At Oak Crest located in 08805, New Jersey, the program is designed to adapt as campers grow older. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes the development of skills in various athletic and creative pursuits, the improvement of swimming abilities, and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, the program introduces them to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they have the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period within their schedule. This allows them to select activities each week, promoting a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Within 08805, New Jersey, our first and second-grade participants are actively involved in modified renditions of traditional sports. Employing scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, this method empowers campers to attain proficiency in fundamental game skills while experiencing success.
Our team of Athletic Specialists supervises these activities, and they are equipped with the training to allocate a portion of each session for skill instruction, followed by gameplay that reinforces the newly acquired skill. Oak Crest counselors play an active role in these activities, engaging alongside campers and working collaboratively with the specialists to create and affirm opportunities for achievement among our young participants.
In 08805, New Jersey, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse array of artistic activities, which are conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers take part in sessions covering various disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups are involved in a dance routine as a 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. It features professional sound and lighting, enhancing the overall experience for both participants and spectators.
At Oak Crest, situated in 08805, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program serves as a foundational element of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3 to 8. This Aquatic Complex encompasses water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to commence instruction in standing-depth water and gradually progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Every morning, our Explorer campers actively participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. Notably, our swim lessons are structured around skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can appropriately challenge swimmers regardless of their proficiency. Our instructors undergo annual training and draw upon not only the American Red Cross but also over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Mastering the art of riding a bicycle represents a significant developmental milestone in childhood. Oak Crest, situated in 08805, New Jersey, provides an ideal environment for this important achievement through its newly established Bicycle Village. This village includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond fostering independence in children, cycling imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the refinement of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, enabling novice riders to cultivate the confidence necessary for success. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bicycles and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
In 08805, New Jersey, 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 abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted 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 designed to accommodate campers at their own pace, allowing them to advance as they gain comfort and confidence, accessing higher and more challenging elements.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and receive certification from the company responsible for their construction. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure the well-being of our campers.
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08805, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, campers are given opportunities to collaborate and foster mutual support within their groups. This group-oriented structure, combined with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with others and effective communication with both peers and staff members. Oak Crest is committed to providing a supportive environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
