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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 07076
At Oak Crest in 07076, NJ, our summer program evolves in sync with the age of our campers. Our Explorer program, which mirrors the Munchkin program, is dedicated to skill development in a wide range of athletic and creative pursuits. This program also focuses on refining swimming proficiency and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, the experience includes an introduction to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and participation in the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they progress into second grade, campers enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, providing them with the opportunity to select their activities each week. This fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience that adapts to their growing interests.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 07076, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique approach for 1st and 2nd graders, tailored to modified versions of traditional sports. Using scaled-down fields and courts equipped with age-appropriate gear, our program allows campers to experience success while acquiring essential game skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists oversee these activities and follow a structured approach. Each session begins with skill instruction, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill. What sets us apart is our counselors’ active participation alongside campers, working in collaboration with specialists to create and affirm opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 07076, NJ, your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic activities, all conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art teachers. Each week, campers participate in sessions that cover 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 a key component of our annual Showcrest event, which is a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a grand production that typically occurs during the sixth week of camp. It takes place in the evening at a local venue and features professional sound and lighting, creating a memorable and immersive experience for all involved.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 07076, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our exceptional aquatic facility boasts a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex, purposefully designed for children aged 3-8. This complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to begin instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, our groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons prioritize skill levels over age, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors receive annual training and bring expertise from both the American Red Cross and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and Oak Crest, located in 07076, NJ, provides an exceptional setting for this achievement with its newly established Bicycle Village. This village boasts a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only promotes independence in children but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, allowing novice riders to gain the confidence they need. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are provided throughout the learning process, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 07076, NJ, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and to equip them with the necessary skills for the Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include 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, gaining comfort and confidence as they access higher and more challenging elements.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks, ensuring the utmost safety and enjoyment for our campers.
Social Development
Within Oak Crest’s Explorer Division in 07076, NJ, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are engaged in collective tasks, fostering mutual support and teamwork. This group-oriented structure, along with the active participation of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and lasting friendships among our campers. Additionally, our counselors provide guidance on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication with both peers and staff. At Oak Crest, we create a nurturing environment where children acquire vital emotional and social skills, setting them on a path for success in life.
