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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Bedminster
At Oak Crest in Bedminster, New Jersey, our camp program adapts to the campers’ age groups. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes the development of skills in various athletic and creative endeavors, the enhancement of swimming abilities, and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, they are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and they become part of the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period within their schedule. This CHOICE period enables them to select activities each week, fostering a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in Bedminster, New Jersey, our program for 1st and 2nd graders involves tailored adaptations of traditional sports. We employ scaled-down playing fields and courts equipped to suit their age, facilitating success and the acquisition of fundamental game skills for our campers. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists, well-versed in these activities, allocate a portion of each session to instructing new skills, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skills. Additionally, 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 Bedminster, New Jersey, your child can explore a wide array of artistic activities in air-conditioned classrooms, guided by seasoned art instructors. Each week, campers participate in sessions spanning Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and various other disciplines.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups actively participate in a dance routine as part of our annual Showcrest event, a prominent Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a significant production, usually held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue. It features professional-grade sound and lighting, providing campers with an exceptional artistic showcase opportunity.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Bedminster, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a foundational element of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specially designed for children aged 3-8. This Aquatic Complex encompasses water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallower waters and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers develop their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. In the afternoon, the groups return for open swim sessions. Our swim lessons are structured around skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can effectively challenge swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, drawing from the expertise of the American Red Cross and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Learning to ride a bicycle has become a significant childhood achievement, and Oak Crest, situated in Bedminster, NJ, provides an ideal environment for this endeavor through its recently 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 offers not only independence for children but also valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the refinement of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, helping novice cyclists build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bicycles and helmets throughout the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Bedminster, New Jersey, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a dual objective: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and to equip them with the necessary abilities to tackle our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers engage in various activities on the Low Ropes Course, encompassing climbing, exploration, and swinging, all taking place just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have their first experience with the Climbing Tower and Zipline. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress at their own pace, granting them access to higher and more advanced elements as they become more comfortable and confident.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and receive certification from the company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
