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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08850
At Oak Crest, located in 08850, New Jersey, our program is designed to adapt as campers grow older. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes the development of various athletic and creative skills, the improvement of swimming abilities, and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce them to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and our cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to second grade, they have the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period within their schedule. This allows them to select activities on a weekly basis, promoting a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08850, New Jersey, our 1st and 2nd graders participate in modified versions of traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, to ensure that campers can experience success while acquiring essential game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, responsible for supervising these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the application of that skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working collaboratively with the specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08850, New Jersey, your child can explore a wide array of artistic activities in air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art teachers. Every week, campers participate in sessions covering various disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, 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, featuring professional sound and lighting to enhance the experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, situated in 08850, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3-8 years. This complex offers a range of water depths from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progressively move to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, campers have the opportunity to participate in free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are structured around skill levels rather than age groups, enabling us to challenge and support swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim curriculum draws from the expertise of the American Red Cross, along with over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in 08850, New Jersey, we provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This innovative facility includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only encourages independence in children but also imparts essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, helping novice bikers build the necessary confidence. At Oak Crest, we ensure that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are readily available to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08850, New Jersey, Oak Crest has established 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 navigate our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon reaching 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to 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, and as they gain comfort and confidence, they can access higher and more advanced elements.
To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction before each season. Moreover, our certified ropes instructors, who guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to maintain a secure environment.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08850, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to work together and build mutual support within their respective groups. This group structure, combined with the active engagement of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and lasting friendships among the campers.
Our counselors also take on the responsibility of instructing campers in respectful interaction with others, promoting direct communication with both peers and staff members. Oak Crest is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
