Summer camp for 5th & 6th graders 10-12 year olds near Chatham Borough
Senior campers at Tamarack Day Camp, ages 10 to 12, enjoy a full schedule designed specifically for older kids ready for more independence and variety. Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, can expect a well-rounded experience that includes access to a wider selection of activities, known as “Choice” options, where seniors can tailor part of their day to match their own interests and strengths.
One of the most anticipated events is the day trip to Camelbeach, a waterpark adventure that gives seniors the chance to bond with friends in a setting beyond the campgrounds. Another major highlight is Senior Late Nights—special evenings when senior campers stay after regular hours to enjoy an outdoor dinner, more time in the pool, organized games, themed events, and a campfire capped with S’mores. These evenings provide a different rhythm to the week and offer a sense of maturity and belonging that older campers appreciate.
Tamarack Day Camp near Chatham Borough gives senior campers the chance to experience a summer with more choices, more responsibility, and more memorable moments—all while staying active and engaged in a safe and structured environment.
Senior Athletics
Ten- to twelve-year-olds rotate through a weekly schedule of sports that includes soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, pickleball, archery, skateboarding, and mountain biking. Activities take place on dedicated fields and sport-specific areas, where campers receive instruction from athletic specialists trained to work with this age group.
Instruction focuses on both fundamentals and skill progression. Beginners get step-by-step guidance to build confidence, while more experienced campers work on refining technique. Whether learning to ride a bike for the first time or practicing team strategies on the field, each camper moves at a pace that fits their current level.
Counselors are active participants in every session—not just observers. They play alongside campers, reinforce instruction, and model teamwork, creating an environment where learning and encouragement go hand in hand.
Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, turn to Tamarack Day Camp for an athletic program that helps older campers grow through real coaching, consistent support, and a strong sense of group connection.
Creative Arts
Senior campers follow a weekly schedule that rotates through ceramics, cooking, music, drama, dance, nature, digital photography, jewelry making, and computer-based projects. Each session is led by instructors who walk campers through the steps needed to complete hands-on work, helping them build skills with tools and materials that match their age and ability.
One key part of the season is the Dance and Drama Production in Week 6. Senior girls rehearse routines during regular activity periods and perform at a nearby venue using professional sound and lighting. The performance gives campers the chance to work toward a shared goal and present their progress to an audience of family and friends.
This program is designed to give older campers time to explore different forms of creative expression, follow instructions, and take pride in what they produce. Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, rely on Tamarack Day Camp to provide a structured arts experience that supports skill growth and performance in a supportive setting.
Learn to Swim
Each morning, senior campers take part in a 40-minute swim lesson held in a facility with eight 25-meter lanes. Certified instructors lead every session, supported by group counselors who assist in the water. Campers are grouped by skill level—not age—so they can work on appropriate techniques, whether that means building basic skills or improving more advanced strokes.
The program follows American Red Cross standards and draws on decades of swim instruction experience. Instructors receive updated training each year and focus on water safety, stroke development, and building endurance through consistent practice.
In the afternoon, all senior groups return to the pool for Free Swim. This gives campers time to apply what they’ve learned in a more relaxed setting while staying active and supervised.
Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, choose Tamarack Day Camp for a swim program that offers clear progression, strong safety practices, and the support needed to help older campers become confident swimmers.
Ropes Courses
Zipline runs, climbing walls, and a giant swing let older campers push their limits under close instructor guidance. Certified staff clip each child in, coach safe movement, and double-check every line before anyone leaves the platform. Daily safety inspections back a yearly review by the course builders, so equipment is sound for every run.
Those who want more can tackle high-ropes elements set higher off the ground or join Repel School to learn controlled rappelling and advanced climbing techniques in small, step-by-step sessions.
Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, value how Tamarack Day Camp blends real adventure with strict safety practices, giving ten- to twelve-year-olds a ropes program that builds confidence without cutting corners.
Choice
Choice camp gives senior campers the ability to pick their own activities each day from a schedule that rotates weekly. The format is built for ten- to twelve-year-olds who are ready to explore interests and take ownership of how they spend their time. Options cover athletic, creative, and skill-based areas, with enough variety to keep campers learning and moving throughout the day.
Campers can also choose to join the Drama Production or group Dance performance. These programs run throughout the season and lead up to a live show. Rehearsals are structured, led by staff who break down choreography and scripts into clear steps, and focus on helping each participant feel prepared for the stage.
Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, turn to Tamarack Day Camp for a program that gives older campers real choices, opportunities to perform, and the structure they need to grow through active participation and shared responsibility.
Social Development
At Tamarack Day Camp, senior campers ages 10 to 12 take part in team-based activities designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and peer support. Families near Chatham Borough, NJ, often choose Tamarack because of its structured group challenges, led by trained counselors who create a safe and respectful space for campers to grow socially.
Throughout the summer, campers engage in friendly competitions and cooperative games that require teamwork and problem-solving. These shared experiences help campers build strong relationships within their groups and practice important social skills such as listening, encouragement, and conflict resolution.
Counselors play an active role in guiding behavior and modeling respect. Tamarack maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, ensuring that all campers feel secure and supported. For older campers, this environment offers the chance to build lasting friendships while gaining the emotional tools they’ll carry into school and beyond.
Tamarack Day Camp near Chatham Borough provides senior campers with more than just activities—it creates a foundation for social development in a setting where every child is seen, included, and encouraged to succeed.