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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08863
At Oak Crest in 08863, NJ, our program is thoughtfully designed to adapt as campers grow. The Explorer program, which bears similarities to the Munchkin program, prioritizes the development of a wide range of athletic and creative skills, while also emphasizing the refinement of swimming abilities and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
For our first-grade campers, this journey includes exciting experiences like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to choose from various activities each week. This approach fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience, ensuring that every camper’s interests and preferences are accommodated.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 08863, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique sports program tailored for 1st and 2nd graders. We introduce modified versions of traditional sports, utilizing scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment. This approach allows our young campers to experience success while developing fundamental game skills.
Our Athletic Specialists are highly trained to lead these activities. They structure each session to include instruction on a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the application of that skill. What sets our program apart is the active involvement of our Oak Crest counselors, who actively participate in these activities alongside the campers. This collaborative effort ensures that our young participants have ample opportunities for success and skill development throughout their camp experience.
Creative Arts
In 08863, NJ, your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic activities, all conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art teachers. Each week, campers will participate in sessions that encompass various disciplines including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a Dance routine as a crucial component of our annual event called Showcrest. Showcrest is a substantial Dance and Drama Production, usually held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue. It boasts professional sound and lighting to enhance the overall experience for both participants and spectators alike.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08863, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience, providing valuable skills to our young campers. Our aquatic facility is second to none, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex that is specially designed for children aged 3 to 8 years old. This complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to start instruction in shallow water and gradually progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in their abilities.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. What sets our program apart is our emphasis on skill-based swim lessons rather than age-based ones, ensuring that swimmers of all proficiency levels are appropriately challenged. Our instructors undergo annual training, drawing from the expertise of the American Red Cross and 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, located in 08863, NJ, we provide an ideal setting for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This dedicated area features a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail.
Cycling offers not only a sense of independence but also valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills for children. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention, ensuring that novice riders can build the confidence needed to succeed. Additionally, Oak Crest is committed to providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process, making the experience safe and enjoyable for all.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08863, NJ, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and to equip them with the essential skills needed to tackle our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers participate in various activities on the Low Ropes Course, involving 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.
The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress at their individual pace. As they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements of the course. Safety is of utmost importance, and prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enriching experience for our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08863, NJ, we place a strong emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are given opportunities to work together as a team and develop mutual support. The group structure, along with the active involvement of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and lasting friendships among our campers.
Our counselors also take on the role of instructing campers in respectful interactions with their peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. At Oak Crest, we provide a nurturing environment where children have the opportunity to acquire essential emotional and social skills that will serve as a foundation for success in their future endeavors.
