Tamarack Day Camp: The Ultimate Summer Experience
Voted North Jersey's Best 5 years in a row!
Schedule a Private Tour!
DON’T GET CLOSED OUT TO SUMMER! Groups are closing!
Summer Camp near Boonton, NJ
Located near Boonton, Tamarack offers a range of programs designed for children aged 3-15, each tailored to their specific physical and developmental needs. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where campers can flourish, acquiring valuable skills and essential life competencies. We are dedicated to creating deliberate opportunities for success, fostering a summer experience that contributes to the growth of confident, independent, and well-rounded individuals.
At Tamarack, we go beyond merely teaching new hobbies like swimming or baseball. Through our programs, your child will cultivate independence, confidence, teamwork, a willingness to explore new activities, determination, social and emotional intelligence, integrity, leadership, and resilience. The Tamarack Experience is enhanced by central transportation, a comprehensive lunch program, and a 37-acre facility boasting amenities such as a heated Olympic-size pool, a Pro-turf sports complex, air-conditioned studios, a skate park, ropes course, and zip lines. These features are intentionally designed to blend fun and adventure with the development of crucial life skills in the setting of a traditional day camp.
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
For parents residing near Boonton, Tamarack offers specialized programs for our youngest campers through our Munchkin Division. We provide flexible options including 5-full-day, 3-full-day, and 5-half-day programs, all designed to cater to the needs of preschool-aged children. Our focus is on maintaining a low camper-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention and care.
Within the Munchkin Division, our dedicated Munchkin Specialists undergo training specifically tailored to work with children aged 3, 4, and 5. They lead a variety of age-appropriate athletic and creative activities aimed at enhancing motor skills and fostering a love for physical activity. Additionally, our comprehensive swimming program ensures that every child learns this essential life skill in a safe and supportive environment.
Furthermore, our program places a strong emphasis on social development. Children learn to interact respectfully and confidently in group settings, laying the foundation for healthy social relationships. We provide dedicated meal times and spaces designed to meet their nutritional needs, ensuring they are well-fed and energized throughout the day.
At Tamarack, our priority is to create a caring and supportive environment where young campers can thrive, grow, and make lasting memories.
Explorers (1st and 2nd Graders)
For families residing near Boonton, Tamarack offers an engaging Explorer program designed to grow with our campers. As 1st graders step into the program, they are introduced to thrilling features like the Zipline and Giant Swing, along with exciting activities such as GAGA. Meanwhile, 2nd graders experience newfound freedom through the CHOICE period, where they can select from a variety of weekly activities, including a Learn to Bike Program.
Explorers delve into a range of activities tailored to their age and interests. They participate in modified traditional sports, explore creative arts such as ceramics and drama, and undergo a comprehensive Learn-to-Swim Program in our state-of-the-art aquatic facility. Additionally, they have the opportunity to conquer our inspected and certified ropes courses, beginning with the Confidence Course.
Throughout the Explorer program, campers develop crucial social and emotional intelligence skills. They learn the value of collaboration and respect while navigating diverse group dynamics within our nurturing environment. At Tamarack, we are committed to providing enriching experiences that foster growth and camaraderie among our young campers.
Seniors (5th & 6th Graders)
For families residing near Boonton, Tamarack provides senior campers with a rich tapestry of activities designed to inspire and challenge. From advanced sports like soccer, football, tennis, and lacrosse to engaging creative arts in our air-conditioned studios such as ceramics, music, and cooking, seniors have the opportunity to explore diverse interests and hone their skills.
Our specialized athletic and creative programs are tailored to emphasize skill development and gameplay, ensuring that seniors receive personalized attention and opportunities for growth. One of the highlights for many seniors is our diverse day trips, with Camelbeach ranking among the favorites. Moreover, Senior Late Nights offer exclusive experiences complete with dinner, extra activities, and twilight campfires, fostering lasting memories and friendships.
Senior campers also enjoy swimming sessions in our state-of-the-art aquatic facility, complete with tailored swim lessons and free swim sessions. For the adventurous spirits, our comprehensive ropes course offers thrilling challenges including climbing, ziplining, and rappelling.
Choices abound for seniors, including participation in the annual Drama Production or special Dance routines, with performances serving as key highlights of the camp experience. Throughout their time at Tamarack, the focus remains on building essential social skills, fostering teamwork, and facilitating personal growth within a supportive, bully-free environment.
Teen Travel (7th, 8th, & 9th Graders)
For families near Boonton, Tamarack offers an exclusive Teen Travel Program designed specifically for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. This program balances exhilarating day trips with engaging camp activities to provide a dynamic summer experience.
On camp days, teens follow a structured group schedule that includes activities such as free swim, ropes courses, and various athletic and creative pursuits, all facilitated by our experienced counselors. During out-of-camp adventures, teens must adhere to Tamarack’s stringent Travel Safety Protocols, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
Prior to participating, each Teen Travel camper and their parents must agree to our Teen Travel Behavior Contract, fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. A dedicated Division Head oversees the Teen Travel Programs both in camp and during trips, ensuring continuity and support throughout the experience.
Our Teen Staff undergo specialized training to effectively supervise campers in public settings and address the unique challenges associated with early teenage years. For detailed information on schedules and trip specifics, families can refer to our Teen Travel Calendars and Trip Information for comprehensive guidance.
Social Development
For families in Boonton and surrounding areas, Oak Crest’s camp counselors take charge in guiding groups through various team-building challenges and competitions. These activities are designed to instill values of teamwork, support, and effective communication among campers. Within this structured environment, respect is emphasized, nurturing the growth of lifelong friendships.
At Oak Crest, a strict zero-tolerance policy against bullying is upheld. The camp is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where children and young teens can develop crucial emotional and social skills. Through engaging activities and positive reinforcement, campers learn the importance of empathy, cooperation, and inclusivity, laying the foundation for a supportive and respectful community within the campgrounds.
LIT Program (10th & 11th Graders)
For families near Boonton, Tamarack’s Leader-In-Training (LIT) Experience offers a dynamic program tailored for 10th graders, equipping them with vital leadership skills essential for their transition to their first job, college, and beyond. Serving as a pivotal bridge from camper to counselor, the program emphasizes problem-solving, role modeling, and teamwork.
LITs engage in meaningful responsibilities and receive constructive feedback to help them develop into successful staff members. One of the program’s highlights is a transformative 6-day leadership trip with Windsor Mountain, where teens are challenged to step out of their comfort zones and focus on teamwork, leadership, and responsibility.
This immersive experience not only significantly contributes to the camp community but also fosters personal growth and enhances future opportunities for participants. Through hands-on learning and adventurous challenges, LITs emerge as confident and capable leaders ready to make a positive impact both within and beyond the camp environment.
