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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08889
At Oak Crest in 08889, New Jersey, our summer program is designed to cater to campers’ evolving needs as they grow. Our Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, is dedicated to developing a wide range of athletic and creative skills, honing swimming abilities, and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce exciting activities like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the beloved Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to second grade, they enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, empowering them to select activities weekly, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08889, New Jersey, our Summer Camp offers a tailored sports program for 1st and 2nd graders. We provide modified versions of traditional sports, utilizing scaled-down fields and age-appropriate equipment to ensure that our young campers can experience success while developing fundamental game skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists oversee these activities and follow a structured approach. They allocate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly learned skill. Our Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working closely with our specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08889, New Jersey, your child will enjoy a wide array of artistic activities conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by seasoned art instructors. Each week, our campers participate in sessions covering various disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups have the exciting opportunity to partake in a Dance routine as an integral part of our annual Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production, typically occurring during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, featuring professional sound and lighting to ensure a memorable experience for all.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08889, 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 specifically designed for children aged 3-8. This complex accommodates 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.
Every morning, our Explorers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors receive annual training, and our swim techniques are informed by the American Red Cross as well as over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 08889, New Jersey, we recognize that mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone. That’s why we’ve created the perfect setting for this achievement in our 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 goes beyond just fun; it promotes independence in children and teaches valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and motor skill development. Our experienced instructors provide individualized attention, ensuring that novice bikers can gain the confidence they need. Oak Crest also ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to support the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08889, New Jersey, Oak Crest has introduced a low ropes course designed to serve a dual purpose: enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers while preparing them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers participate in ground-level activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all just inches above the ground.
Upon advancing to 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 become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements.
We prioritize safety and undergo rigorous inspections and certification of our ropes courses by the company that constructed them before each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08889, New Jersey, we place a strong emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are engaged in tasks that require them to work collectively and build mutual support among their peers. This group-oriented structure, along with the active guidance of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and lasting friendships.
Our counselors also provide instruction on respectful interaction with others and effective communication, both with peers and staff. 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.
