Located at Oak Crest in 07690, NJ, our camp program is designed to evolve with the age of our campers. In our Explorer program, akin to the Munchkin program, we prioritize skill development in various athletic and creative activities, refining swimming abilities, and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce them to exciting elements like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and our cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they transition into second grade, campers 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.
Within 07690, NJ, our Summer Camp caters to 1st and 2nd graders by offering modified versions of traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts along with age-appropriate equipment, fostering an environment where campers can experience success while acquiring fundamental game skills.
Our team of Athletic Specialists is well-versed in this approach, dedicating a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the application of that skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating closely with our specialists to ensure our young participants have ample opportunities for success and skill development.
In 07690, NJ, your child can immerse themselves in a wide variety of artistic activities offered in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers participate in sessions that encompass a range of disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as a pivotal component of our annual Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is an elaborate production typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting, making it a memorable and enriching experience for our campers.
Located at Oak Crest in 07690, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is unparalleled, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specially designed for children aged 3 to 8 years old. This complex features varying water depths from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson, led by certified swim instructors who are assisted by group counselors. In the afternoon, our groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, enabling us to challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques draw from not only the American Red Cross but also over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Mastering the skill of riding a bicycle has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in 07690, NJ, we provide an ideal setting for this journey through our newly established Bicycle Village. This village comprises a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only nurtures independence in children but also instills valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, ensuring that novice bikers can develop the confidence needed to excel. Oak Crest is committed to providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
In 07690, 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 equip them with the necessary skills to navigate our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon reaching 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 progress at their own pace, with access to higher and more advanced elements as they gain comfort and confidence.
For safety assurance, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction prior to each season. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
Within Oak Crest’s Explorer Division in 07690, NJ, there is a strong emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, campers are given opportunities to work together and develop mutual support, fostering the growth of robust bonds and friendships. The group structure, combined with active counselor involvement, plays a pivotal role in this process.
Our counselors also provide guidance to campers on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication with both their fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in various aspects of life.
