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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08821
At Oak Crest in 08821, NJ, our camp program is thoughtfully designed to adapt and evolve with the campers’ age and development. The Explorer program, which mirrors the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill enhancement across a wide range of athletic and creative activities. It also places special emphasis on refining swimming abilities and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
In the first grade, campers are introduced to exciting elements such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and they become part of the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they benefit from a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to select activities each week. This personalized approach fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience, tailoring it to the unique interests and preferences of each child.
Explorer Athletics
In 08821, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique approach for 1st and 2nd graders when it comes to sports activities. We have tailored these sports to be modified versions, utilizing scaled-down fields and courts and age-appropriate equipment. This approach is carefully designed to enable our young campers to experience success while acquiring fundamental game skills.
Our team of dedicated Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly learned skill. In addition, our Oak Crest counselors actively participate in these activities alongside the campers. This collaborative effort between counselors and specialists ensures that success opportunities are established and affirmed for our young participants, fostering a positive and enriching experience.
Creative Arts
Located in 08821, NJ, our Summer Camp offers your child a rich array of artistic experiences conducted in comfortable, air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers participate in sessions encompassing diverse disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups actively participate in a dance routine as an integral part of our annual Showcrest event—a major 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 for a truly memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, located in 08821, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a foundational aspect of the Oak Crest experience. Our state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex, designed specifically for children aged 3-8, sets us apart in providing an exceptional aquatic environment. With water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, we commence instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing valuable assistance. Our approach to swim lessons is skill-based rather than age-based, allowing us to challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, drawing from the expertise of the American Red Cross and more than 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 08821, NJ, we recognize the significance of learning to ride a bicycle as a pivotal childhood milestone. Our recently established Bicycle Village provides the perfect environment for this achievement. This village includes 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 motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, allowing novice riders to build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are provided to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08821, NJ, Oak Crest has thoughtfully designed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the essential abilities needed to navigate our Climbing Tower. For 1st Grade Explorers, this involves engaging in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground.
Upon progressing to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully structured to accommodate campers at their individual pace, allowing them to progress as they gain comfort and confidence. This means that as campers become more assured, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements of the course.
To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them before each season. In addition, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to maintain a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest, located in 08821, NJ, our primary emphasis is on nurturing collaborative skills within a group dynamic. Throughout the day, our campers are engaged in collective tasks and encouraged to foster mutual support among peers. The group structure, combined with the active guidance of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and lasting friendships.
Our counselors are dedicated not only to supervising but also to instructing campers in respectful interactions with others and effective communication, both with their peers and our staff. At Oak Crest, we provide a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in all aspects of life.
