Summer camp for 5th & 6th graders 10-12 year olds near Florham Park
Senior campers at Tamarack Day Camp, ages 10 to 12, enjoy a wide range of age-appropriate programs designed to match their growing independence and interests. Many of these campers come from Dover and nearby communities, forming strong friendships with peers in their age group.
A key highlight of the senior camper experience is a full-day trip to Camelbeach, an outdoor waterpark offering exciting attractions tailored to this age group. This outing provides a supervised, memorable break from the regular camp schedule and is often a favorite moment of the summer. The Camelbeach trip reflects Tamarack Day Camp’s commitment to blending fun with structure and offering experiences that are both exciting and developmentally appropriate for older campers.
Campers ages 10 to 12 take part in expanded programming that includes a broader range of daily activities and more advanced Choice periods. These options allow them to explore areas of personal interest—such as sports, arts, or outdoor adventure—while building confidence and independence through age-appropriate challenges.
For families near Florham Park, NJ, one of the most anticipated parts of the senior experience is Senior Late Nights. On these select evenings, campers stay at Tamarack Day Camp beyond regular hours to enjoy a full dinner at camp, extended swim time, organized games, themed events, and a campfire with S’mores. These nights provide a structured, supervised way for older campers to bond with their peers and enjoy extra time at camp in a fun and safe environment.
Senior Athletics
Senior groups at Tamarack Day Camp take part in a full athletic schedule each week, designed to match their age and interests. Sports include soccer, football, basketball, pickleball, lacrosse, archery, hockey, mountain biking, skateboarding, and more. Activities are held on well-maintained fields and sport-specific areas, with instruction led by experienced athletic specialists.
Each session is structured to introduce and reinforce skills through both drills and games. Campers are grouped appropriately so they can build confidence and improve whether they’re trying a sport for the first time or refining advanced techniques. For some, that may mean learning to ride a bike; for others, it may mean advancing in a team sport they already play.
Families living near Florham Park, NJ, often value the way Tamarack Day Camp integrates counselors into every athletic period. Counselors participate alongside campers, working with specialists to provide support, encourage effort, and help create a setting where every child feels successful and included.
Creative Arts
The Arts Studios at Tamarack Day Camp offer a structured creative program designed for campers ages 10 to 12. Each week, senior groups rotate through indoor, air-conditioned classrooms led by trained instructors who guide them through a variety of hands-on activities. These include Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Dance, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and others. Campers are encouraged to try everything, gaining exposure to different artistic and practical skills throughout the summer.
Families near Florham Park, NJ, often look forward to one key event: the Dance and Drama Production held during the sixth week of camp. Senior Girl groups spend time preparing a choreographed dance routine as part of this performance. The event takes place at a local venue equipped with professional sound and lighting. It gives campers the opportunity to perform in front of an audience of peers, staff, and families—offering a goal to work toward and a memorable experience that celebrates their effort and creativity.
Learn to Swim
The Learn to Swim Program at Tamarack Day Camp provides structured, skill-based swim instruction for 10- to 12-year-olds in a dedicated aquatic facility with eight 25-meter lanes. Each morning, senior campers take part in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with their group counselors assisting throughout the session.
Lessons are organized by skill level to ensure appropriate challenges and progress for each swimmer. The swim program follows American Red Cross guidelines and is led by a team with more than 25 years of experience teaching children how to swim. Instructors complete annual training to stay current with best practices in water safety and instruction.
Families near Florham Park, NJ, consistently choose Tamarack Day Camp for its focus on swim instruction and water safety. In addition to morning lessons, senior campers return to the pool in the afternoon for supervised Free Swim, giving them additional time to build confidence in the water and enjoy recreational swim with their peers.
Ropes Courses
The ropes program at Tamarack Day Camp offers a structured climbing experience for campers ages 10 to 12, featuring multiple elements designed for safety, skill development, and challenge. Senior campers participate in activities such as a 200-foot zipline, vertical and horizontal climbing walls, a giant swing, and a high ropes course designed to build confidence and teamwork at elevated heights.
Campers ready for additional instruction can join Repel School, a specialized program where they learn advanced climbing and rappelling techniques under the guidance of experienced staff. This program is offered exclusively to older campers as part of their regular activity rotation.
Families near Florham Park, NJ, consistently recognize the value of Tamarack Day Camp’s commitment to safety. All ropes elements are inspected before the season begins by the company that built them. Certified ropes instructors conduct daily safety checks and supervise all climbing sessions to ensure proper use of equipment and safe group progression through each course.
Choice
At Tamarack Day Camp, campers ages 10 to 12 take part in Choice, a program that allows them to select their own activities each day from a changing menu of options. New choices are introduced weekly, giving campers the opportunity to try a variety of sports, creative arts, and specialty programs throughout the summer.
Seniors also have the opportunity to commit to longer-term performance programs, including the annual Drama Production and an exclusive Dance routine. These performances are featured during a scheduled camp-wide event, with Senior participants taking on lead roles and choreographed numbers.
Families near Florham Park, NJ, often appreciate how Choice helps older campers build independence while still being supported by staff. The option to participate in structured performances gives campers an outlet for creative expression, teamwork, and public speaking in a supportive, age-appropriate setting.
Social Development
