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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08875
Located at Oak Crest in 08875, NJ, our program tailors its offerings to match the developmental stages of campers. The Explorer program, akin to the Munchkin program, is designed to enrich skills in a variety of athletic and creative activities, improve swimming abilities, and foster social and emotional intelligence.
First-grade campers get introduced to exciting experiences like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and partake in the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they progress to second grade, campers enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, allowing them to choose activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in 08875, NJ, our Summer Camp provides 1st and 2nd graders with the opportunity to participate in modified versions of traditional sports. By employing scaled-down fields and courts equipped with age-appropriate gear, this approach empowers campers to experience success while acquiring essential game skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists oversee these activities, incorporating a structured approach. They allocate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the recently learned skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating with specialists to create and reinforce success opportunities for our young participants.
Creative Arts
Located in 08875, NJ, our Summer Camp offers your child the opportunity to participate in a diverse array of artistic activities conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art instructors. Each week, campers take part in sessions spanning disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups actively engage in a dance routine as a pivotal part of our annual Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production event, typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, featuring professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08875, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3-8. This complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to begin instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based, accommodating swimmers of all proficiency levels, rather than being age-based. Our instructors receive annual training and apply techniques not only from the American Red Cross but also from over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in 08875, NJ, we provide an ideal setting for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This village encompasses a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail.
Cycling 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, ensuring novice bikers can build the confidence necessary for success. Oak Crest is committed to providing suitably sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08875, 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 prepare them with the necessary skills to tackle our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers actively participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all taking place just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to the 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 own pace. As they gain comfort and confidence, they can access higher and more advanced elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and receive certification from the construction company. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, perform daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08875, NJ, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, campers are engaged in tasks that require collective effort and the development of mutual support. 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 interaction with their peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest provides a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
