What activities are included in the summer camp for 1st and 2nd graders?

Our summer camp near West Orange includes a variety of activities tailored for 1st and 2nd graders, such as sports, arts, swimming, and more, all designed to promote both fun and learning.

How does Tamarack Day Camp ensure safety for young children?

Safety is our top priority at Tamarack Day Camp near West Orange. We conduct comprehensive staff training, employ certified lifeguards, and maintain rigorous safety protocols for all activities.

Can parents visit during camp sessions?

Parents are welcome to visit Tamarack Day Camp during designated visiting days to observe their children's activities and progress. These visits are arranged to ensure minimal disruption to the camp schedule.

What are the hours of operation for the summer camp?

Tamarack Day Camp near West Orange operates from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, with extended care options available to accommodate family schedules.

How do I register my child for the summer camp?

Parents can register their children for our summer camp near West Orange by visiting our website or contacting our office directly for enrollment information and availability.

Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 year olds near West Orange

Tamarack Day Camp, located near West Orange, NJ, is a popular choice for families seeking a structured growth environment for their children aged 6 to 8. Our Explorer program is specifically tailored to meet the developmental needs of young campers with a variety of engaging activities.

For 1st graders, we offer exciting adventures like the Zipline and Giant Swing, along with the popular game of GAGA. As they progress to their 2nd year, campers can enjoy more autonomy with CHOICE, an activity period that allows them to select their preferred activities for the week. We also introduce them to our Learn to Bike Program, which sets the stage for future participation in Mountain Biking.

At Tamarack, we focus on nurturing not only the physical abilities of our campers but also their social and emotional skills, ensuring a well-rounded camp experience that supports their growth and development.

Explorer Athletics

Tamarack Day Camp, conveniently located near West Orange, NJ, offers a specialized sports program for children aged 6 to 8. Our program, designed with younger athletes in mind, features modified fields, courts, and child-friendly equipment to promote successful learning and enjoyment of sports.

Our young campers are introduced to exciting sports like Pickleball and Lacrosse, in addition to other traditional games. Our Athletic Specialists are skilled in both teaching fundamental skills and fostering a fun environment where these new abilities are practiced during lively games. Tamarack counselors are actively involved in all activities, ensuring that every child feels supported and achieves moments of accomplishment and growth through each session.

Creative Arts

Tamarack Day Camp, conveniently located near West Orange, NJ, offers a diverse range of creative activities in our cool, air-conditioned art studios. Campers can explore their artistic potential through weekly activities like Ceramics, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature Exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, and Jewelry Making, all guided by experienced instructors.

A highlight of our program is the annual Dance and Drama Production by our Explorer Girl groups. This exciting event features professional sound and lighting and takes place at a local venue during the 6th week of camp, showcasing the impressive talents of our young performers. Join us to experience this spectacular showcase of creativity and performance.

Learn to Swim

Tamarack Day Camp, conveniently located near West Orange, NJ, is renowned for its Learn-to-Swim Program, which is a highlight for children aged 6-8. Our facility features a large 12,000 square foot pool with varying depths from 1 to 6 feet, designed to accommodate all stages of a young swimmer’s development.

Our morning sessions are led by certified swim instructors and group counselors, providing 40-minute lessons tailored to each child’s individual swimming ability. This personalized approach helps ensure that every camper is both challenged and supported as they improve their skills. In the afternoons, we offer free swim periods, allowing children to practice and gain confidence in the water.

We are proud of our teaching methods, which are based on American Red Cross standards and enhanced by our 25 years of experience in swimming instruction. We also annually train our instructors to stay current with the best techniques for fostering a love and proficiency for swimming among our campers.

Ropes Course

Tamarack Day Camp, located near West Orange, NJ, offers young adventurers aged 6-8 an engaging ropes course experience. Our Zipline and ropes courses are designed to introduce and progress children safely and gradually. We start campers on the Tamarack Confidence Course, just 5 feet off the ground, to help them become comfortable with being on belay and to navigate various elements similar to those on our more challenging High Ropes Course.

Safety is a priority at Tamarack. All ropes courses are inspected thoroughly before each season by a reputable company and daily by our certified ropes instructors. These precautions ensure that every camper enjoys a secure and enjoyable climbing experience.

At Tamarack, young explorers tackle climbing walls and zip lines, creating unforgettable memories in a fun and safe environment. Join us for a summer filled with adventure and confidence-building.

Social Development

Tamarack Day Camp, conveniently located near West Orange, NJ, is dedicated to fostering teamwork and collaboration among young campers aged 6-8. Through group activities, campers learn to support and cooperate with one another under the guidance of our dedicated counselors. These interactions help forge strong friendships and teach respectful communication with peers and staff alike.

At Tamarack, we provide a nurturing environment where children develop essential social and emotional skills that are critical for their future success. Our Explorer program is specially designed to cultivate these abilities through daily collaborative activities, ensuring each camper leaves with valuable life lessons.