Summer camp for 3rd & 4th graders 8-10 year olds near Mount Arlington
At Tamarack Day Camp, children ages 8–10 enjoy a structured program designed to keep them active, learning, and engaged throughout the day. Campers participate in a variety of creative and physical activities with guidance from experienced staff, helping them build confidence while trying new skills.
Each day includes two swim periods. The morning session focuses on instruction, where campers work on swimming techniques and water safety. In the afternoon, they return to the pool for supervised free swim, giving them time to practice skills and enjoy the water with friends.
Campers also rotate through several adventure and skill-based activities. These include archery, mountain biking, skateboarding, and the high ropes course. Each activity is led by trained instructors who teach proper techniques and encourage safe participation.
The Adventurer program at Tamarack Day Camp gives campers more choice in how they spend their day. Instead of rotating through every activity, Adventurers can select the areas they enjoy most and spend additional time developing their skills. This approach allows children to focus on activities that interest them while still participating in a balanced daily schedule.
Adventurers also take part in one of the program’s most anticipated experiences—Junior Late Night. On these special evenings, campers stay later than usual for a supervised night at camp. The evening includes dinner, extended swim time, group games, and special activities planned just for the event.
The night ends with a twilight campfire where campers gather together to relax, share stories, and make s’mores. Families living near Mount Arlington, NJ appreciate that Tamarack Day Camp offers these extended experiences, giving children memorable moments with their friends while still in a structured and supervised setting.
Junior Athletics
The Junior Athletics program at Tamarack Day Camp introduces campers ages 8–10 to a wide range of sports in a structured and supportive setting. Campers use full-size fields and courts to practice and play sports such as soccer, football, pickleball, lacrosse, archery, basketball, and hockey.
Each week, trained Athletic Specialists lead skill-building sessions that focus on the fundamentals of each sport. Campers learn techniques, practice drills, and participate in organized games that help them apply what they’ve learned. The goal is to help children improve their abilities while staying active and engaged.
Tamarack counselors take part in the activities alongside the campers, helping guide instruction, encourage teamwork, and make sure every child feels included. This hands-on support helps campers gain confidence as they develop new athletic skills.
Bike Program
The Tamarack Bike Program at Tamarack Day Camp gives campers ages 8–10 the opportunity to learn and improve their biking skills through guided instruction and structured practice. The program is designed for different experience levels, allowing both beginner and more confident riders to progress at a comfortable pace.
Campers begin by learning the basics, including bike control, balance, and safety techniques. As their confidence grows, instructors guide them through practice rides around camp and obstacle courses that help them develop better handling and control. Campers who are ready for the next step have the chance to ride on Tamarack’s mountain bike trails, where they can apply their skills in a supervised outdoor setting.
Experienced instructors work closely with each camper to provide guidance and support throughout the program. Tamarack Day Camp also provides properly sized bikes and helmets to ensure every child rides safely and comfortably.
Creative Arts
At Tamarack Day Camp, campers ages 8–10 take part in a wide range of creative activities inside fully air-conditioned Arts Studios. These indoor spaces give children a comfortable place to focus on hands-on projects and creative learning throughout the day.
Campers work with experienced art instructors who guide them through different creative areas each week. Activities include ceramics, music, cooking, drama, nature projects, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, video editing, and other rotating programs. Each activity encourages campers to explore new interests while learning practical creative skills.
One of the highlights of the season is the annual Dance and Drama Production. Every Junior Girl group prepares and performs its own dance routine as part of the show. The performance takes place during the sixth week of camp at a local venue and features professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
The Learn to Swim Program at Tamarack Day Camp is an important part of the daily schedule for campers ages 8–10. The program takes place in a well-equipped aquatic facility designed to support swimmers at all skill levels, from beginners learning basic techniques to more experienced swimmers improving their strokes.
Each morning, campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors and supported by group counselors. Lessons are organized by skill level rather than age, allowing each child to learn at the pace that fits their ability. Instructors follow proven teaching methods based on American Red Cross guidelines, helping campers build confidence, improve technique, and strengthen water safety skills.
In the afternoon, Adventurers return to the pool for supervised free swim. This time allows campers to practice what they learned during lessons while enjoying time in the water with their group.
Ropes Courses
The Ropes Course at Tamarack Day Camp gives campers ages 8–10 the chance to challenge themselves through structured climbing and aerial activities. The program begins with the Confidence Course, which is set about five feet above the ground. Here, campers learn basic belaying techniques and practice navigating elements that prepare them for the High Ropes Course.
As campers build confidence, they move on to more advanced features. These include a 200-foot zipline, horizontal and vertical climbing walls, and the Giant Swing. Each element is designed to help campers develop balance, coordination, and trust in their abilities while working through new challenges.
Safety is a central part of the program. The ropes courses are professionally inspected before each camp season by the company that built them. Certified ropes instructors also perform daily safety checks and supervise every activity, guiding campers step-by-step through the course.
Social Development
