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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 07095
At Oak Crest in 07095, New Jersey, our camp program adapts to the age of our campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative activities, honing swimming abilities, and promoting social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, exciting experiences include the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to select different activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 07095, New Jersey, our program for 1st and 2nd graders involves tailored adaptations of traditional sports. Utilizing appropriately scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, this approach ensures that our campers can experience success while acquiring essential game skills.
Our Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside our campers, working in collaboration with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 07095, New Jersey, your child will enjoy a comprehensive array of artistic activities within air-conditioned classrooms, guided by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers have the opportunity to participate in sessions encompassing a wide range of disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups actively engage in a dance routine as a significant component of our annual Showcrest, a noteworthy Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production typically scheduled during the sixth week of camp, hosted in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 07095, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is truly exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex exclusively designed for children aged 3-8 years. This Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, enabling us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progressively move to deeper levels as our young swimmers enhance their skills.
Every morning, our Explorer campers actively participate in a 40-minute swim lesson, guided by certified swim instructors, while group counselors provide support. In the afternoon, campers return for free swim sessions. Our approach to swim lessons is skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge and accommodate swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, drawing from not only the American Red Cross but also over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 07095, New Jersey, mastering the skill of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and we provide an ideal environment for this journey through our newly established Bicycle Village. This village encompasses a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail.
Bicycling not only nurtures independence in children but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, allowing novice riders to build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to support the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 07095, New Jersey, Oak Crest has introduced a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the essential skills to navigate our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers partake in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve 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. As they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more challenging elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough 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.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 07095, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to work together and foster mutual support among their peers. The group structure, complemented by the active engagement of counselors, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with others and effective communication, both with their peers and the camp staff. Oak Crest provides a nurturing environment where children have the opportunity to develop the emotional and social skills that are crucial for success in life.
