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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Princeton Junction
At Oak Crest located in Princeton Junction, NJ, the camp program is designed to adapt and develop alongside the campers’ age groups. The Explorer program, which is similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes the enhancement of various athletic and creative skills, the improvement of swimming abilities, and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, they are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and participate in the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they progress to the second grade, campers have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule, allowing them to select different activities each week. This approach fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In Princeton Junction, NJ, our Summer Camp caters to 1st and 2nd graders, offering them the opportunity to participate in modified versions of traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, to ensure that campers can experience success while developing essential game skills.
Our dedicated 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 application of that skill. Moreover, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating closely with the specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In Princeton Junction, NJ, your child will enjoy a diverse array of artistic activities in air-conditioned classrooms, led by experienced art instructors. On a weekly basis, campers have the opportunity to participate in sessions spanning various disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups actively participate in a dance routine as part of our annual Showcrest event, a significant production encompassing both Dance and Drama. Showcrest is a substantial production typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening, hosted at a local venue and featuring professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Princeton Junction, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is truly exceptional, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3-8. This Aquatic Complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallower water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers develop their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoon, the groups return for free swim sessions. It’s worth noting that our swim lessons are tailored to individual skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency stages. Our instructors undergo yearly training and draw from a wealth of experience, incorporating techniques from the American Red Cross as well as over 25 years of practical expertise in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the art of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone, and Oak Crest, situated in Princeton Junction, NJ, provides an ideal environment for this achievement through its newly established Bicycle Village. This village boasts a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. The act of cycling not only nurtures children’s independence but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of essential motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, which is instrumental in helping novice riders build the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bicycles and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Princeton Junction, NJ, Oak Crest has established 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. For 1st Grade Explorers, the Low Ropes Course involves activities such as climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers get the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The design of the Ropes Course allows campers to progress at their own pace, gaining access to higher and more advanced elements as they become more comfortable and confident.
Prior to the start of each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Moreover, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through the ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division of Oak Crest in Princeton Junction, NJ, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the group engages in activities that require collective effort and the development of mutual support. This group structure, along with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong bonds and friendships among campers.
Counselors also take on the role of instructing campers on respectful interaction with others and effective communication, both with their peers and the staff. Oak Crest is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills that are fundamental to their success in life.
