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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Plainfield
At Oak Crest in Plainfield, NJ, our program adapts to campers’ age, with the Explorer program mirroring the Munchkin program’s commitment to skill enhancement in various athletic and creative pursuits. Our curriculum also focuses on improving swimming abilities and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, we introduce exciting elements such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, granting them the freedom to select activities weekly, ensuring a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In Plainfield, NJ, our 1st and 2nd graders participate in tailored versions of traditional sports. We use scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment, allowing campers to experience success while developing essential game skills. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists guide these activities, allocating a portion of each session to teach a new skill, followed by gameplay that reinforces that skill.
At Oak Crest, our counselors actively join these activities alongside campers, working closely with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In Plainfield, NJ, your child can immerse themselves in a broad spectrum of artistic activities within the comfort of air-conditioned classrooms, guided by experienced art instructors. Every week, campers participate in sessions spanning various disciplines including 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, a prominent Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production, typically occurring during the sixth week of camp at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Plainfield, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone 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 to 8 years old. This facility offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in 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 enjoy free swim sessions. Our swim lessons focus on skill rather than age, ensuring we challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training and draw from a wealth of experience, incorporating techniques from the American Red Cross and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in Plainfield, NJ, we recognize that learning to ride a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone. That’s why we’ve created the Bicycle Village, a perfect environment for this endeavor. This facility 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 provide personalized attention, helping novice bikers build the confidence they need. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are readily available for the learning process, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Plainfield, 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 prepare them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. For our 1st Grade Explorers, activities on the Low Ropes Course include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. As campers progress to 2nd Grade, they have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is designed to cater to each camper’s individual pace, allowing them to advance as they gain comfort and confidence, accessing higher and more advanced elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the construction company. Additionally, certified ropes instructors, who also lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks, ensuring a secure and enriching experience for our campers.
Social Development
In Plainfield, NJ’s Oak Crest, the Explorer Division places a strong emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group dynamic. Throughout the day, our campers are engaged in tasks that require collective effort and the development of mutual support. This group-oriented structure, combined with active counselor involvement, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Our counselors also guide campers in cultivating respectful interactions with their peers and effective communication with both their fellow campers and the staff. Oak Crest provides a nurturing environment where children not only have fun but also acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
