Take a Virtual Tour
2025 DATES & RATES
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08542
At Oak Crest in 08542, NJ, our program adapts to the campers’ age as they progress. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, concentrates on developing a wide range of athletic and creative skills, honing swimming abilities, and fostering social and emotional intelligence.
First-grade campers are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they enter second grade, campers have the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to select activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08542, NJ, our Summer Camp for 1st and 2nd graders adopts a unique approach to sports. We provide modified versions of traditional sports, using scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment. This approach allows our young campers to experience success while developing fundamental game skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists lead these activities, focusing on teaching a new skill during each session, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working in collaboration with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
Located in 08542, NJ, our summer camp offers a wide array of enriching artistic experiences for your child. Expert art teachers conduct these activities in air-conditioned classrooms. Each week, campers can participate in sessions covering various disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups have the opportunity to be part of a Dance routine as an integral component of our annual Showcrest event, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a grand production typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08542, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a foundational element of our camp experience. Our exceptional aquatic facility boasts a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex meticulously designed for children aged 3-8. This complex offers varying water depths, from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers develop their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson, led by certified swim instructors and assisted by group counselors. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are tailored to individual skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency stages. Our instructors undergo annual training and bring expertise from both the American Red Cross and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in 08542, NJ, we recognize that mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone. To facilitate this journey, we have introduced the Bicycle Village, an ideal setting for young cyclists. This village includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail.
Cycling goes beyond independence; it instills essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and motor skill development. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention, helping novice bikers build the confidence needed to succeed. Oak Crest ensures access to appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08542, NJ, Oak Crest has established 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 abilities to tackle our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all carried out just inches above the ground. Upon progressing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace. As they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more challenging elements.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. Furthermore, 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
At Oak Crest in 08542, NJ, within the Explorer Division, we prioritize the development of collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers engage in activities that require teamwork and mutual support. The group structure, along with the active guidance of counselors, plays a vital role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also educate campers on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills essential for success in life.
