Program Overview

Intro

Camp Tamarack’s program is designed to provide campers with unforgettable opportunities and exposure to an incredible array of sports, arts, waterfront and other special programs and activities. Our experienced and professional staff members not only facilitate the development of each camper’s skills, but, equally importantly, create a fun, challenging and supportive environment that builds self-confidence and enjoyment.

Cabin Opportunities & Individual Choice

Camp Tamarack’s unique program provides a healthy balance of cabin opportunities and individual choice. Cabin activities enable the campers and counsellors from a particular group to enjoy one another’s company and build their cabin group identity, while getting exposure to a wide variety of Tamarack activities. The individual choice opportunities allow campers to enjoy an in-depth focus in specific activities that interest them with other campers their age.

Hawthorn, Juniper and Sequoia Campers (7-14)

Hawthorn (ages 7-10), Juniper (ages 11-12) and Sequoia (ages 13-14) campers, on a daily basis from Monday to Saturday, experience and enjoy:
• One Zodiac Swim School-Calibre Swim Instruction Period
• Two Cabin Group Activity Periods
• Two Individual Choice/Specialty Periods
3,4 or 7-week sessions are available (9, 11 and 14 day introductory sessions are also available for 7-12 year old campers with guaranteed opportunity to extend as applicable).
Click here to find out about additional opportunities for 7-12 year olds

Elder Campers (Ages 15-16)

Elder campers are in an exciting transition phase working towards the opportunity to become Camp Tamarack staff. In addition to their involvement
in Camp Tamarack’s array of activities, Elder campers gain invaluable
experience through various leadership training and opportunities, while enjoying the Full Season 7-week period, as follows:

Pre-CITs (15 Year Olds):

Pre-CIT campers finishing Grade 9 and turning 15 in the year in
question enjoy a blend of group and individual choice opportunities,
as well as leadership training and placements. The Monday to
Saturday Pre-CIT program highlights include:
• One Zodiac Swim School-Calibre Swim Instruction Period
• One Individual Choice/Specialty Period
• Majority of Day in Cabin/Activity Placement
• Other Leadership Workshops, Training and Feedback
• 3 Day/2 Night Rafting Trip

CITs (16 Year Olds):

CIT campers finishing Grade 10 and turning 16 in the year in question (priority going to those who have successfully completed Tamarack’s Pre-CIT program), are primarily focused on developing and
refining the skills necessary to become top-notch Tamarack staff.
While having the chance to participate in a variety of
Tamarack activities from Monday to Saturday, CITs choose a full-day placement with a cabin or activity. They also receive a daily Zodiac Swim School-calibre opportunity, as well as extensive leadership training,
workshops and feedback from evaluations. The popular 3 day/2 night rafting trip and other group bonding opportunities give CITs a well-rounded experience and “foot in the door” for a highly sought after Tamarack staff position.

Zodiac Swim School-Calibre Swim Program

All campers will receive a daily swim instruction period, based on an appropriate Red Cross or Lifesaving Society program level, or another exciting aquatic opportunity. Camp Tamarack’s direct connection with Zodiac Swim School results in a special emphasis on the quality and ratio of swim lessons, the training of waterfront staff, and the overall safety and supervision of such activities and areas.

Super Sundays

“Super Sunday” is a popular tradition at Camp Tamarack which encompasses a sleep-in, buffet breakfast and open activities. Campers enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled day of

Evening Programs

The fun and excitement at Camp Tamarack continue in the evening with creative and enjoyable cabin, unit and camp-wide programs. Games, challenges, socials and camp plays/shows are just some of the amazing programs on the agenda! The evening is topped off with a nightly snack.

Special Programs, Theme Days, and Camp Spirit

Special theme days and programs only serve to enhance Camp Tamarack’s multi-faceted, popular program. A terrific blend of fun, fair competition and team-building are all part of the Tamarack World Games, All-Day programs, Carnival Day, Swim and Tennis Marathons, theme days, and other special programs. Cheering, singsongs, campfires and overall camp spirit are integral parts of what is special about Tamarack.

Special Guests

While amazing staff and programs provide Tamarack’s heart and soul, well-known sports figures, entertainers and other special guests have been known to unexpectedly add a new twist to a Tamarack day for campers and staff. Past special guests have included:

Nazem Kadri – A rookie sensation for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nazem came up to camp in Summer 2010. He put on a great skills clinic for our campers, provided hilarious interviews, helped coach our campers and staff, and displayed his skills for the camp during an extremely entertaining break-away competition. All Tamarack campers received a signed picture of Nazem (in a Tamarack t-shirt!) We wish Nazem the best of luck in his NHL career!

Dave Borins – A touring musician who has visited Camp Tamarack each of the past 3 summers. When he comes, Dave teaches guitar and music skills to our campers and puts on great sing-songs and evening programs.  He is always an eagerly anticipated guest!

Scott Jackson – The number 1 beat boxer in North America who has visited Tamarack the past 2 summers! Scott’s ability to sing, while producing a beat with his throat, is truly incredible. You may have even seen Scott without knowing it as he now performs outside of the Air Canada Centre before each Toronto Raptors home game!

Mysterion – A highly talented and world-renowned magician and mentalist who came to camp in Summer 2010. Mysterion combines humour and illusions to create a truly mesmerizing experience for his audiences. At Tamarack, he certainly had our campers and staff on the edge of their seats. Mysterion even became a central figure in the theme for our 2nd month all-day program!

Q-Mack – A basketball trickster/entertainer who speaks about team-work, communication, and anti-bullying and came to visit camp in Summer 2009. Q-Mack’s messages about leadership and acceptance were warmly regarded by campers and staff alike. Like our friend Scott Jackson, Q-Mack can also be seen performing outside of the Air Canada Centre before Toronto Raptors home games!

Trips and Excursions

Cabin and/or unit trips and excursions are a fun supplement to the Tamarack program and in the past have included:

• Overnights at the end of Tamarack’s beautiful Duck Lake
• Cycling trips
• ‘Splash Canyon’ water park
• Movies at the theatres in Bracebridge
• ‘Santa’s Village’ theme park
• Bowling

Free Time

Balanced alongside Tamarack’s varied and organized program experiences is a chance for each camper to enjoy some individual, unstructured time. While counsellors help guide campers, particularly the youngest ones, campers, before and after most meals, can visit their favourite activities, enjoy a recreational swim, write a letter, hang out with their friends or even take a shower!

Camp Leagues and Inter-Camps

Fun and exciting in-camp leagues at Tamarack such as the TBL (Tamarack Baseball League) and TNFL (Tamarack National Football League), THBL (Tamarack Handball League) for girls, and inter-camp competitions involving other camps are popular Tamarack traditions.