Oak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Limited Spots Left for Summer 2024
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Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08817
Explorer Athletics
Within the 08817 area of New Jersey, our first and second-grade campers partake in modified renditions of traditional sports. These adaptations involve downsized playing fields and courts equipped with age-appropriate gear, fostering an environment where campers can experience achievement while developing fundamental athletic skills.
The Athletic Specialists responsible for supervising these activities are well-versed in dedicating a portion of each session to teach new skills, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill. In addition, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working in collaboration with the specialists to establish and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In the 08817 area of New Jersey, your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide array of artistic activities, which are conducted in air-conditioned classrooms and led by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers participate in sessions that encompass various disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups actively engage in a Dance routine as an integral part of our annual Showcrest event, a significant production that combines Dance and Drama. Showcrest is a substantial undertaking, typically occurring during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, and it boasts professional sound and lighting arrangements to enhance the overall experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, situated in 08817, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program serves as a foundational component of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex purposefully designed for children aged 3 to 8. This complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, facilitating the initiation of instruction in shallower waters and progression to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Every morning, our Explorer campers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson guided by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, the groups return for open swim sessions. It’s important to note that our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, enabling us to challenge and cater to swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching methods draw from the expertise of organizations like the American Red Cross as well as more than 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, located in 08817, NJ, we provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our recently established Bicycle Village. This dedicated area encompasses 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 imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of fine motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, allowing novice cyclists to gain the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08817, NJ, 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 skills for navigating our Climbing Tower. First Grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted at a low height, just inches above the ground. Upon reaching 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers are introduced to the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress at their own pace, granting access to higher and more advanced elements as they gain comfort and confidence.
Prior to the commencement of each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure the well-being of our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division of Oak Crest, located in 08817, NJ, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the group is engaged in activities that require collective effort and the development of mutual support. This structured group dynamic, combined with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Counselors also provide guidance to campers on respectful interaction with their peers and effective communication with both their fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest creates a supportive environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are fundamental to their success in life.