Tamarack Day Camp: The Ultimate Summer Experience
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Summer Camp near Morris Plains, NJ
Tamarack, located near Morris Plains, offers a range of programs for children aged 3-15, specifically tailored to their unique physical and developmental stages. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment that fosters skill development and essential life competencies in campers. We are dedicated to creating deliberate opportunities for success, aiming to help campers become more confident, independent, and well-rounded individuals.
Our programs go beyond simply teaching new hobbies like swimming and baseball. Your child will also cultivate qualities such as independence, confidence, teamwork, a willingness to explore new activities, determination, social and emotional intelligence, integrity, leadership, and resilience. The Tamarack Experience is enhanced with central transportation and a comprehensive lunch program.
Our 37-acre facility boasts an array of amenities, including a heated Olympic-size pool, a Pro-turf sports complex, air-conditioned studios, a skate park, ropes courses, and zip lines. These features are carefully designed to foster these life skills in a fun and adventurous setting reminiscent of a traditional day camp.
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
Tamarack offers specialized programs designed specifically for our youngest campers who reside near Morris Plains. Within our Munchkin Division, we provide flexible options such as 5-full-day, 3-full-day, and 5-half-day programs. We maintain a low camper-to-staff ratio to ensure each child receives individualized attention and care.
Our Munchkin Specialists are highly trained to work with children aged 3, 4, and 5 years old. They lead a variety of age-appropriate athletic and creative activities that focus on enhancing motor skills. Additionally, we have a comprehensive swimming program in place to ensure that every child learns this essential skill from a young age.
Beyond physical development, our program places a strong emphasis on social growth. Children have the opportunity to interact respectfully and confidently in group settings. We provide dedicated meal times and spaces that cater to their nutritional needs, all within a nurturing and supportive environment.
Explorers (1st and 2nd Graders)
At Tamarack, our Explorer program is designed to evolve with your child’s growth and development. For 1st graders living near Morris Plains, this program introduces them to exciting activities such as the Zipline and Giant Swing, along with fun games like GAGA. Meanwhile, 2nd graders have the freedom to choose their weekly activities during the CHOICE period, even having the opportunity to participate in our Learn to Bike Program.
In our Explorer program, campers engage in a variety of activities, including modified traditional sports, creative arts like ceramics and drama, and a comprehensive Learn-to-Swim Program in our state-of-the-art aquatic facility. Additionally, they experience the thrill of our inspected and certified ropes courses, starting with the Confidence Course.
Beyond the activities themselves, the Explorer program also focuses on the development of social and emotional intelligence. Campers learn to collaborate and interact respectfully with others in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Seniors (5th & 6th Graders)
Senior campers at Tamarack, located near Morris Plains, have an extensive range of engaging activities to choose from. These include advanced sports like soccer, football, tennis, and lacrosse, along with creative arts programs held in air-conditioned studios, covering ceramics, music, and cooking.
We provide specialized athletic and creative programs that prioritize skill development and active gameplay, ensuring our campers have opportunities to excel in their chosen pursuits. One of the highlights for many of our seniors is the diverse day trips, with Camelbeach being a favorite destination. Additionally, our Senior Late Nights offer unique experiences that include dinner, extra activities, and twilight campfires.
Our campers’ schedules also incorporate swimming in a state-of-the-art aquatic facility, complete with tailored swim lessons and free swim sessions. For the adventurous spirits, our comprehensive ropes course offers activities such as climbing, ziplining, and rappelling.
Our seniors can also choose to participate in the annual Drama Production or special dance routines, with performances being a significant feature of the camp experience. Throughout their time at Tamarack, our focus remains on fostering social skills, teamwork, and personal growth, all within a supportive and inclusive environment where bullying is not tolerated.
Teen Travel (7th, 8th, & 9th Graders)
At Tamarack, our exclusive Teen Travel Program is designed for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders living near Morris Plains. This program offers a dynamic blend of exciting day trips and engaging on-camp activities.
On camp days, our Teens follow a structured group schedule, participating in various activities such as free swim, Ropes Courses, and a range of athletic and creative pursuits. Our dedicated counselors provide guidance and supervision throughout these activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
During out-of-camp adventures, our Teens are required to adhere to rigorous Tamarack Travel Safety Protocols. To further guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience, both Teen campers and their parents must agree to our Teen Travel Behavior Contract. Additionally, a dedicated Division Head not only oversees the Teen Travel Programs on camp but also accompanies them on their trips.
Our Teen Staff members receive specialized training to effectively supervise campers in public settings and address the unique challenges of the early teenage years. For detailed information on schedules and trip specifics, we encourage you to refer to our Teen Travel Calendars and Trip Information.
Social Development
At Oak Crest, our camp counselors near Morris Plains take on a crucial role in guiding campers through various team-building challenges and competitions. These activities are designed to instill important values such as teamwork, support, and effective communication.
Our structured environment provides a platform for campers to develop respect for one another and cultivate lifelong friendships. We take a strong stance against bullying, operating under a zero-tolerance policy. Our commitment lies in fostering a caring and inclusive atmosphere where children and young teens can enhance their emotional and social skills, preparing them for a brighter future.
LIT Program (10th & 11th Graders)
The Leader-In-Training (LIT) Experience at Tamarack is designed specifically for 10th graders near Morris Plains, providing them with invaluable leadership skills and hands-on experience that will benefit them in their first job, college, and beyond. This program serves as a crucial bridge between being a camper and becoming a counselor.
The LIT program places a strong emphasis on critical skills like problem-solving, effective role modeling, and teamwork. LITs are entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and receive constructive feedback to help them evolve into successful staff members in the future.
One of the program’s highlights is a thrilling 6-day leadership trip with Windsor Mountain, where participants focus on teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. This adventure challenges teens to step out of their comfort zones, ultimately resulting in a transformative experience. Not only does this contribute significantly to the camp community, but it also plays a pivotal role in enhancing their personal growth and opening doors to future opportunities.
