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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08820
At Oak Crest in 08820, New Jersey, our program adapts to the developmental stages of our campers. The Explorer program, which mirrors the Munchkin program, is designed to cultivate a wide range of athletic and creative skills. It also places emphasis on improving swimming abilities and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, this program introduces them to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and exposes them to the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they progress into second grade, campers have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their weekly schedule. This CHOICE period allows them to select activities, promoting a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In the 08820 area of New Jersey, our Summer Camp caters to 1st and 2nd graders by offering modified versions of traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts along with age-appropriate equipment to ensure that our young campers can experience success while developing fundamental game skills. Our team of Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teach a new skill, which is then reinforced through gameplay that emphasizes that specific skill. Additionally, 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
In the 08820 area of New Jersey, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of artistic activities led by experienced art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms. Each week, campers will attend sessions covering diverse 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 part of our annual event, Showcrest, which is 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, featuring professional sound and lighting to enhance the experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, located in 08820, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a fundamental aspect of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is truly exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex that has been meticulously designed with the specific needs of our 3-8 year old campers in mind. This Aquatic Complex offers a range of water depths 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.
Each morning, our Explorer campers engage in a 40-minute swim lesson, guided by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, these same groups return for free swim sessions. It’s worth noting that our swim lessons are structured based on skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can appropriately challenge swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim instruction techniques draw from not only the American Red Cross but also more than 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim effectively.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycling has become a significant childhood milestone, and Oak Crest, situated in 08820, New Jersey, provides an ideal environment for this pursuit through its newly established Bicycle Village. This specialized area encompasses a 1/4-mile training course, a cutting-edge pump track, and a trail designed for mountain bike preparation. Beyond promoting independence in children, cycling also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, facilitating the development of confidence in novice riders. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are readily available to support the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08820, New Jersey, Oak Crest has recently erected a low ropes course, strategically designed to serve a dual purpose. Firstly, it aims to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers, and secondly, it equips them with the essential skills required to navigate our Climbing Tower. The Low Ropes Course offers our 1st Grade Explorers an opportunity to engage in a series of activities that involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all of which are conducted just inches above the ground.
Upon progressing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have their first encounter with the Climbing Tower and Zipline. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to enable campers to advance at their individual pace. As campers become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements of the course.
To ensure the safety of our campers, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction prior to each season. Moreover, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division of Oak Crest in 08820, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, campers are challenged to work together as a team, fostering mutual support and cooperation. The group structure, coupled with the active engagement of counselors, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and friendships among campers.
In addition to promoting teamwork, counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with their peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children not only engage in these social dynamics but also acquire the emotional and social skills that are fundamental for success in life.
