Summer camp for 5th & 6th graders 10-12 year olds near Mendham Borough
Senior campers ages 10–12 enjoy a wide range of structured activities at Tamarack Day Camp, all designed to help them grow more confident, independent, and engaged. These campers come from Mendham Borough and neighboring communities, creating a peer group that feels familiar and comfortable for local families. One of the highlights of the program is the annual day trip to Camelbeach, which gives campers a supervised, age-appropriate adventure that many look forward to each summer.
Older campers at Tamarack Day Camp take part in a wide range of activities that give them greater choice and a more mature level of participation. These programs are designed for campers who live in and around Mendham Borough and are ready for experiences that encourage independence and skill building.
A major part of this stage is Senior Late Nights. On these designated evenings, campers remain at Tamarack Day Camp for extended hours to enjoy a group dinner, extra swim time, additional games, special themed events, and a twilight campfire with S’mores. This gives seniors a structured, memorable way to experience camp near Mendham Borough beyond the regular day.
Senior Athletics
Senior campers at Tamarack Day Camp take part in a broad athletic program that introduces them to many different sports and allows them to build skills at their own pace. Each week, campers rotate through activities such as soccer, football, pickleball, lacrosse, archery, basketball, hockey, skateboarding, mountain biking, and other offerings that take place on our fields and designated activity areas.
Athletic specialists guide every session, breaking skills into manageable steps and giving campers the chance to practice through structured games. This approach supports campers who are trying a sport for the first time as well as those who want to strengthen existing abilities. Counselors participate alongside campers, working with specialists to create consistent support throughout each activity.
Families near Mendham Borough often choose this program for their 10–12-year-olds because it offers a clear, skill-focused athletic experience in a setting where seniors can learn, practice, and stay active with peers.
Creative Arts
Older campers take part in weekly creative programs in the Arts Studios at Tamarack Day Camp, where 10–12-year-olds work with trained instructors in air-conditioned classrooms. Each studio focuses on a different area, including ceramics, music, cooking, drama, nature projects, Camper vs. Wild outdoor skills, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, and computer-based activities. Families near Mendham Borough often choose this program because it provides structured opportunities for seniors to explore a wide range of creative interests.
Senior Girls also prepare a dance routine for the camp’s annual Dance and Drama Production. Held during the sixth week of camp at a venue near Mendham Borough, the event uses professional sound and lighting and gives campers the chance to perform for families and share the progress they’ve made throughout the season.
Learn to Swim
The Learn to Swim Program at Tamarack Day Camp provides structured, skill-based instruction for 10–12-year-olds who benefit from clear guidance and consistent practice. Lessons take place in our new aquatic facility, which includes eight 25-meter lanes and offers the space seniors need to work on technique and endurance. Families near Mendham Borough often choose this program because it supports swimmers at all experience levels.
Each morning, seniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors and supported by group counselors. Instruction follows a progression that challenges each swimmer appropriately, with staff trained annually under American Red Cross standards and backed by extensive experience teaching children to swim. In the afternoon, seniors return for Free Swim, giving them additional time in the water in a fully supervised environment.
Ropes Courses
The ropes program at Tamarack Day Camp is especially popular with 10–12-year-olds who want structured challenge activities that promote confidence and teamwork. Campers take part in elements such as a 200’ zipline, vertical and horizontal climbing walls, and the Giant Swing. Seniors who want to build more advanced skills can participate in Repel School, a long-standing Tamarack offering that teaches proper climbing and rappelling techniques. Families living near Mendham Borough often choose this program because it provides clear instruction and age-appropriate challenge.
Safety is built into every part of the ropes experience. Each course is inspected before the season by the company that originally built the structures, and certified ropes instructors complete daily checks throughout the summer. These instructors guide every group through the activities, ensuring campers understand the equipment, follow procedures, and progress through the course in a supervised and supportive setting.
Choice
Choice Camp at Tamarack Day Camp gives 10–12-year-olds the opportunity to select their own activities throughout the week, allowing seniors to build a schedule that matches their interests. Each week introduces new options, providing steady variety across sports, creative programs, and other skill-building activities. Families living near Mendham Borough often choose this model because it supports growing independence while keeping campers engaged in structured experiences.
Seniors also have the option to join the annual Drama Production or participate in a dedicated Dance routine. These groups prepare throughout the season, and their performances are a central part of the end-of-summer show, giving older campers a clear way to take on leadership roles and contribute to a production that highlights their work.
Social Development
