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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08899
At Oak Crest in 08899, New Jersey, the program adapts as campers progress in age. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill development in a range of athletic and creative activities, refining their swimming abilities, and nurturing their social and emotional intelligence.
First-grade campers are introduced to activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the longstanding Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers transition into the second grade, they gain the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period within their schedule. This feature allows them to select activities on a weekly basis, promoting a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08899, New Jersey, our 1st and 2nd graders participate in adapted versions of traditional sports. These modified sports utilize scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, to facilitate success while they acquire fundamental game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session for instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working in collaboration with the specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08899, New Jersey, your child can participate in a wide array of artistic activities conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art instructors. On a weekly basis, 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. It features professional sound and lighting, enhancing the overall experience for both participants and the audience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, located in 08899, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a foundational aspect of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically tailored for children aged 3 to 8 years. This Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water and gradually progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Unlike traditional age-based categorization, our swim lessons are skill-based, ensuring that we challenge swimmers at their individual proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching techniques draw from the expertise of the American Red Cross, as well as over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Learning to ride a bicycle has become a significant childhood milestone, and Oak Crest, situated in 08899, New Jersey, offers an ideal environment for this journey with its 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. Beyond the simple act of riding, cycling instills valuable qualities in children, such as independence, balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors provide individualized attention, allowing novice riders to build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08899, New Jersey, Oak Crest has recently developed a low ropes course with a dual objective: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the essential abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers participate in various activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted at a minimal height above the ground. Upon progressing to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The design of the Ropes Course allows campers to advance at their own pace, gaining access to higher and more challenging elements as they become more comfortable and confident.
To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction prior to each season. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to maintain a safe environment for our campers.
Social Development
In Oak Crest located in 08899, New Jersey, within the Explorer Division, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the group is challenged to collaborate and build mutual support among its members. This group-oriented structure, combined with the active guidance of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also impart valuable lessons to campers regarding respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both their peers and the camp staff. Oak Crest is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are vital for success in life.
