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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08840
At Oak Crest in 08840, NJ, our program is tailored to the evolving needs of campers as they grow. Our Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, is designed to elevate skills in a wide range of athletic and creative activities, improve swimming abilities, and cultivate social and emotional intelligence.
For our first-grade campers, we introduce exciting elements such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to second grade, they enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, allowing them to select activities each week, fostering a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08840, NJ, our first and second graders participate in sports activities that have been modified to suit their age group. We use scaled-down fields and courts along with age-appropriate equipment to ensure that our campers can experience success while developing fundamental sports skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who supervise 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 particular skill.
Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working in collaboration with the specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
Located in 08840, NJ, our camp offers a wide variety of artistic activities for your child, led by experienced art teachers in comfortable, air-conditioned classrooms. Each week, campers have the opportunity to explore sessions in Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and other creative disciplines.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups participate in a dance routine as part of our annual Showcrest, 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, complete with professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08840, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is unparalleled, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3-8. This complex offers a range of water depths from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to begin instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in their skills.
Every morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing assistance. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based, allowing us to challenge swimmers at various proficiency levels, rather than solely relying on age-based groupings. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques are based on the American Red Cross guidelines, supplemented by over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the art of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in 08840, NJ, we provide an ideal setting 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. Learning to cycle 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, enabling novice bikers to build the confidence needed for success. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are provided for the learning process, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08840, NJ, Oak Crest has recently introduced a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and prepare them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers participate in low ropes activities, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. As campers progress to 2nd Grade, they have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time.
Our Ropes Course is designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace. As they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements. To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspections and certification by the company that constructed them before each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through the courses, conduct daily safety checks to maintain a secure environment.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08840, NJ, our primary focus is on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are encouraged to work together, offering mutual support and assistance. The group structure, combined with the active participation of our counselors, plays a vital role in cultivating strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Our counselors also guide and instruct campers in respectful interactions with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills that are instrumental for success in life.
