Summer camp for 3-5 year olds near Chatham Borough
Tamarack Day Camp offers summer programs specifically designed for children ages 3 to 5, with flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of families near Chatham Borough, NJ. Parents can choose from a 5-full-day schedule, a 3-full-day schedule, or a 5-half-day schedule, allowing for both consistency and flexibility depending on the child’s readiness and the family’s routine.
Our Munchkin Division focuses on children in this age range and is structured to provide a safe, supportive environment with individual attention. Each group typically includes 10 to 12 campers and is staffed by 3 to 4 experienced team members. This low camper-to-staff ratio ensures that every child is closely supervised, guided through daily activities, and supported as they adjust to a camp setting.
Tamarack Day Camp is located near Chatham Borough and provides a well-organized, age-appropriate experience for younger children preparing for school and social environments.
Tamarack Day Camp’s Munchkin Program gives three- to five-year-olds the right balance of play and structured learning. In small groups led by Munchkin Specialists—staff trained in early childhood care—campers practice gross-motor skills through simple sports, obstacle paths, and movement games, while fine-motor work comes from art, building, and hands-on projects.
A daily swim period anchors the schedule. Counselors keep ratios low so each child can ease into the water, learn basic kicks, floats, and breath control, and gain confidence at a pace that matches their comfort level.
Social growth is woven into every activity. Children learn to take turns, follow clear routines, and use words to solve conflicts, laying the groundwork for classroom readiness.
For families near Chatham Borough, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp offers a dependable first step into group learning where children can move, swim, and build early friendships under careful supervision.
Munchkin Athletics
Young campers age three to five step onto fields and courts sized just for them. Mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and beginner gymnastics teach throwing, kicking, catching, and balancing at a pace early learners can follow.
Athletic instructors who specialize in this age group keep groups small and instructions clear. Each drill builds coordination and body awareness; each game lets children try, adjust, and succeed—without scorekeeping or pressure.
Parents near Chatham Borough, NJ, can count on Tamarack Day Camp to introduce active play in a structured, age-appropriate program that turns first sports experiences into skills ready for kindergarten and beyond.
Creative Arts
Children ages three to five spend each week exploring music, movement, crafts, cooking, and science in small, instructor-led groups. Indoors and air-conditioned, the creative spaces give young campers the tools and guidance to shape clay, stir ingredients, try instruments, and complete age-appropriate projects that support early skill development.
Activities rotate throughout the week and include Ceramics, Music, Dance, Cooking, Nature, Drama, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, and beginner science experiments. Campers work with real materials and follow clear steps, gaining confidence as they finish tasks independently or with help from peers.
One key event is the Week 6 Dance and Drama Production. All groups take part in this live performance, held at a nearby venue with professional sound and lighting. Families are invited, and every child has a chance to experience being on stage with their group.
For families near Chatham Borough, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp offers a steady introduction to the arts and sciences—designed for young children to explore, create, and build essential early learning skills.
Low Ropes and Confidence Course
Children ages three to five build strength, balance, and coordination on a ropes course made specifically for early learners. With short swings, low climbing elements, and obstacle-style features just inches off the ground, young campers move through each section under close supervision. The setup allows them to explore movement, grip, and foot placement in a safe, structured environment.
A mini-zipline gives campers a chance to experience controlled motion while staying low to the ground. For those ready for more, the Confidence Course adds an extra layer of challenge. This five-foot-high setup mirrors the layout of a full ropes course but remains low enough for hands-on support from instructors.
Certified ropes staff guide each group through every element and stay with them the entire time. Daily safety checks are conducted before use, and all equipment is inspected each season by the original builders to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, can trust Tamarack Day Camp to provide a ropes experience that supports physical development and builds confidence—without exceeding what young children are ready to handle.
Learn to Swim
Children ages three to five take part in daily swim instruction designed for early learners. Each morning begins with a 40-minute swim lesson in a shallow, heated pool where campers can stand safely and move with confidence. Small group sizes and consistent routines help children adjust to the water and focus on developing basic skills.
Certified instructors lead every lesson with support from the campers’ counselors. The focus stays on water safety, floating, body position, and beginner strokes, with groups organized by skill level to match instruction to each child’s needs.
In the afternoon, campers return to the pool for supervised free swim. This session allows time to practice what was taught earlier in the day and gives children the space to explore the water while building comfort and independence.
Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, can depend on Tamarack Day Camp for a swim program that teaches core water skills in a calm, structured setting built specifically for young children.
Social Development
Small groups give three- to five-year-olds daily practice in taking turns, sharing supplies, and moving smoothly from one activity to the next. Counselors model clear language and help campers use words for needs and feelings, turning snack breaks and lineup times into quick lessons in listening and respect. Cooperative games and role-play show children how to settle minor disagreements and invite others to join in, reinforcing early friendships.
Repeating these routines throughout the day builds confidence and lays the groundwork for classroom readiness. Parents near Chatham Borough, NJ, can rely on Tamarack Day Camp to guide young children through the first steps of making friends and working well within a group.
Munchkin Lunch
Tamarack Day Camp offers a dedicated lunch program for campers ages 3 to 5, designed to meet the needs of young children who benefit from a structured mealtime early in the day. Munchkin campers eat lunch at the beginning of their schedule, allowing them to refuel before transitioning into active programming.
Staff members supervise the lunch period closely and assist children as needed. Dietary needs and food allergies are carefully managed, and families are welcome to send specific meals or snacks to meet individual requirements. Additional snacks are available throughout the day to ensure campers stay energized and comfortable.
For families near Chatham Borough, Tamarack Day Camp provides a reliable and age-appropriate lunch routine that supports young campers’ nutrition, comfort, and overall daily rhythm.