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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Fords
At Oak Crest, located in Fords, NJ, our program is designed to adapt to the age of our campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes the development of skills in various athletic and creative pursuits, improving swimming abilities, and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce them to exciting activities like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and our cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into second grade, they have the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period within their schedule. This allows them to choose activities on a weekly basis, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In Fords, New Jersey, our 1st and 2nd-grade campers participate in modified versions of traditional sports. Using scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, this approach allows our campers to experience success while acquiring essential game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who supervise these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly learned skill. 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 Fords, New Jersey, your child can participate in a wide variety of artistic activities within air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art instructors. Every week, campers have the opportunity to attend sessions in subjects such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and various other disciplines.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as a pivotal component of our annual event, Showcrest. Showcrest is a substantial Dance and Drama Production, traditionally held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue. It boasts professional sound and lighting, making it a noteworthy highlight of our program.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Fords, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. We take pride in our exceptional aquatic facility, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specially designed for children aged 3 to 8. This Aquatic Complex offers a range of water depths, from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water and 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. In the afternoon, campers have the opportunity for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are tailored to individual skill levels rather than age groups, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques draw from not only the American Red Cross standards but also over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Fords, 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 to equip them with the necessary abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have their first experience with the Climbing Tower and Zipline. The Ropes Course is 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.
Before the start of 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 to ensure the well-being of our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in Fords, New Jersey, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the campers are assigned tasks that require them to work together and foster mutual support. The group structure, along with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also provide guidance to campers on how to engage respectfully with others and facilitate open communication with both their peers and the staff. Oak Crest is committed to creating a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
