1st & 2nd Graders Summer Day Camps near Scotch Plains NJ

Oak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ

Limited Spots Left for Summer 2024

Schedule a Private Tour with our Director

Transportation

Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.

LEARN MORE

Transportation

Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.

LEARN MORE

New to Camp?

Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.

OUR PROGRAM

New to Camp?

Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.

OUR PROGRAM

Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Scotch Plains

At Oak Crest in Scotch Plains, NJ, our camp program adapts to the evolving needs of our campers as they grow older. The Explorer program, which resembles the Munchkin program, places an emphasis on skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, honing swimming abilities, and fostering social and emotional intelligence.

First-grade participants are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and engage in the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress to the second grade, they have the opportunity to select activities during a designated CHOICE period in their schedule each week, promoting a dynamic and engaging camp experience.

Explorer Athletics

In Scotch Plains, NJ, our first and second-grade campers participate in adapted versions of traditional sports. Using appropriately sized fields and courts and age-appropriate equipment, this approach allows campers to experience success while developing fundamental sports skills. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teaching a new skill, followed by gameplay that reinforces that specific skill.

At Oak Crest, our counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working closely with the specialists to create and validate opportunities for success for our young participants.

Creative Arts

In Scotch Plains, NJ, your child will have access to a wide array of artistic activities led by seasoned art instructors within climate-controlled classrooms. Each week, campers participate in sessions encompassing various disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.

Furthermore, all the Explorer Girl groups are involved in a dance routine as a pivotal component of our annual Showcrest event, a significant production combining Dance and Drama. 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 Scotch Plains, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is top-tier, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3-8. This Aquatic Complex offers a range of water depths, from 1 to 6 feet, enabling us to commence instruction in shallow water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers develop their skills.

Each morning, our Explorer campers participate 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. Our swim lessons are structured based on skill levels rather than age, allowing us to challenge swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our teaching methods are informed by the American Red Cross as well as over 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.

Learn to Ride a Bicycle

Mastering the skill of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in Scotch Plains, NJ, we provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This village encompasses a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only cultivates independence in children but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.

Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, empowering novice cyclists to build the confidence necessary for success. Oak Crest is dedicated to ensuring the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets throughout the learning process.

Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course

In Scotch Plains, NJ, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course designed to serve a dual purpose. Firstly, it aids in the development of the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers, and secondly, it equips them with the essential abilities required to navigate our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers participate in a series of activities on the Low Ropes Course, involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just a few inches above the ground. Upon progressing to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers are introduced to the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace. As campers grow more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more challenging elements.

In preparation for 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 all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure the well-being of our campers.

Social Development

In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in Scotch Plains, NJ, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, campers are assigned tasks that require them to work together and build mutual support. This group-oriented approach, along with the active engagement of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and lasting friendships among the campers. Additionally, counselors provide guidance to campers on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication, both with their fellow campers and the staff. Oak Crest is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills that are vital for success in life.