Tamarack Day Camp: The Ultimate Summer Experience
Voted North Jersey's Best 5 years in a row!
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Transportation
Tamarack provides transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
Transportation
Tamarack provides transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
New to Camp?
Learn more about our Tailored program for each age group.
New to Camp?
Learn more about our Tailored program for each age group.
Summer Camp near Montclair, NJ
Montclair offers a range of programs tailored to children aged 3-15, focusing on their distinct physical and developmental stages. Our mission emphasizes creating a nurturing environment where campers can develop various skills and essential life competencies. We aim to provide intentional opportunities for success, fostering confidence, independence, and overall well-roundedness in each individual throughout the summer.
In addition to learning activities like swimming and baseball, children at Montclair will cultivate independence, confidence, teamwork, adaptability to new experiences, determination, social and emotional intelligence, integrity, leadership, and resilience. The Montclair Experience includes central transportation, a comprehensive lunch program, and a 37-acre facility featuring amenities such as a heated Olympic size pool, Pro-turf sports complex, air-conditioned studios, skate park, ropes course, and zip lines, all integrated to facilitate the development of these life skills within the enjoyable and adventurous setting of a traditional day camp.
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
Montclair offers tailored programs for our youngest campers, including 5-full-day, 3-full-day, and 5-half-day options in our Munchkin Division. We maintain a low camper to staff ratio to provide personalized attention. Our Munchkin Specialists, trained to work with 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, lead scaled-down athletic and creative activities to enhance motor skills. A comprehensive swimming program ensures every child learns this essential skill.
The program prioritizes social development, teaching children to interact respectfully and confidently in group settings. Dedicated meal times and spaces cater to their nutritional needs, all within a caring and supportive environment.
Explorers (1st and 2nd Graders)
At Montclair, the Explorer program adapts to the evolving interests and abilities of campers. First graders are introduced to exciting features such as the Zipline and Giant Swing, along with activities like GAGA. Second graders have the freedom to choose weekly activities during the CHOICE period, including participation in the Learn to Bike Program.
Explorers participate in modified traditional sports, engage in creative arts like ceramics and drama, and undergo a comprehensive Learn-to-Swim Program in our advanced aquatic facility. They also have the opportunity to experience the excitement of our inspected and certified ropes courses, starting with the Confidence Course. Throughout these experiences, Explorers develop social and emotional intelligence, learning to collaborate and respect others in a nurturing environment.
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders)
At Montclair, junior campers participate in a variety of creative and athletic activities, including twice-daily swims and exposure to advanced pursuits like Archery, Mountain Biking, and High Ropes. Through the CHOICE program, they can select activities to further develop their skills and interests. Special events such as Junior Late Nights extend camp access with additional activities and a twilight campfire.
Junior campers engage in various sports on full-size fields, refine biking abilities through a comprehensive program, and explore artistic expression in air-conditioned art studios. The state-of-the-art aquatic facility supports their swimming progression, while the ropes course offers diverse challenges. All activities aim to cultivate social skills and teamwork within a supportive environment free of bullying.
Seniors (5th & 6th Graders)
Senior campers at Montclair engage in a variety of activities, including advanced sports like soccer, football, tennis, and lacrosse, as well as creative arts such as ceramics, music, and cooking in air-conditioned studios. They have access to specialized athletic and creative programs that emphasize skill development and gameplay.
A highlight for many seniors is the diverse day trips, with Camelbeach being a favorite destination. Additionally, Senior Late Nights offer unique experiences with dinner, extra activities, and twilight campfires. Their schedule includes swimming in a state-of-the-art aquatic facility with tailored swim lessons and free swim sessions.
The comprehensive ropes course offers climbing, ziplining, and rappelling for adventurous spirits. Seniors also have choices such as participating in the annual Drama Production or special Dance routines, with performances being a key feature of the camp. Throughout these experiences, the focus remains on building social skills, teamwork, and personal growth in a supportive, bully-free environment.
Social Development
At Montclair, camp counselors guide groups through team-building challenges and competitions to foster teamwork, support, and communication skills. This structured environment emphasizes respect and encourages the formation of lifelong friendships. Montclair upholds a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and is dedicated to cultivating a caring environment where children and young teens develop crucial emotional and social skills.
LIT Program (10th & 11th Graders)
The Leader-In-Training (LIT) Experience at Montclair is designed for 10th graders, offering essential leadership skills and practical experience for their future endeavors, whether it be their first job, college, or beyond. It acts as a transition from camper to counselor, emphasizing problem-solving, role modeling, and teamwork.
LITs take on meaningful responsibilities and receive constructive feedback to prepare them for successful staff roles. The program includes a 6-day leadership trip with Windsor Mountain, focusing on teamwork, leadership, and responsibility, challenging teens to expand their comfort zones. This immersive experience not only enriches the camp community but also fosters personal growth and opens doors to future opportunities.