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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08540
At Oak Crest in 08540, NJ, our program adapts to the evolving needs of our campers as they grow. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, refining swimming abilities, and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
In the first grade, campers are introduced to exciting features such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to the second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, allowing them to select activities each week. This fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience that encourages personal growth and exploration.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 08540, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique sports program tailored for 1st and 2nd graders. We’ve designed modified versions of traditional sports, using scaled-down fields and age-appropriate equipment, ensuring that our campers can experience success while developing fundamental game skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists oversee these activities, with a structured approach that involves introducing new skills during each session, followed by gameplay that emphasizes those skills. What sets us apart is the active involvement of our Oak Crest counselors, who actively participate in these activities alongside the campers. This collaborative effort between counselors and specialists creates a supportive environment, maximizing success opportunities for our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08540, NJ, we offer a rich array of artistic activities for your child, delivered by experienced art instructors in air-conditioned classrooms. Our campers enjoy weekly sessions in a wide range of disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups participate in a dance routine as an integral part of our annual Showcrest event, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting, providing campers with an unforgettable stage experience.
Learn to Swim
Oak Crest in 08540, NJ, places a significant emphasis on our Learn-to-Swim Program, which serves as a foundational aspect of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is unparalleled, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed to cater to the needs of our 3-8-year-old campers. This complex offers a range of water depths, from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to start instruction in standing-depth water and gradually progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in their skills.
Every morning, our Explorers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors offering support. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge and cater to swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching methods are informed by both the American Red Cross guidelines and over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 08540, NJ, mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone that we prioritize. We provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This unique facility comprises a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail.
Cycling not only encourages 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, empowering novice riders to build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest takes care of the details by ensuring that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are available for the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08540, NJ, Oak Crest has recently introduced a low ropes course, serving a dual purpose of enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equipping them with the essential skills required for navigating our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers actively participate in various activities on the Low Ropes Course, 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 design of our Ropes Course is intentionally flexible, allowing campers to progress at their individual pace. As campers 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 responsible for their construction. Moreover, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure the utmost safety of our campers.
Social Development
At Oak Crest in 08540, NJ, within the Explorer Division, we place a strong emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are presented with opportunities to work together as a team, fostering mutual support and cooperation. This group-oriented structure, combined with the active involvement of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and lasting friendships among our campers.
Our counselors also guide and instruct campers on respectful interaction with others, emphasizing the importance of direct and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest provides a nurturing environment where children have the opportunity to acquire essential emotional and social skills that are crucial for their success in life.
