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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 07060
At Oak Crest in 07060, New Jersey, our summer program is tailored to the evolving needs of our campers as they grow. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, enhances swimming abilities, and nurtures social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce exciting elements such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and engage them in the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to the second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to select activities weekly and fostering a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 07060, New Jersey, our program for 1st and 2nd graders involves customized adaptations of traditional sports. Using scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment, this approach is designed to help campers succeed while acquiring essential game skills. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists lead these activities, dedicating a portion of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that reinforces that skill. Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside campers, working closely with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success for our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 07060, New Jersey, your child can explore a wide array of artistic activities in air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art teachers. Each week, campers participate in sessions covering a variety of 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 a central component of our annual Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production typically scheduled during the sixth week of camp, held in the evening at a local venue, and features professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 07060, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3-8. The Aquatic Complex offers a range of water depths from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to start instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in skills.
Every morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. In the afternoon, the groups have the opportunity for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors receive annual training, and our teaching methods draw from the American Red Cross as well as over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 07060, New Jersey, the acquisition of bicycle riding skills is regarded as a significant childhood milestone. Our newly established Bicycle Village provides an ideal setting for this journey, featuring a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Learning to ride a bicycle not only promotes independence in children but also cultivates essential attributes such as balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, instilling the confidence needed for novice riders. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 07060, 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 tackle our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. As they progress to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace, with access to higher and more advanced elements as they gain comfort and confidence.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 07060, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the group is engaged in collective tasks aimed at fostering mutual support and teamwork. This group structure, coupled with the active guidance of counselors, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Counselors also provide instruction on respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children acquire vital emotional and social skills essential for success in life.
