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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08822
At Oak Crest in 08822, NJ, our program evolves in sync with campers’ age progression. The Explorer program, mirroring the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill development across a wide spectrum of athletic and creative pursuits. This includes honing swimming abilities and fostering social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce exciting elements such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and our cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers enter their second grade, they gain the opportunity to partake in a CHOICE period within their schedule, enabling them to choose activities on a weekly basis. This approach nurtures a dynamic and engaging camp experience for all.
Explorer Athletics
In 08822, NJ, our Summer Camp caters to 1st and 2nd graders, offering modified versions of traditional sports. We use scaled-down fields and courts along with age-appropriate equipment to ensure our campers can experience success while developing fundamental game skills. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists oversee these activities, with each session structured to include skill instruction followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill.
What sets us apart is the active involvement of Oak Crest counselors who actively participate alongside the campers. This collaborative approach with our specialists aims to create and reinforce success opportunities for our young participants, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
Creative Arts
In 08822, NJ, your child can explore a wide array of artistic pursuits in air-conditioned classrooms, guided by experienced art instructors. Our camp program offers weekly sessions in a variety of disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups participate in a dance routine as part of our annual Showcrest event, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a grand production, typically occurring during the sixth week of camp, hosted at a local venue with professional sound and lighting, providing a memorable experience for both participants and their families.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08822, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our exceptional aquatic facility boasts a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex tailored specifically for children aged 3 to 8. This complex features varying water depths from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to start instruction in shallow water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers enjoy a 40-minute swim lesson, led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, allowing us to challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching methods draw from not only the American Red Cross but also more than 25 years of hands-on experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in 08822, NJ, we provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This village boasts a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail, offering a comprehensive cycling experience.
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, ensuring that novice riders can build the confidence they need. Oak Crest is committed to providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08822, NJ, Oak Crest has introduced a low ropes course designed 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. The 1st Grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress at their own pace. As they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements.
To ensure the safety of our campers, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them before each season. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
Social Development
At Oak Crest in 08822, NJ, within the Explorer Division, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers engage in collective tasks that promote mutual support and teamwork. The group structure, complemented by the active participation of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and meaningful friendships. Our dedicated counselors also provide guidance to campers on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication with both their fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest is committed to creating a nurturing environment where children develop the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
