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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08876
At Oak Crest in 08876, New Jersey, our program adapts to the age of our campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, concentrates on improving skills in a wide range of athletic and creative pursuits, refining swimming abilities, and fostering social and emotional intelligence.
In the first grade, campers are introduced to exciting activities like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and engage in the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, allowing them to select activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08876, New Jersey, our first and second graders participate in adapted versions of traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment to ensure that campers can experience success while developing fundamental game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teach new skills, followed by gameplay that emphasizes those skills. Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working closely with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08876, New Jersey, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse array of artistic activities held in air-conditioned classrooms and led by experienced art instructors. Every week, campers attend sessions in various 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 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 08876, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral part 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. The Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to start instruction in shallower water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in 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 afternoon, the groups have free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are based on skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching methods draw from the expertise of not only the American Red Cross but also over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the art of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood achievement, and Oak Crest, situated in 08876, New Jersey, provides an ideal environment for this important milestone through its newly established Bicycle Village. This village 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 teaches them essential skills such as balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized guidance, allowing beginner riders to develop the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bicycles and helmets are available throughout the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08876, New Jersey, Oak Crest has recently 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 skills to navigate our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all at a minimal height above the ground. As they progress to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is designed to accommodate campers at their individual pace, allowing them to advance as they become more comfortable and confident, gaining access to higher and more challenging elements.
To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction before each season. Moreover, certified ropes instructors, who guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to maintain the highest standards of safety.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08876, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, the group is given opportunities to work together and cultivate mutual support. The group’s framework, combined with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Additionally, counselors provide guidance to campers on respectful interactions with their peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children develop essential emotional and social skills that are integral to success in life.
