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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08989
At Oak Crest, situated in 08989, New Jersey, the program is tailored to the developmental stages of our campers. The Explorer program, which parallels the Munchkin program, is dedicated to advancing skills in various athletic and creative pursuits, honing swimming abilities, and fostering social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, this entails an introduction to activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and participation 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. This allows them to select activities each week, promoting a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08989, New Jersey, our first and second-grade campers participate in adapted versions of traditional sports. These modified sports activities take place on appropriately scaled-down fields and courts, equipped with age-appropriate gear. This approach is designed to facilitate success for campers while they acquire essential game skills.
Our team of Athletic Specialists supervises these activities, and they 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, collaborating closely with the specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08989, New Jersey, your child can participate in a wide variety of artistic activities in air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art teachers. Every week, campers have the opportunity to attend sessions in various disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as an integral component of our annual event, Showcrest. Showcrest is a significant Dance and Drama Production, typically scheduled during the sixth week of camp. It is held in the evening at a local venue and boasts professional sound and lighting, making it a noteworthy and memorable experience for our campers.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08989, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program holds a pivotal role within the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex exclusively designed for children aged 3 to 8. This complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, facilitating instruction in water shallow enough for standing, and gradually progressing to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson conducted by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, the groups return for supervised free swim sessions. Notably, our swim lessons are structured based on skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can effectively challenge swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training and draw from a wealth of expertise, incorporating not only the American Red Cross guidelines but also over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone, and Oak Crest, situated in 08989, New Jersey, provides an ideal environment for this achievement through its newly established Bicycle Village. This village encompasses a 1/4-mile training course, a cutting-edge pump track, and a trail designed for mountain bike preparation. Cycling not only encourages independence in children but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, helping novice riders build the necessary confidence. At Oak Crest, we ensure the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08989, New Jersey, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equipping them with the essential skills to tackle our Climbing Tower. For our 1st Grade Explorers, the Low Ropes Course offers activities involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. When advancing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers are introduced to the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time.
The Ropes Course is meticulously designed to allow campers to progress at their individual pace. As campers grow more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more challenging elements. Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enriching experience for our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08989, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, campers are assigned tasks that require them to work collectively and foster mutual support among their peers. This group-oriented structure, combined with active counselor participation, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and friendships among the campers.
In addition to promoting teamwork, counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with others and effective communication with both their peers and staff members. Oak Crest is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills essential for success in life.
