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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Franklin Township
At Oak Crest in Franklin Township, NJ, our camp program is tailored to evolve with the age of our campers. The Explorer program, which is similar to the Munchkin program, is designed to enhance skills in various athletic and creative activities, refine swimming abilities, and nurture social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce them to exciting experiences such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and 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, where they can select activities each week. This fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience, allowing them to further explore their interests.
Explorer Athletics
In Franklin Township, NJ, our Summer Camp caters to 1st and 2nd graders, offering modified versions of traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment to ensure our campers can experience success while developing fundamental game skills. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists oversee these activities and follow a structured approach, allocating a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, which is then reinforced through gameplay.
Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage with our campers during these activities, working closely with our specialists to create and reinforce success opportunities for our young participants.
Creative Arts
In Franklin Township, NJ, your child can explore a wide array of artistic activities within the comfort of air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art instructors. Each week, our campers participate in sessions encompassing Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and various other disciplines.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups engage in a dance routine as an integral part of our annual Showcrest event, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a grand production, typically occurring during the sixth week of camp, held in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Franklin Township, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone 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 offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, enabling us to start instruction in shallow water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, allowing us to challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques draw from not only the American Red Cross but also over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in Franklin Township, NJ, we recognize that mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone. To support this endeavor, we have established the Bicycle Village, providing an ideal setting for young learners. Our Bicycle Village boasts a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail.
Cycling not only fosters independence but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, allowing novice riders to build the confidence needed for success. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are provided to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Franklin Township, NJ, Oak Crest has designed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to develop the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and prepare them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all at a height just inches above the ground. When they advance to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time.
Our Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress at their own pace. As they gain comfort and confidence, they are granted access to higher and more advanced elements. Safety is paramount, and our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them before each season. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
Social Development
At Oak Crest in Franklin Township, NJ, our Explorer Division places a strong emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, campers are given opportunities to work together and foster mutual support. This group-oriented approach, combined with active counselor involvement, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and friendships among campers. Our counselors also provide guidance on respectful interactions with peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff. Oak Crest is committed to creating a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
