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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08901
At Oak Crest, located in 08901, NJ, our camp program evolves to cater to the age of our campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, while also honing swimming abilities and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For our first-grade campers, exciting experiences include the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and participation in the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they benefit from a CHOICE period integrated into their schedule, enabling them to select different activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08901, NJ, our summer camp for 1st and 2nd graders introduces a modified approach to traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, allowing our campers to experience success while acquiring fundamental game skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the development of that skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside our young campers, working collaboratively with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success.
Creative Arts
In 08901, NJ, your child will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of artistic activities in air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art instructors. Each week, our campers participate in sessions covering a wide range of disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups actively engage 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, hosted at a local venue, and featuring professional sound and lighting for a memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, located in 08901, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is unparalleled, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3-8. This complex accommodates water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to start instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. In the afternoon, the groups enjoy free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are skill-based, not age-based, enabling us to challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques are drawn from both the American Red Cross and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 08901, NJ, mastering the art of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone, and we provide an ideal setting for this achievement through 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. Learning to ride a bike 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, allowing novice bikers to build the confidence necessary to succeed. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are provided to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08901, NJ, Oak Crest has introduced a low ropes course with a dual purpose. It serves to develop the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers while equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate our Climbing Tower. For 1st Grade Explorers, activities on the Low Ropes Course involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. As campers progress to 2nd Grade, they experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time.
Our Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress at their individual pace. As they gain comfort and confidence, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements. Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks
Social Development
At Oak Crest in 08901, NJ, within the Explorer Division, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills in a group setting. Throughout the day, the group is assigned tasks that require collective effort and the development of mutual support. This group structure, complemented by the active involvement of counselors, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and friendships among campers. Additionally, our counselors guide campers in practicing respectful interaction with others and fostering direct communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for success in life.
