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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08504
At Oak Crest in 08504, NJ, our camp program is designed to evolve alongside our campers’ age and interests. The Explorer program, akin to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, refines swimming proficiency, and nurtures social and emotional intelligence.
For our first-grade campers, we introduce exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to select activities each week. This fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience, allowing them to explore and cultivate their individual interests.
Explorer Athletics
In 08504, NJ, our Summer Camp for 1st and 2nd graders offers a unique approach to sports. We provide modified versions of traditional sports on scaled-down fields and courts, using age-appropriate equipment. This approach is designed to help campers achieve success while acquiring fundamental game skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists oversee these activities and are trained to allocate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes that specific skill. Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating with our specialists to create and reinforce success opportunities for our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08504, NJ, your child will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of artistic activities conducted in comfortable, air-conditioned classrooms, guided by experienced art instructors. Each week, our campers participate in sessions spanning Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and various other disciplines.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups are actively involved in a dance routine as an integral part of our annual event, Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is an elaborate production, typically scheduled during the sixth week of camp and held in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting for a truly memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08504, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3-8 years. The Aquatic Complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in skills.
Every morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson, led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. In the afternoon, the groups enjoy free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, enabling us to challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques draw from not only the American Red Cross but also more than 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in 08504, NJ, the acquisition of bicycle riding skills is considered a significant childhood milestone, and we provide an ideal setting for this endeavor with our newly established Bicycle Village. This innovative facility boasts a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Learning to ride a bicycle 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 personalized attention, ensuring that novice bikers can build the confidence they need. Oak Crest also ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets throughout the learning process, providing a safe and supportive environment for this important childhood achievement.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08504, 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 prepare them for navigating our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers engage in ground-level activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging exercises, 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. As they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08504, NJ, there is a dedicated focus on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are engaged in various activities that encourage collective effort and the development of mutual support. The structured group dynamic, combined with the active involvement of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among our campers. Our counselors also provide instruction on respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. At Oak Crest, we provide a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
