Located in 08823, New Jersey, Oak Crest’s program adapts to campers’ age groups. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, improving swimming abilities, and fostering social and emotional intelligence.
First-grade campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and Oak Crest’s GAGA tradition. As they enter second grade, campers benefit from a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to choose activities each week, thereby creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Within the 08823 area of New Jersey, our program for 1st and 2nd graders involves modified versions of traditional sports. By employing scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, we facilitate an environment where campers can experience success while acquiring essential game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that reinforces that particular skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
In the 08823 area of New Jersey, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of artistic activities held in air-conditioned classrooms and led by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers engage in sessions covering various disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as an integral component of our annual Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production typically scheduled for the sixth week of camp, held in the evening at a local venue, and features professional sound and lighting for an exceptional experience.
At Oak Crest in 08823, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral aspect of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex tailored to the needs of our 3-8-year-olds. This complex offers varying water depths, ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. In the afternoon, these groups return for free swim sessions. Our approach to swim lessons is skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques draw from not only the American Red Cross but also more than 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Mastering the skill of bicycling has become a significant milestone in childhood development. Oak Crest, situated in 08823, New Jersey, provides an ideal environment for achieving this feat through its newly established Bicycle Village. 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 nurtures independence in children but also instills valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the refinement of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, allowing novice riders to build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bicycles and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
In the 08823 area of New Jersey, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course with a dual objective: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and prepare them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers engage in various activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all carried out at a minimal height from the ground. Upon advancing to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to tackle the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The design of the Ropes Course allows campers to progress at their own pace, with access to higher and more advanced elements granted as they gain comfort and confidence.
To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction prior to each season. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
In the Explorer Division of Oak Crest, located in 08823, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, the group is assigned tasks that require collective effort and the cultivation of mutual support among its members. The group structure, complemented by the active engagement of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among the campers. In addition to this, counselors provide guidance to campers on respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for success in life.
