Tamarack Summer Camp

Explorers (Ages 4–5)

Explorers discover the outdoors through playful, hands-on adventure. Camp days focus on sensory nature play, short walks and hikes, water exploration, creative crafts, movement games, and imaginative outdoor play. Activities are designed to build confidence, curiosity, and comfort in the natural world through guided, age-appropriate fun.

Pathfinders (Ages 6–8)

Pathfinders begin building real outdoor skills through active exploration and teamwork. Campers participate in nature games, trail activities, water play, simple science experiments, creative projects, and beginner adventure challenges. This group balances learning and play while encouraging independence, collaboration, and confidence outdoors.

Summiteers (Ages 9–12)

Summiteers take adventure to the next level with deeper outdoor exploration and skill-building. Campers engage in hiking, biking, water activities, nature science, problem-solving challenges, and team-based adventures. This group focuses on leadership, resilience, and connection to the environment while exploring Tamarack’s mountains, forests, and waterways.

Each week at Tamarack Summer Camp we will be focusing on a different aspect of outdoor-based education, with matching activities and adventures.  Each week is designed to get your kids outside learning about their surrounding environment, exploring new activities, creating a new community, and making memories to last a lifetime!

Week 1 – Explorer Kickoff

Campers kick off the summer by jumping into outdoor adventure and discovery at Tamarack. This high-energy week features nature games, exploration activities, creative projects, and plenty of time moving and playing outdoors as campers explore trails, meadows, and natural spaces. The focus is on curiosity, teamwork, and the excitement of discovering the world around us. Book Week 1 Here

Week 2 – Forest Realm: Life Beneath the Trees

Campers explore the forest ecosystem through hands-on discovery under the trees. This week focuses on trees, plants, animals, and the important role forests play in supporting wildlife. Campers will take part in nature games, sensory exploration, and creative projects, including a special nature art workshop led by local artist Mike Terri, using materials found in the natural environment to inspire creativity and connection to the outdoors. Book Week 2 Here

Week 3 – Rivers, Creeks & Lakes: Water Wonders

Water takes center stage this week as campers explore rivers, creeks, and lakes through hands-on play and discovery. Activities may include water science experiments, aquatic life exploration, creek play, and splash-friendly games. Campers will spend plenty of time on and around the water, building confidence and curiosity while learning about local waterways. A rafting experience* will be included for the Summiteers group, adding an exciting adventure to this water-focused week. Book Week 3 Here

*White Water Rafting for the Summiteers group is $375

Week 4 – Sky & Weather Week

Campers look up and explore the world above them during Sky & Weather Week. Activities focus on clouds, wind, sun, shadows, and simple weather experiments, along with outdoor games and creative projects inspired by the sky. Campers will learn how weather shapes our environment while staying active and curious outdoors. Summiteer campers will have the opportunity to participate in zip lining* (for those who meet weight requirements), adding an exciting adventure element to the week, while younger campers enjoy age-appropriate sky and weather exploration activities. Book Week 4 Here

*Ziplining for the Summiteers group will be $325

Week 5 – Mountain Peaks & Adventure Trails

Campers take to the trails this week as they explore Tamarack’s mountains and outdoor spaces. Activities include hiking, learning basic trail skills, discovering local geology, and playing adventure-based games along the way. Campers will build confidence, teamwork, and an appreciation for the mountain environment while spending plenty of time exploring and moving outdoors. Book Week 5 Here

Week 6 – Creatures of the Wild

This week is all about the animals that live in and around Tamarack. Campers explore wildlife through games, hands-on activities, and outdoor discovery focused on animals, insects, tracks, habitats, and ecosystems. Activities may include tracking challenges, habitat exploration, creative projects, and wildlife-themed games. Book Week 6 Here

Week 7 – Earth Explorers: Rocks, Soil & Fossils

Campers dig into the world beneath their feet as they explore rocks, soil, and fossils. This week includes hands-on earth science activities, digging and discovery projects, geology games, and creative exploration inspired by the natural landscape. Campers will learn about how the earth is formed while collecting, examining, and experimenting with materials found in the outdoors. Book Week 7 Here

Week 8 – Nature STEAM Week

Campers combine creativity and curiosity during Nature STEAM Week, exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math through outdoor activities. Campers will build, design, test, and experiment using natural and provided materials while tackling creative problem-solving challenges. This week encourages innovation, teamwork, and hands-on learning in the outdoors. Book Week 8 Here

Week 9 – Outdoor Adventure & Survival Skills

Campers put their outdoor skills to the test this week with activities focused on navigation, teamwork, and imaginative adventure challenges. They’ll practice basic survival skills, explore trails, and participate in games and problem-solving exercises that encourage confidence and resilience. Special visits from Tamarack Ski Patrol or the Donnelly Fire Department may also be included, giving campers a behind-the-scenes look at safety and rescue in the outdoors. Book Week 9 Here

Week 10 – End-of-Season Challenge Week

Campers celebrate the end of summer with a week full of exciting, cool-weather-friendly games, skill stations, and teamwork challenges. They’ll revisit favorite activities from previous weeks, test their new skills, and take part in friendly competitions that encourage collaboration, confidence, and fun. This week is all about wrapping up the summer with adventure, laughter, and lasting memories. Book Week 10 Here

Shuttle service is available at no additional cost to transport Tamarack Summer Camp participants from McCall and Donnelly.