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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08541
At Oak Crest in 08541, NJ, our program adapts to the evolving needs and interests of our campers as they grow older. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, concentrates on advancing proficiency in a variety of athletic and creative pursuits, refining swimming skills, and promoting social and emotional development.
For first-grade campers, the program introduces exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the beloved Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers transition into the second grade, they gain the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period within their schedule, enabling them to select activities on a weekly basis and fostering a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 08541, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique sports program tailored for 1st and 2nd graders. We modify traditional sports by using scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment, providing campers with the opportunity to excel while acquiring fundamental game skills. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists lead these activities, dedicating a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that reinforces that skill. In addition, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working collaboratively with specialists to create and affirm success opportunities for our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08541, NJ, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of artistic activities, all conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art teachers. Each week, campers attend sessions in various disciplines such as 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 an integral component of our annual Showcrest event, which is a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production, typically scheduled for the sixth week of camp and held in the evening at a local venue. It features professional sound and lighting to enhance the experience for all involved.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08541, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an essential element of the Oak Crest experience. We boast an exceptional aquatic facility, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3 to 8 years old. The Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallower water and gradually 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 offering additional support. In the afternoons, the groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all levels of proficiency. Our instructors receive annual training, and our teaching methods draw from not only the American Red Cross but also over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of riding a bicycle has become a significant childhood milestone, and Oak Crest, situated in 08541, NJ, provides an ideal environment for this achievement through its recently established Bicycle Village. This dedicated area includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only promotes independence in children but also teaches valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, enabling young riders to build the confidence needed for success. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets throughout the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08541, 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. First-grade Explorers participate in low ropes course activities, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted at a minimal height 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 allow campers to progress at their own pace, gaining access to higher and more advanced elements as they become more comfortable and confident.
For safety, our ropes courses undergo inspections and certification by the company that constructed them before each season. In addition, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, perform daily safety checks.
Social Development
Located in 08541, NJ, Oak Crest’s Explorer Division places a strong emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group dynamic. Throughout the day, the Explorer group engages in cooperative activities that encourage teamwork and the development of mutual support. The group’s structured environment, combined with the active guidance of counselors, plays a vital role in nurturing strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also provide instruction on respectful interactions with peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest offers a supportive and nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are integral to success in life.
