Oak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Limited Spots Left for Summer 2024
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Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08824
At Oak Crest, situated in 08824, NJ, our camp program adapts to the age of the campers. The Explorer program, which resembles the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, while also honing swimming abilities and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For our first-grade campers, we introduce them to exciting experiences such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, affording them the opportunity to select weekly activities, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Within the 08824, NJ area, our Summer Camp offers a unique sports experience tailored to 1st and 2nd graders. We employ scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment, providing campers with the opportunity to excel while building essential game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who lead these activities, are trained to incorporate skill instruction into each session, followed by gameplay focused on reinforcing those skills. Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working in tandem with specialists to create and reinforce success opportunities for our young participants.
Creative Arts
Located in 08824, NJ, our program offers your child a rich array of artistic experiences led by experienced art instructors in climate-controlled classrooms. Each week, campers participate in sessions spanning diverse disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
In addition, all our Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as an integral component of our annual Showcrest event, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production typically held during the sixth week of camp, featuring professional sound and lighting, and hosted at a local venue.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, located in 08824, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program serves as an integral part of the Oak Crest experience. We boast an exceptional aquatic facility, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3-8. This complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progressively advance swimmers to deeper levels as their skills improve.
Each morning, our Explorer campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson conducted by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoons, campers enjoy free swim sessions. Our swim lessons prioritize skill proficiency rather than age, ensuring that swimmers of all levels are appropriately challenged. Our instructors undergo annual training and draw from not only the American Red Cross but also over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 08824, NJ, mastering the art of bicycling is regarded as a significant childhood milestone. Our newly established Bicycle Village provides an ideal setting for this endeavor, featuring 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 instills lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the refinement of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, empowering novice riders to develop the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures access to appropriately sized bikes and helmets throughout the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08824, NJ, Oak Crest has introduced a low ropes course designed to serve a dual purpose: enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equipping them with the necessary skills to tackle our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, including 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 individual pace, gradually gaining access to higher and more advanced elements.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, perform daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08824, NJ, a key emphasis is placed on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to work collectively and build mutual support. The group structure, coupled with the active engagement of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships. Counselors also guide campers in respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children develop the emotional and social skills essential for lifelong success.