At Oak Crest located in 07033, New Jersey, our program is designed to adapt and evolve with the campers’ age. The Explorer program, which is comparable to the Munchkin program, is centered around the development of skills in various athletic and creative pursuits, as well as the refinement of swimming abilities and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, this program introduces them to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule. This CHOICE period allows them to select activities on a weekly basis, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience tailored to their preferences and interests.
Located in 07033, New Jersey, our program for 1st and 2nd graders involves them in adapted versions of traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts equipped with age-appropriate equipment, ensuring that campers can experience success while acquiring fundamental game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teaching a new skill, which is then reinforced through gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill. In addition to the specialists, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working collaboratively to establish and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
In 07033, New Jersey, your child can participate in a comprehensive array of artistic activities within air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers have the opportunity to attend sessions in various disciplines including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as an integral component of our annual Showcrest event. Showcrest is a substantial Dance and Drama Production, typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue. This production features professional sound and lighting, making it a significant highlight of our program.
At Oak Crest, situated in 07033, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a fundamental aspect of the Oak Crest experience. We take pride in our exceptional aquatic facility, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex meticulously designed to cater to children aged 3-8 years. This Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths, ranging from 1 to 6 feet, enabling us to commence instruction in standing-depth water and progressively move to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson conducted by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing valuable assistance. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. Our approach to swim lessons is skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at every proficiency level. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim instruction techniques are informed not only by the American Red Cross but also by over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone. Oak Crest, situated in 07033, New Jersey, provides an ideal setting for this achievement through its newly established Bicycle Village. This village includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only cultivates independence in children but also imparts essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors are committed to providing personalized attention, allowing novice riders to build the confidence necessary for success. Oak Crest also ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
In 07033, New Jersey, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the necessary abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. For 1st Grade Explorers, engaging in activities on the Low Ropes Course involves climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon progressing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace, with access to higher and more advanced elements as they gain comfort and confidence.
To ensure the safety of our campers, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction before each season. In addition, certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks, further ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
In the Explorer Division of Oak Crest located in 07033, New Jersey, there is a strong emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group dynamic. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to work together and build mutual support within their groups. This group-oriented structure, combined with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interaction with their peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills that are crucial for success in life.
