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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08844
At Oak Crest in 08844, NJ, our camp program is designed to adapt as campers grow. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, enhances swimming abilities, and nurtures social and emotional intelligence. First-grade campers are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into second grade, they have the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to select activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 08844, NJ, our program for 1st and 2nd graders introduces them to modified versions of traditional sports. We use scaled-down fields and age-appropriate equipment to ensure that campers can experience success while developing fundamental game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who lead these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teaching a new skill, followed by gameplay that reinforces that skill. Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working closely with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08844, NJ, your child will enjoy a rich variety of artistic experiences within air-conditioned classrooms, led by seasoned art instructors. Each week, our campers participate in sessions covering diverse disciplines including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups actively engage in a dance routine as a central component of our annual Showcrest, a prominent Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production that typically occurs during the sixth week of camp in the evening, hosted at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting for a memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08844, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is unmatched, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex exclusively designed for our 3-8 year olds. The Aquatic 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 swimmers advance in skills.
Every morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors offering support. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons prioritize skill development rather than age, enabling us to challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors receive annual training, and our teaching methods draw from not only the American Red Cross but also over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 08844, NJ, mastering the art of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone, and our newly established Bicycle Village provides an ideal setting for this achievement. This village boasts a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only cultivates 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, helping novice riders build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08844, NJ, Oak Crest has introduced a low ropes course, strategically designed to serve a dual purpose: developing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equipping them with the essential skills required for navigating our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers actively participate in ground-level activities on the Low Ropes Course, involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon progressing to 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 allow campers to advance at their individual pace, granting access to higher and more advanced elements as they gain comfort and confidence.
To ensure the safety of our participants, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction before each season. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08844, NJ, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to engage in collective tasks and foster mutual support. The group structure, complemented by the active guidance of counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Additionally, counselors provide instruction on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest provides a supportive environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for success in life.
