At Tamarack Camps, we believe that every camper deserves an enriching, joyful and supportive experience. Whether it’s a first-time camper feeling a little homesick, someone working through a personal challenge, or a camper with unique medical or mental health needs, our focus is clear: We don’t just want to include everyone — we want to ensure every child thrives.
To meet this focus, we’ve built a support system that extends beyond the traditional camp framework. Our social workers, medical staff and seasoned leadership team stand as pillars of care, ready to nurture and empower every camper. Here’s how we do it:
- Mental and emotional support: Tears and fears are a natural part of being away from home, especially for young campers. Our team of social workers is here to provide emotional support, whether through trainings for staff, one-on-one conversations, or simply by being a comforting presence when a camper or staff member needs a listening ear. We understand that mental health is as important as physical well-being, and we work diligently to address those needs.
- Medical care: Camp life is full of adventure, yet we know that for some campers, medical needs can present unique challenges. Our dedicated medical staff ensures that all children, including those with ongoing medical requirements, receive the care and attention they need. From routine care to more complex conditions, we provide peace of mind for parents and comfort for campers, so everyone can focus on the fun.
- Inclusion: We are deeply committed to being a camp where children of all abilities are celebrated. Our team is trained to understand and support neurodivergent individuals and those with specialized needs (learning, social and/or communication differences), working closely with families to create an environment where every camper feels welcomed and valued.
- Leadership and guidance: With our robust adult senior leadership team, we bring decades of camp experience, child development and community-building. These leaders aren’t just behind the scenes; they are actively engaged in camp life, providing wisdom, guidance and care, ensuring that each child feels safe, seen and supported.
By creating this web of support, we strive to make camp an extraordinary experience for every child who joins our community. We believe in the transformative power of camp and want every camper to leave with not only new skills and friendships but also a deep sense of belonging.
As we look forward to the next summer season, we renew our commitment to inclusivity and care, where every child matters, every need is met, and every heart is embraced. We’re not just here for the fun moments — we’re here for the hard ones, too, ensuring that every camper has what they need to succeed, grow and feel at home.
Our mission of supporting all needs includes your needs as parents:
Please join us at the 29th Anita Naftaly Family Circle Conference with The J’s Opening the Doors program, on Sunday, December 8, at 12:30–2:30 p.m., at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield. In partnership with the Detroit Jewish Book Fair, Dr. Regine Galanti, best-selling author and psychologist, will present “Anxiety in Kids: Managing Worries and Fears.” More details and registration coming soon.
