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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08812
At Oak Crest in 08812, NJ, our program is tailored to the age and development of our campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, aims to enhance skills in a wide range of athletic and creative activities, improve swimming abilities, and nurture social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce exciting activities like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the beloved Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, allowing them to select activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 08812, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique sports program tailored for 1st and 2nd graders. We have adapted traditional sports by using scaled-down fields and age-appropriate equipment, ensuring that our campers can experience success while building fundamental game skills.
Our Athletic Specialists, who are highly trained, dedicate part of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the application of that skill. What sets our program apart is the active involvement of Oak Crest counselors who participate alongside campers, working closely with our specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success for our young participants.
Creative Arts
Located in 08812, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a wide array of enriching artistic activities conducted in comfortable, air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art teachers. Each week, campers have the opportunity to participate in sessions spanning various disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
In addition, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a Dance routine as an integral component of our annual Showcrest, a prominent 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 to create a memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
Oak Crest, situated in 08812, NJ, places great emphasis on its Learn-to-Swim Program, a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is unmatched, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex tailored specifically for children aged 3 to 8 years old. This complex offers varying water depths, ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to start 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, while group counselors provide support. In the afternoons, our groups return for free swim sessions. Our approach to swim lessons is skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors receive annual training and incorporate techniques from the American Red Cross, combined with over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in 08812, NJ, we provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our newly 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 encourages independence in children but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, allowing novice riders to build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08812, NJ, Oak Crest has recently introduced a low ropes course with a dual purpose: enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equipping them with the essential abilities to tackle our Climbing Tower. For our 1st Grade Explorers, activities on the Low Ropes Course involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all carried out just inches above the ground. Upon reaching 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers get the chance to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to accommodate campers at their own pace. As they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Additionally, our 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
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08812, NJ, our primary emphasis lies in nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, our campers are encouraged to work together as a team, fostering mutual support and camaraderie. The group structure, complemented by the active participation of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and lasting friendships among the campers. Our counselors also guide and instruct campers on respectful interaction with peers and staff, emphasizing clear and direct communication. Oak Crest is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children develop the emotional and social skills essential for lifelong success.
