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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Middlesex
At Oak Crest in Middlesex, NJ, our camp program adapts to the age of the campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, emphasizes skill development in various athletic and creative activities, improvement of swimming abilities, and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
In the first grade, campers are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and Oak Crest’s cherished tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they have the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period in their schedule. This allows them to select activities on a weekly basis, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In Middlesex, NJ, our 1st and 2nd-grade campers participate in adapted versions of traditional sports. These activities are designed with scaled-down fields and courts, using age-appropriate equipment. This approach allows campers to experience success while developing fundamental 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 reinforces that particular skill. 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 Middlesex, NJ, your child will have the chance to participate in a wide array of artistic activities held in air-conditioned classrooms under the guidance of experienced art instructors. Each week, campers attend sessions that encompass various disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, 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 an integral component of our annual Showcrest event, which is a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production, typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, and it features professional sound and lighting for a memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Middlesex, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an essential part of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3-8. This Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths, ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water 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 free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are structured based on skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching techniques are not only based on the American Red Cross but also draw from over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of riding a bicycle has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in Middlesex, NJ, we offer an ideal environment for this endeavor through our recently established Bicycle Village. This village comprises 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 instills valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention, empowering novice cyclists to build the necessary confidence. At Oak Crest, we ensure the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets throughout the learning process, further enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the experience.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Middlesex, NJ, 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 skills for navigating our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all of which take place just inches above the ground. When campers advance to 2nd Grade, they have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is designed to accommodate campers at their individual pace, allowing them to progress as they become more comfortable and confident, granting access to higher and more challenging elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous 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 the utmost safety of our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in Middlesex, NJ, there is a strong emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, our campers are engaged in collective tasks that encourage teamwork and the development of mutual support. The group structure, along with the active guidance of our counselors, plays a vital role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Additionally, our counselors provide instruction on respectful interactions with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. At Oak Crest, we provide a nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills that are pivotal for success in life.
