Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near Washington Township
Tamarack Day Camp offers an Explorer program designed for campers ages 6 to 8. At this stage, children are ready for more independence, new friendships, and activities that help them build confidence in a supportive setting. The program gives young campers a balanced mix of age-appropriate sports, creative projects, outdoor play, and group experiences that keep each day active and engaging.
The Explorer program is a strong fit for children who are growing out of early childhood routines and ready for a fuller camp experience. Campers are guided by caring staff, introduced to new challenges at a comfortable pace, and encouraged to try new activities while still feeling supported throughout the day.
First and 2nd grade campers are given opportunities to build skills, try new activities, and gain confidence throughout the summer. In 1st grade, campers are introduced to the Zipline, Giant Swing, and GAGA, giving them safe ways to take on challenges, stay active, and enjoy group play with their peers.
In their 2nd year, campers begin to have more choice in their camp day. Through CHOICE, they select a preferred activity each day for the week, helping them develop independence and explore their interests. They also take part in the Learn to Bike Program, which helps prepare them for future participation in Mountain Biking.
Tamarack Day Camp offers a program that supports growth in physical ability, social skills, and emotional confidence while keeping campers engaged in age-appropriate activities.
Explorer Athletics
Explorer Athletics gives 6- to 8-year-old campers a strong introduction to sports in a way that matches their age, size, and skill level. Instead of using full-size fields, courts, and equipment, activities are adjusted so younger campers can learn the basics, stay involved, and experience progress during each session.
Campers take part in traditional sports while also being introduced to activities such as Pickleball and Lacrosse. Athletic Specialists teach the core skills of each sport, including movement, coordination, teamwork, and game rules. Once campers understand the basics, they put those skills into practice through games designed for their age group.
Tamarack Day Camp offers an athletics program that helps young campers build confidence, improve physical skills, and learn how to participate as part of a team. Counselors join the activities with campers, giving support, encouragement, and guidance so each child has the chance to learn, contribute, and succeed.
Creative Arts
Creative activities give campers a place to explore new interests, build confidence, and express themselves in different ways. In air-conditioned art studios, campers take part in hands-on projects guided by instructors who help them learn new skills and complete work they can feel proud of.
Each week, campers are introduced to a range of activities, including Ceramics, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, and more. These programs give children the chance to be creative, work with their hands, perform, experiment, and try activities they may not experience during the school year.
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, work together, and perform for an audience.
Tamarack Day Camp offers a creative program that supports self-expression, teamwork, and personal growth through age-appropriate arts and performance activities.
Learn to Swim
The Learn-to-Swim Program gives 6- to 8-year-old campers structured swim instruction in a setting designed for steady progress. Campers use a 12,000-square-foot pool with water depths ranging from 1 foot to 6 feet, allowing children to practice in areas that match their comfort level and ability.
Each morning, certified swim instructors lead 40-minute lessons with support from group counselors. Campers are grouped by swim ability rather than age, so each child receives instruction that fits their current skill level. This helps beginners build comfort in the water while giving more experienced swimmers the chance to improve technique, endurance, and confidence.
In the afternoon, campers return to the pool for free swim. This gives them time to practice what they learned, enjoy the water with their group, and continue building confidence through regular repetition.
Tamarack Day Camp offers a swim program built on American Red Cross standards and more than 25 years of experience teaching children to swim. Instructors are trained each year so campers receive clear guidance, consistent support, and a safe path toward becoming stronger swimmers.
Ropes Course
