Summer camp for 3rd & 4th graders 8-10 year olds near Riverdale
Tamarack Day Camp offers a well-rounded program for 8- to 10-year-olds near Riverdale, NJ. Campers take part in a mix of creative, athletic, and outdoor activities each day, with staff guidance that helps them build skills, try new challenges, and stay active.
Swimming is part of the daily schedule, with instructional swim in the morning and free swim in the afternoon. Campers also get introduced to activities such as archery, mountain biking, skateboarding, high ropes, and more, giving them opportunities to gain confidence, develop independence, and enjoy a full day of hands-on camp experiences.
The Adventurer program at Tamarack Day Camp gives campers more control over their day as they grow more independent. Campers can choose preferred activities, giving them more time to build skills in the areas they enjoy most while staying active and engaged.
This program also includes Junior Late Night, a special experience for Adventurers near Riverdale, NJ. Campers stay later for dinner, extra swim time, games, special events, and a twilight campfire with S’mores. It gives them a chance to enjoy camp in a different way while spending more time with friends and counselors.
Junior Athletics
The Junior Athletics program at Tamarack Day Camp gives 8- to 10-year-old campers the chance to build skills across a wide range of sports. Campers use full-size fields and activity spaces for soccer, football, pickleball, lacrosse, archery, basketball, hockey, and more.
Each week, Athletic Specialists introduce campers to different sports, teach basic skills, and lead games that help reinforce what they learn. Tamarack counselors also take part in the activities, giving campers encouragement, support, and guidance throughout each session.
This program is a strong fit for young athletes who enjoy staying active, trying different sports, and gaining confidence through instruction and play.
Bike Program
The Tamarack Bike Program at Tamarack Day Camp gives 8- to 10-year-old campers a clear path to build confidence on a bike. The program is designed for different skill levels, so newer riders can learn the basics while more experienced riders continue to improve.
Campers receive guidance from instructors who help with balance, control, braking, and safe riding habits. As their skills grow, they move from basic practice to guided rides around camp, obstacle courses, and mountain bike trails.
For families near Riverdale, NJ, this program gives young riders a safe and active way to develop biking skills. Tamarack Day Camp provides properly fitted bikes and helmets, so campers have the equipment they need for each riding session.
Creative Arts
The Arts Studios at Tamarack Day Camp give 8- to 10-year-old campers a place to explore creative activities in air-conditioned classrooms. Campers work with art instructors each week and take part in hands-on projects that help them try new skills, express ideas, and build confidence.
Activities may include ceramics, music, cooking, drama, nature, Camper vs. Wild, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, video editing, and more. The variety allows campers to experience different forms of creativity while staying engaged throughout the week.
A key part of the program is the annual Dance and Drama Production for Junior Girl groups. Each group prepares a dance routine and performs during the sixth week of camp at a local venue with professional sound and lighting.
This program offers a creative option for campers who enjoy art, performance, hands-on projects, and trying something new.
Learn to Swim
The Learn to Swim Program at Tamarack Day Camp helps 8- to 10-year-old campers build water skills, confidence, and comfort in the pool. The program is designed for a range of swimmers, from children who are still learning the basics to campers who are ready for more advanced instruction.
Each morning, Junior campers take part in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors, with support from group counselors. Swim groups are based on ability rather than age, allowing each camper to practice at the right level and continue making progress.
Tamarack Day Camp uses more than 25 years of swim instruction experience and follows American Red Cross standards. In the afternoon, Adventurers return to the pool for free swim, giving them time to enjoy the water, practice what they have learned, and have fun with friends.
Ropes Courses
The Ropes Course at Tamarack Day Camp gives 8- to 10-year-old campers a safe way to build confidence, practice problem-solving, and try new physical challenges. Campers start on the Confidence Course, which is set 5 feet above the ground and helps them become comfortable with belaying, balance, and course elements before moving toward higher challenges.
The program includes activities such as a 200-foot zipline, horizontal and vertical climbing walls, and a giant swing. Each element gives campers a chance to work through challenges, build trust, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Safety is built into every part of the program. The courses are inspected before each season by the same company that built them, and certified ropes instructors complete daily checks. Instructors also guide campers through the courses, explain each activity, and support them throughout the experience.
For families near Riverdale, NJ, this program offers an outdoor challenge experience with clear instruction, proper supervision, and age-appropriate progression.
Social Development
