Tamarack Day Camp: The Ultimate Summer Experience
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Summer Camp near Butler, NJ
Located near Butler, Tamarack provides a range of thoughtfully designed programs catering to children aged 3-15, with a focus on addressing the unique physical and developmental needs of each age group. Our mission-driven approach is dedicated to cultivating a supportive environment, fostering the development of various skills, and instilling essential life competencies in campers.
Our commitment lies in creating intentional opportunities for success, aiming to contribute to the growth of confident, independent, and well-rounded individuals by the end of the summer. More than just acquiring new hobbies such as swimming or baseball, your child will undergo a transformative journey, developing traits like independence, confidence, teamwork, a willingness to explore new activities, determination, social and emotional intelligence, integrity, leadership, and resilience.
The Tamarack Experience is enhanced by convenient central transportation, a comprehensive lunch program, and a sprawling 37-acre facility. This facility boasts a heated Olympic-size pool, a Pro-turf sports complex, air-conditioned studios, a skate park, ropes course, and zip lines, all strategically designed to foster the acquisition of life skills within the framework of a fun and adventurous traditional day camp.
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
Tamarack offers tailored programs for our youngest campers, ranging from 5-full-day, 3-full-day, to 5-half-day options, all part of our Munchkin Division. We maintain a low camper-to-staff ratio to provide individualized attention. Our Munchkin Specialists, trained to work with 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, oversee a range of age-appropriate athletic and creative activities designed to enhance motor skills. Additionally, our comprehensive swimming program ensures that every child acquires this essential skill.
The program places a strong emphasis on social development, fostering respectful and confident interactions within a group setting. We provide dedicated meal times and spaces to cater to their nutritional needs, all within a nurturing and supportive environment.
Explorers (1st and 2nd Graders)
At Tamarack, the Explorer program is designed to adapt and grow alongside our campers. For 1st graders, it introduces exciting features such as the Zipline and Giant Swing, along with activities like GAGA. 2nd graders have the opportunity to choose their weekly activities during the CHOICE period, including participation in a Learn to Bike Program.
Explorers also engage 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 experience the excitement of our meticulously inspected and certified ropes courses, beginning with the Confidence Course. Throughout these experiences, Explorers develop valuable social and emotional intelligence, fostering collaborative and respectful interactions within a supportive environment.
Seniors (5th & 6th Graders)
At Tamarack, senior campers in the Butler area have access to a diverse range of activities that include advanced sports like soccer, football, tennis, and lacrosse, as well as creative arts in climate-controlled studios covering ceramics, music, and culinary arts. Specialized athletic and creative programs are offered, with a strong emphasis on skill development and gameplay. One of the highlights for many seniors is the variety of day trips, with Camelbeach being a favorite destination. Senior Late Nights provide unique experiences, including dinner, extra activities, and twilight campfires. Their schedule also includes swimming in a state-of-the-art aquatic facility with tailored swim lessons and free swim sessions. The comprehensive ropes course offers opportunities for climbing, ziplining, and rappelling for those seeking adventure.
Seniors have the option to participate in the annual Drama Production or special dance routines, with performances being a prominent feature of the camp experience. Throughout these activities, the overarching focus is on fostering social skills, teamwork, and personal growth within a nurturing and bully-free environment.
Teen Travel (7th, 8th, & 9th Graders)
At Tamarack, our 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders are part of an exclusive Teen Travel Program, dividing their time between exciting day trips and camp-based activities. On camp days, Teens follow a structured group schedule that includes activities like free swim, Ropes Courses, and various athletic and creative pursuits, all led by our experienced counselors.
During off-site adventures, Teens are expected to adhere to Tamarack’s rigorous Travel Safety Protocols. Both Teen campers and their parents must agree to our Teen Travel Behavior Contract, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. A dedicated Division Head oversees the Teen Travel Programs in camp and accompanies them on trips. Our Teen Staff undergo specialized training to effectively supervise campers in public settings and address the unique challenges of early adolescence.
For detailed information on schedules and trip details, please refer to our Teen Travel Calendars and Trip Information.
Social Development
At Oak Crest in the Butler area, camp counselors guide groups through team-building challenges and competitions to promote teamwork, support, and effective communication. This structured setting cultivates respect and fosters lifelong friendships. Oak Crest maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against bullying, prioritizing the creation of a nurturing environment where children and young adolescents can develop crucial emotional and social skills.
LIT Program (10th & 11th Graders)
The Leader-In-Training (LIT) Experience at Tamarack is tailored for 10th graders, offering them valuable leadership skills and practical training that will benefit them in their future careers, college, and beyond. Serving as a transition from camper to counselor, this program emphasizes problem-solving, role modeling, and teamwork. LITs assume substantial responsibilities and receive constructive feedback to prepare them for successful roles as staff members.
The program includes an adventurous 6-day leadership trip with Windsor Mountain, where the focus is on teamwork, leadership, and responsibility, pushing teenagers to step outside their comfort zones. This experience not only makes a significant contribution to the camp community but also enriches their personal growth and opens doors to future opportunities.
