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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 07978
At Oak Crest in 07978, New Jersey, the camp program is tailored to the age of the campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill development in a range of athletic and creative pursuits. It also emphasizes improving swimming abilities and fostering social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, this includes an introduction to activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and participation in the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to the second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to select their preferred activities each week. This approach promotes a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 07978, New Jersey, our first and second-grade campers participate in adapted variations of traditional sports. We employ scaled-down fields and courts, utilizing age-appropriate equipment to facilitate success while fostering fundamental game skills development. Our Athletic Specialists, responsible for supervising these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session for teaching new skills, followed by gameplay that emphasizes those skills.
Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working in collaboration with the specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 07978, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a pivotal element of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is unparalleled, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3 to 8 years old. This Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallower water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Every morning, our Explorer campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoons, campers return for free swim sessions. Notably, our swim lessons are structured around skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can appropriately challenge swimmers of varying proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching methods draw from not only the American Red Cross guidelines but also benefit from over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Learning to ride a bicycle has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in 07978, New Jersey, we provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This village features a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. The act of cycling 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 personalized attention, allowing novice cyclists to build the confidence they need. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are available to facilitate the learning process, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children to acquire this essential skill.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 07978, New Jersey, 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 navigate our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon advancing 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 accommodate campers at their individual pace. As campers gain comfort and confidence, they progressively access higher and more advanced elements of the course. Safety is a paramount concern at Oak Crest. Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. Additionally, 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
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 07978, New Jersey, our primary emphasis lies in cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are encouraged to work together as a team and foster mutual support among their peers. The group structure, reinforced by the active involvement of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and lasting friendships.
Our dedicated counselors not only facilitate group dynamics but also provide guidance on respectful interaction with others and effective communication, both with peers and staff. Oak Crest is committed to creating a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in
