The Tamarack Approach
Our teachers/mentors are extremely caring and patient individuals who subscribe to a philosophy of mutual respect and support. These leaders are passionate about helping develop resilient, strong and confident campers.
At let’s go Tamarack we follow three key steps:
1) ASSOCIATION – Relating experiences and observations to broader ideas and concepts.
2) INQUIRY – Mentors/Teachers encourage campers to ask questions by asking questions themselves and help guide the campers to finding their own answers.
3) DILIGENCE – Manageable challenges are presented, supported and fulfilled, building confidence and encouraging the pursuit of further challenges.
Summer Program Focus
let’s go Tamarack Summer Camp has two main focuses:
Nature Immersion, where campers explore and play, while learning about the natural world inside our great parks and islands.
Social connection: our goal for every camper is for them to know they are a valued member of the group. To that end, our counsellors work diligently to make sure each camper is making connections – be it with other campers or with the counsellors themselves, and that they feel heard and appreciated.
A Sample Week at Woodbine Beach Camp
Day 1 – Get to Know Each Other and Explore Woodbine beach and woods
This is the first day – a day when campers might be feeling a bit shy, unsure, and curious about what camp is all about. Campers will be introduced to one another through fun team games and plenty of activity! From nature discovery to games and splash pad parties, we bring the group together with a sense of wonder and excitement for the week to come.
Day 2 – Group games, Stations and Free exploration
On day 2 we build off the momentum of Day 1, making sure all our campers are making connections and feeling excited about being part of the group. It is a day of large group games as well as visiting different stations on the beach (Dig! Dig! Dig!) and in the woods where awesome arts, crafts and slower paced games (cards, word games etc) are on offer. Some campers want less structure – this is what free exploration is all about – our counsellors are eager to support campers to pursue their own interests.
Day 3 – Field Trip to Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is nothing short of magical – The property features flower, vegetable and herb gardens, as well as wooded areas and ponds connected to the city’s rich ravine system. On day 3 we travel to this awesome destination and take advantage of all it has to offer including extra games and activities which the counsellors bring to support all the variety of interests. The day always ends with a treat before heading back to Woodbine!
Day 4 – Mystery Day!
Day 4 is a mystery. Sometimes we stay at Woodbine – we are so lucky to be in one of the richest areas of woods and beach in Toronto – from the playgrounds and beach, to Kew Gardens there is endless exploration to be done. Other times we make it a destination day – the island, the ROM or even the odd play at the Fringe. What happens on Mystery day is largely based on what we’ve learned about our campers’ interests over the first three days.
Day 5 – Celebration and Salutations – Friday Village
On the final day of the week we celebrate the friendships we’ve made. The morning is spent exploring Woodbine, either visiting a favourite location from the week, or going on a nature adventure to a new area! The afternoon is then spent together as a group in what we call “village afternoon”. During our village each counsellor comes with a unique activity to share with the group! Past activities have included face painting, science experiments, music, slack lines, and the crowd favourite – slime station!
A Sample Week at High Park Camp
Day 1 – Get to Know Each Other and Explore High Park
This is the first day – a day when campers might be feeling a bit shy, unsure, and curious about what camp is all about. Campers will be introduced to one another through fun team games and plenty of activity! From nature discovery to natural tunnels to games and splash pad parties, we bring the group together with a sense of wonder and excitement for the week to come.
Day 2 – Group games, Stations and Free exploration
On day 2 we build off the momentum of Day 1, making sure all our campers are making connections and feeling excited about being part of the group. It is a day of large group games as well as visiting different stations in the park where awesome arts, crafts and slower paced games (cards, word games etc) are on offer. Some campers want less structure – this is what free exploration is all about – our counsellors are eager to support campers to pursue their own interests.
Day 3 – Field Trip to Dufferin Grove
Dufferin Grove is nothing short of magical – the playground is fantastic, the splash pad; a blast and the sand pit; MIND BLOWING! On day 3 we travel to this awesome destination and take advantage of all it has to offer including extra games and activities which the counsellors bring to support all the variety of interests. The day always ends with a treat before heading back to High Park!
Day 4 – Mystery Day!
Day 4 is a mystery. Sometimes we stay in High Park – we are so lucky to be in one of the biggest parks in Toronto – from the adventure playground, to the bird sanctuary there is endless exploration to be done. Other times we make it a destination day – the island, the ROM or even the odd play at the Fringe. What happens on Mystery day is largely based on what we’ve learned about our campers’ interests over the first three days.
Day 5 – Celebration and Salutations – Friday Village
On the final day of the week we celebrate the friendships we’ve made. The morning is spent exploring High Park, either visiting a favourite location from the week, or going on a nature adventure to a new area! The afternoon is then spent together as a group in what we call “village afternoon”. During our village each counsellor comes with a unique activity to share with the group! Past activities have included face painting, science experiments, music, slack lines, and the crowd favourite – slime station!
Clothing: We are outside most days so please make sure your child is dressed appropriately including waterproof boots or at least closed toe shoes. We recommend having a rain jacket on hand as well as a change of clothes – extra shirt, shorts/pants and socks.
Food: A lunch and some snacks that are portable and preferably in re-usable containers so as to avoid garbage.
Water: At least 500ml.
Accessories: Sun Hat and Sunscreen.
Ages
Our programming is catered for kids between the ages of 4 and 11. Kids are generally placed in groups ages 4 – 6, 6 – 8, and 8 – 11. We do not accommodate friend requests with wide age gaps. Please contact us for unique circumstances.
Counsellors plan activities that are developmentally appropriate for their campers and based on children’s inspirations which can change day-to-day making each day and week exciting and new!
Developmentally, activities in the 4 – 6 year old group tend to be more stationary, imaginative creative play in nature with games. The activities in the older groups aged 7+ include more complex games and activities, tool use, and travelling. Tamarack West believes in building a strong sense of community among its campers. As such, camp groups do come together to take part in many activities, splitting up again when skill and capability require.
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Click here to begin the registration process.
If you have any questions, please contact Jay Field at 416-606-4584 or via email at [email protected].
Fees
Typical Weekly Price: $410 for 5 days
We do not offer Before or After Care.
New refund policy as of 2024: 50% refunds are accepted up to 4 weeks prior to the first day of camp. There will be a 50% penalty fee for cancellations made from the day you register up to 28 days before the first day of the camp session.
Camp Locations & Times
West Camp Address
2480 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON M6P 1W9
Camp Hours
9:00 – 3:30