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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Cranbury
At Oak Crest in Cranbury, New Jersey, the program adapts as campers grow older. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative activities, improving swimming abilities, and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
First-grade campers get introduced to activities like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and participate 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, enabling them to choose activities each week, which creates a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In Cranbury, New Jersey, our first and second-grade campers participate in modified versions of traditional sports. By using smaller fields and courts and age-appropriate equipment, this approach allows campers to experience success while acquiring essential game skills. The Athletic Specialists responsible for these activities are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the application of that skill. Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working in collaboration with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In Cranbury, New Jersey, children have the chance to participate in a variety of artistic activities held in air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art instructors. Each week, 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 occurring during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Cranbury, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3 to 8 years old. This complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers develop their skills.
Every 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 have free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are structured around skill levels rather than age, enabling us to challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching methods draw from the expertise of not only the American Red Cross but also more than 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Learning to ride a bicycle has become a crucial childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in Cranbury, NJ, we provide an ideal environment for this endeavor through our newly established Bicycle Village. This village includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only promotes independence in children but also teaches valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, allowing novice riders to gain the confidence they need. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets throughout the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Cranbury, New Jersey, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the necessary skills to tackle our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all taking place just inches above the ground. When they advance to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have their first experiences with the Climbing Tower and Zipline. The Ropes Course is designed to allow campers to progress at their own pace, with access to higher and more challenging elements as they become more comfortable and confident.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
The Explorer Division at Oak Crest in Cranbury, New Jersey, places a strong emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to work together and build mutual support within their groups. This structured group environment, combined with the active guidance of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also provide instruction on respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest strives to create a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for success in life.
