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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08544
At Oak Crest in 08544, NJ, our program is tailored to the evolving needs of campers as they grow. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, enhances swimming abilities, and nurtures social and emotional intelligence.
First-grade campers are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and they participate in the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers advance to second grade, they enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, allowing them to select activities each week. This fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience, encouraging their individual interests and preferences.
Explorer Athletics
In 08544, NJ, our first and second graders participate in adapted versions of traditional sports. Using scaled-down fields and courts along with age-appropriate equipment, this approach enables campers to experience success while developing fundamental game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who supervise these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill. 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
In 08544, NJ, your child can explore a wide array of artistic activities in air-conditioned classrooms, guided by experienced art instructors. Every week, campers participate in sessions covering diverse disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as an integral component of our annual Showcrest, 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, featuring professional sound and lighting for a memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08544, 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 meticulously designed for children aged 3-8. This complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers develop their 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 return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are tailored to individual skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we challenge and assist swimmers at all proficiency stages. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching techniques draw from the American Red Cross as well as more than 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in 08544, NJ, mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is considered a significant childhood milestone. To facilitate this, Oak Crest has introduced a dedicated Bicycle Village, providing an ideal setting for this endeavor. The village boasts 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 instills valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, allowing novice riders to build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets for the learning process, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children to acquire this essential skill.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08544, NJ, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and preparing them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted at ground level. Upon progressing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers are introduced to the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is designed to accommodate campers at their individual pace, allowing them to gain comfort and confidence as they advance to higher and more advanced elements.
To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them before each season. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
Social Development
At Oak Crest in 08544, NJ, within the Explorer Division, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, our campers are encouraged to work collectively and build mutual support among their peers. The group structure, coupled with the active engagement of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among campers. Our counselors also guide and instruct campers on respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both their peers and the staff. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children develop the emotional and social skills crucial for success in life.
