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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08846
Located at Oak Crest in 08846, NJ, our program is tailored to evolve with campers’ age. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes the development of athletic and creative skills, the improvement of swimming abilities, and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, exciting experiences await at the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and participation in the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into second grade, they gain the opportunity to exercise choice in their schedule, allowing them to select activities each week, fostering a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 08846, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique approach for 1st and 2nd graders, allowing them to engage in modified versions of traditional sports. Using scaled-down fields and age-appropriate equipment, this approach empowers campers to experience success while developing fundamental game skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists are trained to allocate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes that specific skill. In addition, Oak Crest counselors actively participate in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
Located in 08846, NJ, our Summer Camp provides your child with a rich array of artistic experiences, led by experienced art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms. Each week, campers participate in sessions spanning a wide range of disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups actively take part in a dance routine as a pivotal component of our annual Showcrest event, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is an elaborate production typically held during the sixth week of camp, taking place in the evening at a local venue and featuring professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08846, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a foundational element of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is second to none, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically tailored for children aged 3-8 years. The Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progressively move to deeper levels as our swimmers develop their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors offering support. In the afternoons, groups return for free swim sessions. Our approach to swim lessons is skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching techniques are informed by 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 08846, NJ, mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is considered 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. 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, empowering novice bikers to build the confidence necessary for success. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08846, NJ, Oak Crest has recently developed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the necessary abilities to tackle our Climbing Tower. On the Low Ropes Course, 1st Grade Explorers engage in activities involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all taking place just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have their first experiences with the Climbing Tower and Zipline. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress at their individual pace. As campers gain comfort and confidence, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements.
In preparation for each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the construction company. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
Within Oak Crest’s Explorer Division located in 08846, NJ, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the group is engaged in collective tasks, encouraging mutual support and teamwork. The group structure, complemented by the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with their peers and effective communication with both peers and staff members. Oak Crest strives to create a nurturing environment where children develop the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
