Summer camp for 5th & 6th graders 10-12 year olds near Butler

Senior campers at Tamarack Day Camp, ages 10 to 12, enjoy a well-rounded program that balances independence, social growth, and exciting experiences. With access to a wide range of activities and more advanced Choice options, campers begin to take greater ownership of their day while exploring personal interests in a structured, supportive setting.

 

 

Families near Butler, NJ can look forward to highlights that include off-site adventures—such as a popular day trip to Camelbeach Waterpark—and memorable on-site events. One of the most anticipated features of the summer is Senior Late Nights. These special evenings give senior campers extended hours to enjoy a group dinner, extra time at the pool, additional games and camp-wide activities, and a twilight campfire with S’mores. Each component is designed to foster responsibility, build friendships, and give campers a sense of accomplishment as they prepare for the next stage in their Tamarack journey.

Senior Athletics

 

At Tamarack Day Camp, senior campers ages 10 to 12 participate in a structured and engaging athletic program designed to build confidence, develop skills, and encourage teamwork. Each week, campers rotate through a wide variety of sports including soccer, football, basketball, pickleball, lacrosse, archery, hockey, mountain biking, and skateboarding. These sessions take place on spacious fields and are led by experienced athletic specialists who focus on teaching proper technique and fostering growth at every level.

What makes this program especially impactful is the individualized attention each camper receives. Whether a child is trying a new sport for the first time or aiming to improve an existing skill, Tamarack’s instructors tailor their coaching to meet each camper’s needs. Camp counselors are active participants in every session, working closely with specialists to ensure every child stays engaged, supported, and encouraged.

Families near Butler, NJ choose Tamarack Day Camp for its inclusive, skill-building athletic environment—one where senior campers explore new interests, strengthen existing abilities, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from accomplishing personal goals through sports.

Creative Arts

Senior campers, ages 10 to 12, spend part of each week engaged in creative, skill-based activities through a rotation of dedicated Arts Studios. In air-conditioned classrooms, they explore areas like Ceramics, Cooking, Drama, Music, Dance, Nature, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and a wilderness challenge called Camper vs Wild. Each area is led by instructors who focus on age-appropriate projects, helping campers build practical skills while encouraging them to think independently and stay focused.

For families near Butler, NJ, the highlight of the season is the Dance and Drama Production in week six. Senior Girl groups spend time rehearsing original routines that are performed at a nearby venue with professional lighting and sound. The performance gives campers the chance to work together toward a shared goal and to present their work in front of a supportive crowd.

The arts program near Butler, NJ offers a clear routine and a chance to try new things in a structured setting. Campers build confidence by completing projects, learning new tools and techniques, and seeing the results of their efforts from week to week.

Learn to Swim

 

Tamarack Day Camp’s Learn to Swim Program is a core part of the daily schedule for senior campers ages 10 to 12. Lessons take place in a modern aquatic facility featuring eight 25-meter lanes, giving every swimmer ample space to focus on skill development in a structured environment.

Each morning begins with a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors, with group counselors present for added support. Lessons follow a skill-based progression, ensuring campers are placed at the appropriate level and challenged at a pace that matches their ability. All swim instructors receive annual training based on American Red Cross standards and bring decades of experience teaching children how to swim.

Families near Butler, NJ value the consistency and quality of the Tamarack swim program. Beyond structured lessons, senior campers also enjoy afternoon Free Swim sessions—offering time to relax, play, and build water confidence in a safe, supervised setting. The program is designed to help each camper improve their swimming ability while building comfort and enjoyment in the water.

Ropes Courses

Senior campers at Tamarack Day Camp, ages 10 to 12, take part in a ropes program that challenges them physically and mentally in a supportive and safety-focused environment. The course includes a 200-foot Zipline, both Vertical and Horizontal Climbing Walls, and a Giant Swing—all designed to help campers push their limits while gaining confidence.

For those ready for additional challenge, the High Ropes Course provides mid-air obstacles that test balance, coordination, and perseverance. Campers interested in developing more advanced skills can enroll in Repel School, where they receive focused instruction on climbing and rappelling techniques in a controlled, supervised setting.

Families near Butler, NJ appreciate Tamarack Day Camp’s commitment to safety. All ropes elements are inspected annually by the original builders before the season begins. Certified ropes instructors conduct daily checks and are present during all activities to ensure that campers stay safe while fully engaging in the experience. The ropes program is carefully designed to help senior campers grow through adventure, responsibility, and guided risk-taking.

Choice

Choice Camp is built around giving 10- to 12-year-olds more control over how they spend their time each day. At the beginning of each week, campers choose from a list of rotating activities—allowing them to follow personal interests, try new things, and take responsibility for their own schedule. This structure helps them build decision-making skills while staying actively engaged in camp life.

Near Butler, NJ, families value how this format combines freedom with routine. Campers explore a mix of sports, arts, and specialty areas, all led by experienced staff. For those drawn to the stage, two popular options stand out: participating in a full-scale Drama Production or joining a choreographed Dance performance. These experiences include practice sessions, rehearsals, and a final presentation in front of fellow campers, giving participants a goal to work toward and a sense of pride when they perform.

Choice Camp gives older campers near Butler, NJ the chance to take initiative, push themselves in new directions, and build confidence both on and off the stage.

Social Development

At Tamarack Day Camp, senior campers ages 10 to 12 participate in counselor-led team challenges and group activities that are intentionally designed to build communication skills, cooperation, and mutual respect. These experiences help campers learn how to work through challenges together, support one another, and celebrate team success.

For families near Butler, NJ, Tamarack’s focus on social development is a key part of what makes the program so impactful. Through consistent guidance from trained counselors, campers learn how to navigate group dynamics, practice empathy, and build trust with their peers. The friendships formed through these shared experiences often continue long after the summer ends.

Tamarack Day Camp enforces a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, creating a safe and supportive space where every camper can feel valued. The program is built to strengthen not only physical and creative skills, but also the emotional and social foundation children need for continued success in school and life.