Through CHOICE, they select an activity they want to focus on each day for the week. This helps them explore their interests and feel more involved in their own camp experience.
Campers also begin developing cycling skills through the Learn to Bike Program. This gives them a strong foundation as they prepare for the Mountain Biking program in future years.
Tamarack Day Camp offers a grade-based program that supports physical growth, social development, and emotional confidence at each stage.
Explorer Athletics
Explorer Athletics gives campers ages 6 to 8 a strong introduction to sports in a setting built for their age and skill level.
Instead of using full-size fields, courts, and equipment, the program uses smaller playing areas and age-appropriate gear. This helps younger campers learn the basics, stay involved, and feel successful as they practice new skills.
Campers are introduced to traditional sports along with Pickleball and Lacrosse. Athletic Specialists teach the fundamentals in a clear, supportive way, then help campers use those skills through games and group play.
Tamarack Day Camp counselors take part in the activities alongside the campers. Their involvement helps children stay engaged, learn from each session, and build confidence through effort, teamwork, and progress.
Explorer Athletics offers a sports program that helps younger campers develop coordination, learn rules, and enjoy active play at a pace that works for them.
Creative Arts
Creative activities give Explorer campers a place to express themselves, try new skills, and build confidence outside of athletics.
Campers spend time in air-conditioned art studios and take part in a range of hands-on activities led by instructors. Each week may include Ceramics, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, and other creative programs designed for younger campers.
These activities help children explore different interests while learning how to follow steps, share ideas, work with others, and take pride in what they create.
Explorer Girl groups also take part in an annual Dance and Drama Production during the 6th week of camp. The performance is held at a local venue with professional sound and lighting, giving campers a chance to practice, perform, and celebrate their progress with their group.
Tamarack Day Camp offers creative programming that helps young campers grow through art, performance, discovery, and hands-on learning.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is an important part of the Explorer experience for campers ages 6 to 8. Tamarack Day Camp’s Learn-to-Swim Program helps young swimmers build water confidence, learn proper technique, and improve at a pace that matches their ability.
Campers use a 12,000-square-foot pool with water depths from 1 foot to 6 feet. This setup allows beginners to feel comfortable in shallow water while giving more experienced swimmers room to continue developing their skills.
Each morning, certified swim instructors lead 40-minute lessons with support from group counselors. Campers are placed by swim level instead of age, so each child receives instruction that fits their current ability and helps them move forward safely.
In the afternoon, groups return to the pool for free swim. This gives campers more time in the water to practice, gain confidence, and enjoy swimming with their friends.
The program is based on American Red Cross standards and more than 25 years of experience teaching children to swim. Tamarack Day Camp also trains its swim instructors each year so they are prepared to teach skills clearly, support nervous swimmers, and help each camper make steady progress.
Tamarack Day Camp offers a swim program that gives younger campers the structure, practice, and encouragement they need to become stronger and more confident in the water.
Ropes Course
