Summer camp for 3-5 year olds near Chester Borough
Tamarack Day Camp offers age-appropriate summer programs designed specifically for young children ages 3 to 5. Families near Chester Borough, NJ, can choose from flexible scheduling options, including a five full-day program, a three full-day option, or a five half-day schedule. These choices allow parents to select a plan that best fits their child’s readiness and family routine.
Our youngest campers are part of the Munchkin Division, which is built around small group sizes and consistent supervision. Each group typically includes 10 to 12 children and is led by 3 to 4 staff members. This low camper-to-staff ratio ensures that each child receives close attention, support, and guidance throughout the day. Programs focus on introducing children to the camp environment in a way that feels safe, structured, and engaging.
The Munchkin Program is created specifically for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, with each activity led by staff trained to support early childhood development. These Munchkin Specialists guide campers through structured routines that focus on building core skills needed at this age.
Campers work on fine motor development through daily tasks like drawing, cutting, and building, while gross motor skills are strengthened through outdoor movement, games, and age-appropriate sports. Swimming instruction is introduced in a gradual, supportive way, helping young children gain basic water skills and comfort in the pool.
Parents near Chester Borough, NJ, choose Tamarack Day Camp because this program offers a consistent, focused environment where young children can grow socially, physically, and emotionally in small, well-supervised groups.
Munchkin Athletics
Tamarack Day Camp introduces 3- to 5-year-olds to the basics of traditional sports through scaled-down versions designed specifically for their age and ability. Campers participate in mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, gymnastics, and other foundational games that emphasize coordination, balance, and teamwork.
Each sport is taught by experienced athletic instructors who break down the movements and rules into simple steps, allowing young campers to build confidence while learning. The focus is on skill development, active play, and creating a positive experience with sports from the start.
For families near Chester Borough, NJ, this program offers an introduction to physical activity in a structured, encouraging environment that supports both individual progress and group participation.
Creative Arts
The Creative Arts Center at Tamarack Day Camp gives 3- to 5-year-olds structured access to hands-on activities across a variety of subjects. Campers rotate through weekly sessions in ceramics, music, cooking, science, drama, nature, dance, digital photography, and jewelry making. All activities take place in air-conditioned classrooms and are led by staff trained to work with young children.
Each Munchkin group participates in dance and drama throughout the summer, building toward a performance held during week six of the camp season. The production takes place at a local venue and includes professional sound and lighting. This event gives every child a chance to perform in front of family and peers in an age-appropriate, supportive setting.
Families near Chester Borough, NJ, choose Tamarack Day Camp for its structured, well-supervised creative programming that allows young children to explore new interests while building confidence and social skills.
Low Ropes and Confidence Course
Tamarack Day Camp offers ropes course experiences specifically designed for 3- to 5-year-olds. Our youngest campers use a low ropes course built just inches off the ground, giving them a chance to climb, balance, and explore in a safe and age-appropriate setting. Activities on the course support the development of gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and coordination. A recently added mini-zipline allows campers to practice movement and build confidence while having fun.
The Tamarack Confidence Course is a smaller version of our high ropes course, built just five feet above ground. Campers navigate simple course elements while secured and supervised by trained staff. This course is used to help children become comfortable with height, movement, and equipment in a calm, controlled environment.
All ropes course elements are inspected before the start of every season by the professional company that built them. Certified instructors also perform daily checks and lead all group sessions, ensuring the highest standards of safety are maintained throughout the summer.
Families near Chester Borough, NJ, trust Tamarack Day Camp to provide a structured introduction to ropes course activities where young children can safely develop balance, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
Learn to Swim
Daily swim instruction for 3- to 5-year-olds is a core part of the program, with lessons designed to help young campers gain water confidence and develop essential swimming skills. Each morning, certified swim instructors lead 40-minute lessons in a shallow, heated pool where children can comfortably stand. Group counselors remain in the water to provide additional support and encouragement.
In the afternoon, campers return for 40 minutes of recreational swim. This unstructured time gives them the chance to apply new skills in a relaxed environment while interacting with peers and counselors.
The entire swim program is built around safety, skill development, and consistency. Families near Chester Borough, NJ, value the structured approach to swimming that ensures every child receives individual attention and makes measurable progress throughout the summer.
Social Development
Children ages 3 to 5 are supported in developing key social and emotional skills throughout their day at Tamarack Day Camp. As campers move through scheduled activities, staff focus on teaching cooperation, sharing, and respectful communication with peers and adults. Group counselors guide campers in expressing their needs and feelings using clear, age-appropriate language.
Social development is integrated into every part of the program. Campers are encouraged to work together, solve small problems as a group, and build friendships through repeated interaction and structured guidance. This helps young children gain independence while learning how to be part of a group.
For families near Chester Borough, NJ, this approach provides a consistent environment where early learners begin to build the social foundations they will need in school and beyond.
Munchkin Lunch
