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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08818
Explorer Athletics
Within 08818, NJ, our Summer Camp caters to 1st and 2nd graders, offering them the opportunity to partake in adapted versions of traditional sports. This unique approach involves using scaled-down fields and courts, as well as age-appropriate equipment. By doing so, we ensure that our campers can experience success while developing fundamental game skills.
Our team of Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are well-trained in dedicating a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the application of that skill. Furthermore, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating closely with our specialists to establish and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In the vicinity of 08818, New Jersey, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide array of artistic activities, conducted in air-conditioned classrooms under the guidance of experienced art instructors. On a weekly basis, campers are exposed to sessions in various disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all the Explorer Girl groups actively engage in a dance routine as part of our annual Showcrest event, which holds significant importance in our Dance and Drama Production calendar. Showcrest is a substantial production that typically occurs during the sixth week of camp, taking place in the evening at a local venue and featuring professional sound and lighting for an enhanced experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, located in 08818, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility sets the standard, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex meticulously designed to cater to children aged 3-8 years. This Aquatic Complex features 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.
Every morning, our Explorer campers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson guided by certified swim instructors, with additional support provided by group counselors. In the afternoons, the campers have the opportunity to enjoy free swim sessions. Importantly, 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, drawing from a wealth of knowledge 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
The acquisition of bicycle riding skills represents a significant developmental milestone in childhood. In 08818, New Jersey, Oak Crest provides an ideal environment for this journey through its recently 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. Beyond the joy of riding, cycling instills valuable qualities such as independence, balance, posture control, coordination, and the refinement of motor skills in children. Our experienced instructors offer personalized guidance, fostering the confidence necessary for novice riders. At Oak Crest, we prioritize safety by providing appropriately sized bicycles and helmets throughout the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08818, New Jersey, Oak Crest has recently developed a low ropes course, serving a dual purpose of enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equipping them with the necessary abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all carried out just inches above the ground. Upon progressing to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have their first experiences with the Climbing Tower and Zipline. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to accommodate campers at their individual pace, allowing them to progress as they become more comfortable and confident, gaining access to higher and more advanced elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification conducted by the company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through the ropes courses, perform daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest, located in 08818, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, campers are engaged in activities that require them to work together, fostering mutual support and cooperation. The structured group dynamic, combined with the active guidance of counselors, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also provide instruction on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest prides itself on creating a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
