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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 07938
At Oak Crest in 07938, NJ, our camp program evolves with each camper’s age. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in a wide range of athletic and creative activities, while also focusing on refining swimming abilities and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
First-grade campers get introduced to exciting elements such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and they become a part of the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they progress into second grade, campers gain the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period within their schedule. This feature allows them to select activities on a weekly basis, promoting a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 07938, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique sports program tailored for 1st and 2nd graders. We employ modified versions of traditional sports, utilizing scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment. This approach is designed to empower campers to succeed while acquiring fundamental game skills.
Our team of Athletic Specialists is highly 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 campers, collaborating with our specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
Located in 07938, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a comprehensive array of artistic activities for your child, conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art teachers. Every week, campers participate in sessions covering a wide spectrum of disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups are involved in a Dance routine as an integral part of our annual Showcrest event. Showcrest is a significant Dance and Drama Production, typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting for an unforgettable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 07938, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex tailored specifically for children aged 3-8 years old. This complex boasts 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 participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, campers have the opportunity for free swim sessions. What sets our swim program apart is that lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, enabling us to challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, drawing from both American Red Cross guidelines and more than 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 07938, NJ, we recognize that mastering the art of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone. To facilitate this journey, we have created a dedicated Bicycle Village, designed to provide an optimal setting for this endeavor. Our Bicycle Village features a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail.
Cycling not only fosters 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, ensuring that novice bikers build the confidence needed to succeed. Oak Crest goes the extra mile by providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 07938, NJ, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course with a dual purpose: developing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equipping them with the necessary skills to tackle our Climbing Tower. For our 1st Grade Explorers, the Low Ropes Course offers activities involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers are introduced to the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress 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 rigorous safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. In addition, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 07938, NJ, we prioritize the development of collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are encouraged to work collectively and build mutual support among their peers. This group structure, combined with the active involvement of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and lasting friendships. Our counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with others and effective communication, both with their peers and our staff. Oak Crest provides a nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills that set the foundation for success in life.
