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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08816
At Oak Crest, situated in 08816, New Jersey, the camp program is tailored to the age of the campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, aims to develop skills in various athletic and creative pursuits, improve swimming abilities, and cultivate social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, this includes an introduction to activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and participating in the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to the second grade, they have the opportunity to partake in a CHOICE period in their schedule. This feature enables them to select activities each week, fostering a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 08816, New Jersey, our program for 1st and 2nd graders involves adapting traditional sports to suit their needs. We utilize smaller fields and courts, as well as age-appropriate equipment, to ensure that campers can experience success while acquiring essential game skills. Our Athletic Specialists are well-versed in this approach, dedicating a portion of each session to teaching a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes that particular skill.
Furthermore, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working closely with the specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
Located in 08816, New Jersey, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse array of artistic activities, all conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers engage in sessions spanning various disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, every Explorer Girl group is involved in a Dance routine as an integral part of our annual Showcrest, a significant production that combines Dance and Drama. Showcrest is a substantial event, typically occurring during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue. It features professional sound and lighting, enhancing the overall experience for our campers and their families.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, located in 08816, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3 to 8. This Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water and progressively advance to deeper levels as our young swimmers develop their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoons, campers return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, enabling us to challenge swimmers at all levels of proficiency. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques are drawn not only from the American Red Cross but also from over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of riding a bicycle has become a significant childhood achievement. Oak Crest, situated in 08816, New Jersey, provides an ideal environment for this endeavor through its newly established Bicycle Village. This village is equipped with 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 individualized attention, allowing novice cyclists to build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest takes care to provide appropriately sized bikes and helmets for the learning process, ensuring a safe and effective learning experience.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08816, New Jersey, Oak Crest has recently constructed a low ropes course designed to serve a dual purpose. It aims to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers while equipping them with the essential abilities required to navigate our Climbing Tower effectively. The 1st Grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which encompass climbing, exploration, and swinging—all conducted just inches above the ground. As campers progress to the 2nd Grade, they are introduced to 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. Safety is paramount, and our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction prior to each season. In addition, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08816, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, the campers are assigned tasks that require them to work together and build mutual support. This group-oriented structure, combined with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among the campers.
Furthermore, our counselors guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with their peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
