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 Somerset County
Explorer Athletics
In Somerset County, NJ, our Summer Camp caters to 1st and 2nd graders, offering modified versions of traditional sports. We utilize appropriately scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, to ensure that our campers can experience success while acquiring fundamental sports skills.
Our dedicated Athletic Specialists, well-versed in this approach, allocate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired 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 Somerset County, NJ, your child can immerse themselves in a wide array of artistic activities led by experienced art teachers, all conducted in air-conditioned classrooms. Each week, campers have the opportunity to participate in sessions covering diverse disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, every Explorer Girl group takes part in a Dance routine as a crucial component of our annual Showcrest event—a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is an elaborate production, typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue. It features professional sound and lighting, making it a memorable showcase of our campers’ talents and creativity.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Somerset County, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program plays a pivotal role in the Oak Crest experience. We take pride in our exceptional aquatic facility, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3 to 8. This complex offers varying water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate swim instruction in shallower water and progressively advance to deeper levels as our young swimmers hone their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoons, campers return for free swim sessions. What sets our swim program apart is its focus on skill levels rather than age, enabling us to challenge and develop swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors receive annual training and incorporate techniques from the American Red Cross, backed by over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Becoming proficient in bicycle riding represents a significant childhood achievement. In Somerset County, NJ, Oak Crest provides an optimal environment for this milestone through its recently established Bicycle Village. This dedicated area includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a trail designed for mountain bike preparation.
Cycling not only instills a sense of 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, fostering the confidence needed for novice riders. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bicycles and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Somerset County, NJ, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a twofold purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and prepare them for the challenges of our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon progressing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace, and as they gain comfort and confidence, they can access higher and more challenging elements.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive safety inspections and receive certification from the construction company. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure the well-being of our campers.
Social Development
In Somerset County, NJ, at Oak Crest within the Explorer Division, there is a dedicated emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to engage in collective efforts and cultivate mutual support among their peers. The group dynamics, facilitated by attentive counselors, are instrumental in fostering strong bonds and meaningful friendships. Counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interaction with both their peers and staff members. Oak Crest offers a supportive environment where children acquire vital emotional and social skills crucial for future success in life.