About Tamarack > Philosophy and Goals
Having a good time is conducive to personal development. Fun encourages
participation in activities and meets individual needs. To create a comfortable,
fun environment the camp programs are designed to teach children but not
to pressure them. The staff does not impose expectations on the campers
but offer opportunities for the children to test themselves - without
the fear of failing. By eliminating this fear, campers are more willing
to try new situations.
Tamarack Camps uses a camp curriculum of sports, crafts and music to encourage
campers to develop specific abilities. Professional training and quality
programming are the tools used to build a repertoire of new skills the
campers can apply to their everyday lives away from camp.
Being a part of a group is often a challenging experience that requires
sharing, discussing and compromising. With camp activities, children become
aware of social processes.
An important goal is to develop the camper's awareness and appreciation
for the environment. By calling attention to natural changes, animals,
plants and the elements, children gain an understanding of the world around
them.
Sharing the responsibility for making decisions is an integral part of
camp. With a nonjudgmental approach, Tamarack staff encourages campers
to actively participate in group and individual decision making. As a
result, campers develop both group skills and personal independence.
To help campers feel more secure with themselves as individuals and as
Jews, Tamarack programming encompasses Jewish philosophy and traditions.
Campers observe dietary laws and special Shabbat programming is shared by all.
Tamarack Camps' philosophy is group oriented. A vital part of the summer
program is helping campers develop awareness and sensitivity to the needs
of others. These social skills extend beyond the boundaries of camp and
are used in the camper's day to day life back home.
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Independence
