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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08873
At Oak Crest in 08873, New Jersey, our program adapts to the age of our campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative activities, improving swimming abilities, and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, allowing them to select activities each week. This approach fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience, tailoring their summer adventure to their interests and preferences.
Explorer Athletics
In 08873, New Jersey, our 1st and 2nd graders participate in adapted versions of traditional sports. Using scaled-down fields and courts equipped for their age group, this approach allows campers to experience success while acquiring fundamental game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, responsible for these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill.
Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08873, New Jersey, your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic activities, which are conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art teachers. Each week, campers participate in sessions that cover 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 are involved in a dance routine as part of our annual Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production that typically occurs during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue. It features professional sound and lighting, adding to the overall experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08873, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. We take pride in our exceptional aquatic facility, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3-8 years. This complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, enabling us to begin instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers develop their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our swim lessons are skill-based, rather than age-based, allowing us to challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors receive annual training and utilize techniques not only from the American Red Cross but also from over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the art of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and Oak Crest, situated in 08873, New Jersey, provides an ideal setting for this achievement with its 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. Cycling not only encourages independence in children but also teaches essential skills such as balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, empowering novice riders 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 08873, 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 tackle our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers engage in ground-level activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. As they progress to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace, gaining access to higher and more challenging elements as they become more comfortable and confident.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. In addition, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, perform daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
Within Oak Crest’s Explorer Division located in 08873, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are presented with opportunities to work collectively and develop mutual support. This group-oriented structure, coupled with the active involvement of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and meaningful friendships among our campers.
Our counselors not only facilitate group activities but also provide instruction on respectful interaction with others and effective communication, both with peers and staff. At Oak Crest, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
