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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near South Bound Brook
At Oak Crest in South Bound Brook, NJ, our program is tailored to the developmental stages of our campers. In the Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, the emphasis is placed on skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, improving swimming abilities, and nurturing social and emotional intelligence.
First-grade campers are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and they get to experience the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they progress into the second grade, campers benefit from a CHOICE period incorporated into their schedule, enabling them to select activities on a weekly basis, fostering a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
Creative Arts
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in South Bound Brook, 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 meticulously designed for children aged 3 to 8. The Aquatic Complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, providing us with the flexibility to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers develop their skills.
Every morning, our Explorers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors offering support. In the afternoons, the groups return for free swim sessions. Importantly, our swim lessons are structured based on skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can appropriately challenge swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim curriculum draws from not only the American Red Cross but also more than 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim effectively.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood achievement, and at Oak Crest in South Bound Brook, NJ, we provide an optimal environment for this important milestone through our newly established Bicycle Village. This dedicated area includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only nurtures independence in children but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the refinement of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, allowing novice riders to develop the confidence needed for success. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Located in South Bound Brook, NJ, Oak Crest has designed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the essential abilities needed to tackle our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers engage in various activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. As campers progress to the 2nd Grade, they have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully structured to allow campers to advance at their own pace, with access to higher and more challenging elements as they become more comfortable and confident.
Prior to the start of each season, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, perform daily safety checks to ensure the well-being of our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest, located in South Bound Brook, NJ, we place a significant emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group dynamic. Throughout the day, our campers are given opportunities to work together as a team and cultivate mutual support among their peers. The group structure, along with the active guidance of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among campers. Our counselors also provide instruction on respectful interaction with others and effective communication, both with peers and staff members. At Oak Crest, we create a nurturing environment where children acquire vital emotional and social skills that are integral to their success in life.
