Summer camp for 3-5 year olds near Riverdale
Tamarack Day Camp offers programs designed for children ages 3 to 5, giving young campers a safe, structured, and engaging first camp experience. Families near Riverdale, NJ can choose from flexible options, including a 5-full-day program, a 3-full-day program, or a 5-half-day program.
Our Munchkin Division is built around close supervision and individual attention. Groups typically include 10 to 12 campers with 3 to 4 staff members, allowing counselors to support each child throughout the day. This smaller group setting helps young campers feel comfortable, build confidence, and enjoy age-appropriate activities at their own pace.
Designed for children ages 3, 4, and 5, the Munchkin Program gives young campers a structured way to build skills, gain confidence, and enjoy camp at their own pace. Families near Riverdale, NJ can feel confident knowing each activity is led by trained Munchkin Specialists who understand how to support younger children.
The program focuses on movement, creativity, swimming, and social development. Athletic activities help children improve balance, coordination, and body control, while hands-on creative activities support fine motor skills. Campers are also introduced to swim instruction in a supportive setting, helping them become more comfortable in the water.
Throughout the day, children practice following routines, joining group activities, sharing with others, and building confidence around peers and adults.
Munchkin Athletics
Young campers can enjoy age-appropriate versions of the sports and games older campers play. Activities like mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics are adapted for children ages 3 to 5, making it easier for them to learn, participate, and feel successful.
At Tamarack Day Camp, athletic instructors teach basic skills in a way that matches each child’s age and ability. Campers practice coordination, balance, teamwork, listening, and following directions while staying active and engaged. For families near Riverdale, NJ, this gives young children a chance to build confidence through sports in a setting designed for their stage of development.
Creative Arts
Creative activities give young campers a chance to explore, make choices, and express themselves in new ways. At Tamarack Day Camp, children ages 3 to 5 take part in a wide range of arts-based activities in comfortable, air-conditioned classrooms led by experienced instructors.
Campers may participate in ceramics, music, cooking, science activities, drama, nature exploration, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, and more. Each activity is designed to be age-appropriate, hands-on, and easy for young children to follow, helping them build creativity, focus, fine motor skills, and confidence.
Families near Riverdale, NJ can also look forward to the annual Dance and Drama Production. During the camp’s 6th week, each Munchkin group has the opportunity to perform at a local venue with professional sound and lighting. It gives campers a chance to practice, work together, and share what they have learned with their families.
Low Ropes and Confidence Course
Young campers can build strength, balance, and confidence on ropes courses designed for their age and size. Children ages 3 to 5 start on the low ropes course, where they can climb, explore, swing, and move through simple challenges close to the ground.
At Tamarack Day Camp, the Munchkin ropes experience helps campers develop gross motor skills while learning how to try new activities with support from trained instructors. The Mini-Zipline adds another age-appropriate challenge, giving campers a chance to experience adventure in a controlled setting.
Campers are also introduced to the Tamarack Confidence Course, a smaller version of the high ropes course set about 5 feet above the ground. This allows younger children to become familiar with ropes course elements without moving too high off the ground. Instructors guide campers through each step, helping them listen, follow directions, and feel proud of what they accomplish.
Safety is part of the process every day. The ropes courses are inspected before each season by the company that built them, and certified ropes instructors complete daily checks before leading groups through the course. For families near Riverdale, NJ, this program gives young campers a safe way to build confidence, coordination, and independence through age-appropriate adventure.
Learn to Swim
Learning to swim is a major focus for children ages 3 to 5. At Tamarack Day Camp, young campers use a shallow, heated pool where they can stand comfortably, feel secure, and make steady progress in the water.
Each morning includes a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors with support from group counselors. Campers work on water comfort, basic swim skills, safety habits, and confidence at a pace that matches their ability.
In the afternoon, campers return to the pool for 40 minutes of free swim. This gives them time to practice what they learned, enjoy the water with friends, and build confidence around counselors and peers. For families near Riverdale, NJ, Tamarack Day Camp offers a clear, supportive swim program for young children who are just starting to learn.
Social Development
For children ages 3 to 5, camp is an important place to practice social skills, independence, and confidence. At Tamarack Day Camp, Munchkin campers are supported as they move through activities, interact with other children, and learn how to be part of a group.
Campers practice making friends, taking turns, sharing materials, working together, and showing respect for peers and staff. Counselors help children use words to express what they need, solve small problems, and communicate directly with others.
Families near Riverdale, NJ can feel confident knowing the Munchkin experience focuses on more than daily activities. It helps young children build the social and emotional skills they need to feel comfortable, capable, and ready for new experiences.
Munchkin Lunch
