Summer camp for 5th & 6th graders 10-12 year olds near Kinnelon
Senior campers, ages 10 to 12, enjoy a wide range of engaging programs designed to match their growing independence and interests. At Tamarack Day Camp, these campers take part in exciting weekly adventures that challenge them, build friendships, and create lasting memories. A highlight of the summer is the popular day trip to Camelbeach, where campers spend the day enjoying water slides, wave pools, and time with friends. Families from Kinnelon, NJ, and nearby communities appreciate that Tamarack offers a well-balanced schedule of fun, teamwork, and outdoor exploration—perfect for older campers ready for new experiences close to home.
At Tamarack Day Camp, senior campers enjoy a program that gives them more freedom to explore activities that match their interests. Each day offers a mix of structured instruction and personal choice, allowing campers to discover new skills and spend extra time doing what they love. Whether it’s sports, creative arts, or time in the pool, the schedule is designed to keep older campers active and engaged.
A special highlight of the season is Senior Late Nights, exclusive evening events just for this age group. Campers stay later to share dinner with friends, enjoy extra swim time, play group games, and take part in special themed activities. The night ends around a campfire with toasted s’mores and plenty of laughter. Families from Kinnelon, NJ, and nearby towns appreciate that Tamarack Day Camp provides these memorable experiences that help older campers build confidence, independence, and lasting friendships—all just a short drive away.
Senior Athletics
Senior campers ages 10–12 take part in a wide range of athletic activities that build confidence, coordination, and teamwork. Each week, they rotate through sports such as soccer, football, pickleball, lacrosse, archery, basketball, hockey, skateboarding, and mountain biking. Sessions are led by experienced athletic specialists who teach proper technique and create engaging games that help campers strengthen their skills.
Every child receives individualized attention, no matter their experience level. Whether learning to ride a bike for the first time or refining more advanced abilities, campers are supported every step of the way. Counselors join in each activity, working alongside specialists to make every session meaningful and fun.
Families from Kinnelon, NJ, and surrounding towns appreciate that Tamarack Day Camp offers older campers an active and encouraging environment where they can explore their athletic interests and grow both on and off the field.
Creative Arts
Senior campers, ages 10–12, can explore their creativity through a wide range of hands-on activities in Tamarack Day Camp’s Arts Studios. Each week, campers rotate through programs such as ceramics, music, cooking, drama, nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, and computers. All sessions take place in comfortable, air-conditioned classrooms and are led by experienced instructors who guide campers step by step through every project.
The arts program encourages self-expression and teamwork, giving campers the chance to create, perform, and share their work with others. A highlight of the summer is the Dance and Drama Production, where Senior Girl groups perform original routines on a professional stage complete with sound and lighting. The event takes place during the sixth week of camp and offers campers an opportunity to showcase their effort and creativity in front of friends and family.
Families from Kinnelon, NJ, and nearby towns value Tamarack Day Camp for providing older campers with meaningful artistic experiences that help them grow in confidence and imagination—all just a short drive away.
Learn to Swim
The Learn to Swim Program is a key part of the Tamarack Day Camp experience for senior campers ages 10–12. Each morning, campers take part in a 40-minute swim lesson taught by certified instructors and supported by their counselors. Lessons are grouped by skill level so that every swimmer, from beginner to advanced, can make consistent progress at a pace that’s right for them.
Instruction is based on American Red Cross standards, and Tamarack’s staff receives annual training to ensure the highest level of safety and teaching quality. With more than 25 years of experience helping children learn to swim, the program focuses on building strong technique and water confidence through patient, structured guidance.
Campers also return to the pool each afternoon for Free Swim, a time to practice what they’ve learned and enjoy the water with friends. Families from Kinnelon, NJ, and nearby areas appreciate that Tamarack Day Camp offers older campers access to a modern aquatic facility with eight 25-meter lanes—providing both structured learning and fun recreational swim time close to home.
Ropes Courses
The Ropes Course at Tamarack Day Camp offers a mix of challenge, teamwork, and adventure. Campers can take on activities like the 200-foot Zipline, Vertical and Horizontal Climbing Walls, and the Giant Swing—each designed to build confidence and encourage cooperation in a fun, supportive setting.
For those ready to push their limits, the High Ropes Course provides an elevated experience that strengthens focus, balance, and problem-solving skills. Campers who want to go even further can join Repel School, a long-standing Tamarack tradition where they learn advanced climbing and rappelling techniques under the guidance of trained specialists.
Safety remains the top priority. All ropes elements are professionally inspected before each camp season by the same company that built them, and certified instructors perform daily checks to ensure every activity runs safely. Families from Kinnelon, NJ, and nearby communities appreciate that Tamarack Day Camp gives older campers the opportunity to face challenges, build resilience, and celebrate personal growth—all just a short drive away.
Choice
The Choice program at Tamarack Day Camp gives older campers the opportunity to design their own camp day. Throughout the week, campers select from a rotating list of activities, allowing them to explore new interests while continuing to develop skills in the areas they already enjoy. Each week brings new options, creating a balance of variety and consistency that keeps camp both exciting and engaging.
In addition to sports, creative arts, and adventure programs, seniors have the chance to take part in two major performance opportunities—our annual Drama Production and the Dance Routine. Both programs allow campers to rehearse, collaborate, and perform in front of friends and family, building confidence and teamwork along the way. These performances are always a highlight of the summer, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of Tamarack’s senior campers.
Families from Kinnelon, NJ, and surrounding areas appreciate that Tamarack Day Camp offers a flexible, choice-based schedule where older campers can shape their experience, discover new passions, and take pride in what they accomplish—all just a short drive away.
Social Development
Campers ages 10–12 thrive in an environment built on teamwork, respect, and connection at Tamarack Day Camp. Guided by caring and experienced counselors, each group takes part in team challenges and friendly competitions that encourage cooperation and communication. These daily activities are designed not only for fun but also to help campers learn how to support one another, take on leadership roles, and work toward shared goals.
Counselors play an active role in every activity, modeling positive interactions and helping campers navigate group dynamics. As a result, friendships form naturally and often continue well beyond the summer. Tamarack Day Camp maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for bullying, creating a safe and supportive space where every camper feels valued.
Families from Kinnelon, NJ, and surrounding communities appreciate Tamarack’s commitment to helping older campers grow socially and emotionally while building the confidence to be kind, inclusive, and resilient—skills that serve them long after camp ends.






