Junior Camp is for campers entering grades 4 to 6 in the fall of 2026.
Camp Tamarack is located on National Forest land in the High Sierra Nevada mountains, east of Fresno. The National Forest Land is in between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks. When the snow melts at over 7,000 feet, a rustic and beautiful off-grid Camp Tam is revealed.
Campers stay in tent cabins, and have access to two fully equipped bathhouses with toilets, sinks, and showers. Camp Tam is also equipped with a commercial kitchen, lodge, fire circle, worship area with a labyrinth, beautiful big trees, amazing stargazing, a big mountain meadow, lakes close (Camp Tam is located in-between Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake). Camp Tam is the perfect place to take some deep breaths of mountain air away from the busyness of life, make new friends, and connect with the presence of the Divine and the memories of decades of previous Camp Tam summers.
Camp is put on by volunteer staff in coordination with the NCNC Youth and Outdoor Ministries Committee. A paid staff camp manager is on-site at all times when Camp Tam is occupied.
We use the ecumenical Inside Out curriculum. This year’s theme is In the Wilderness. At Camp Tam 2026, children and youth will be exploring this theme throughout their week of camp. Wilderness is a time or place where we encounter what is new, strange, scary, lonely, unknown or mysterious. The wilderness is a wild and beautiful time and place where we can discover the sacred within each person and all creation. The wilderness can inspire us and guide us, assuring us of God’s constant presence. As the Spirit guides us through the wilderness, we find what we need to face our fears and the very real challenges that impact our world. The wilderness teaches us the importance of community and the ways we navigate challenges together. The wilderness reveals our strengths, growing edges, and potential as God equips us for the unknown still to come. The wilderness awaits us all, and God meets us there.
Camp Tam campers can expect throughout their week of camp:
- refreshing mornings that begin with hot chocolate, breakfast, and an opening morning circle introducing the theme for that day and some spiritual reflection
- morning program of both individual and group activities exploring that day’s theme
- afternoon programming that might consist of things like: hikes, trips to the creek, free time, games, crafts
- some quiet (turtle time) every afternoon
- an evening vespers programs after dinner each day
- nighttime activities may include: a Talent/No Talent Show for campers to show off their skills, skits, jokes, or none-of-the-above, dance party on the deck, stargazing, songs and storytelling, movie night
- time to make new friends, explore faith and spirituality with curiosity and openness
- take a break from screens and reconnect with themselves, the Divine, and the natural or more-than-human world
- lots of s’mores!
- tie dye
- lots of fun and laughter
- caring staff
Each week is an opportunity to praise and explore our Still Speaking God, nature & Creation, with friends both familiar and new.
Each week is staffed with two co-directors, a chaplain, a medical supervisor, a cook, and counselors assigned to each cabin. We are committed to accommodating children and youth from a variety of identities and are committed to working towards meeting the needs of our queer, trans, or nonbinary children and youth. Should you have any questions or concerns about these kinds of accommodations, please reach out.
Early Bird prices end June 29. Registration ends July 16. Check with your church and Association for help with the cost. We have a scholarship price for those who need it, no questions asked.
If you have any questions about scholarships or additional financial support, please reach out to Joy Davis at joy@ncncucc.org or Rev. Lauren at Lauren@ncncucc.org
