Oak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Limited Spots Left for Summer 2024
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Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 07066
Located at Oak Crest in 07066, NJ, our program is tailored to the evolving needs of campers as they grow. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, fine-tuning swimming abilities, and fostering social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, our offerings include exciting experiences like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and Oak Crest’s renowned GAGA tradition. As campers progress to second grade, they enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, granting them the freedom to choose activities weekly, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.”
Explorer Athletics
In 07066, NJ, our Summer Camp for 1st and 2nd graders adopts a unique approach to sports. We modify traditional sports, employing scaled-down fields and age-appropriate equipment to ensure campers can excel while mastering fundamental game skills. Our Athletic Specialists are well-trained, dedicating a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay focused on honing that specific skill.
What sets us apart is the active involvement of Oak Crest counselors in these activities, as they actively engage with campers, collaborating closely with our specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 07066, NJ, your child can immerse themselves in a rich array of artistic experiences, all conducted in climate-controlled classrooms by experienced art instructors. Each week, our campers participate in diverse sessions covering Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and various other disciplines.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups actively participate in a dance routine as an integral part of our annual Showcrest event—a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is an impressive production, typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting to showcase our campers’ talents.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 07066, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an essential 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 designed specifically for children aged 3 to 8. This complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers enhance their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Unlike age-based programs, our swim lessons are skill-based, catering to swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques draw from both the American Red Cross guidelines and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 07066, NJ, mastering the art of riding a bicycle is considered 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. Beyond promoting independence, cycling instills valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and motor skill development in children.
Our experienced instructors offer personalized guidance, empowering novice riders to build the confidence needed for success. Oak Crest takes care of providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets to ensure a safe and enjoyable learning experience.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Located in 07066, NJ, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and prepare them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. When they advance to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. Our Ropes Course is designed to accommodate individual progression, allowing campers to advance at their own pace. As they gain comfort and confidence, they can access higher and more advanced elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, perform daily safety checks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
At Oak Crest in 07066, NJ, within the Explorer Division, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to work together, fostering mutual support and camaraderie. The group structure, along with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and lasting friendships among campers. Our counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with others and effective communication, both with their peers and the staff. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills that contribute to their success in life.