Oak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Limited Spots Left for Summer 2024
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Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Manville
At Oak Crest in Manville, NJ, our program adapts to the developmental stages of our campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, improving swimming abilities, and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
In the first grade, campers are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and they also participate in the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they progress into the second grade, campers enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, giving them the opportunity to select activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Located in Manville, NJ, our Summer Camp offers a unique sports program tailored to 1st and 2nd graders. We adapt conventional sports to their age group by using scaled-down fields and age-appropriate equipment. This approach fosters success while helping campers acquire essential game skills.
Our Athletic Specialists are well-trained, dedicating part of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes that skill. Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside campers, working closely with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
Manville, NJ, offers a vibrant artistic experience for your child at our Summer Camp. Our air-conditioned classrooms are led by experienced art teachers, providing a diverse array of creative activities. Each week, campers participate in sessions ranging from Ceramics and Music to 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 a highlight of our annual Showcrest—a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a grand production that typically occurs during the sixth week of camp, held in the evening at a local venue with professional sound and lighting, adding to the memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Manville, 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 specially designed for children aged 3-8. With water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, we can begin instruction in shallow water and gradually progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in skills.
Every morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors offering support. In the afternoon, groups return for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons focus on skill development rather than age, ensuring that swimmers of all proficiency levels are appropriately challenged. Our instructors receive annual training and draw from the American Red Cross as well as over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in Manville, NJ, the acquisition of bicycling skills has become a significant childhood milestone. Our newly established Bicycle Village provides an ideal setting for this journey, featuring a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. 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 personalized attention, helping novice bikers build the confidence necessary for success. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Manville, NJ, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and preparing them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. When advancing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers get their first taste of the Climbing Tower and Zipline. The Ropes Course is designed to allow campers to progress at their own pace. As they gain comfort and confidence, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements.
To ensure safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspections and certification by the company that constructed them before each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
Social Development
At Oak Crest in Manville, NJ, within the Explorer Division, we place a strong emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are engaged in activities that require teamwork and the development of mutual support. The group structure, along with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among our campers. Additionally, our counselors provide guidance on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills necessary for success in life.