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Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near South Plainfield
At Oak Crest in South Plainfield, NJ, our camp program is tailored to the age and developmental needs of our campers. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, prioritizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, while also emphasizing the improvement of swimming abilities and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
In the first-grade program, campers are introduced to exciting activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and they also partake in the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers transition to the second grade, they gain the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period in their schedule, granting them the freedom to select their activities each week. This approach fosters a dynamic and engaging camp experience that evolves with their interests and preferences.
Explorer Athletics
In South Plainfield, NJ, our Summer Camp for 1st and 2nd graders offers a unique approach to sports. We adapt traditional sports by utilizing scaled-down fields and courts, as well as age-appropriate equipment, allowing our campers to experience success while acquiring fundamental game skills. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists are trained to structure each session, dedicating time to teach a new skill followed by gameplay that emphasizes that particular skill. Additionally, our Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside campers, collaborating with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In South Plainfield, NJ, your child can explore a rich variety of artistic activities within air-conditioned classrooms, guided by experienced art teachers. Every week, our campers participate in sessions encompassing a wide spectrum of disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups are actively involved in a Dance routine as part of our annual Showcrest event, a prominent Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production that typically takes place during the sixth week of camp, featuring professional sound and lighting, and is held in the evening at a local venue.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in South Plainfield, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex, specifically designed for children aged 3-8, offers an unparalleled learning environment. With water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, we can begin instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers of all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, drawing from the expertise of the American Red Cross and more than 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycling has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in South Plainfield, NJ, we provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This innovative 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 instills valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer personalized guidance, helping novice riders build the necessary confidence. 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 South Plainfield, NJ, Oak Crest has developed a low ropes course with a dual purpose: enhancing the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equipping them with the necessary abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. Our 1st Grade Explorers actively participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers are introduced to the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time.
Our Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to progress at their individual pace. As they gain comfort and confidence, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements. Safety is a top priority, and before each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company that constructed them. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks.
Social Development
At South Plainfield, NJ’s Oak Crest, the Explorer Division places a strong emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, our campers are engaged in collaborative tasks that encourage teamwork and mutual support. The group dynamic, combined with the active participation of our counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and lasting friendships among campers.
Our dedicated counselors also provide guidance to campers on the importance of respectful interaction with others and effective communication, both with their peers and our staff. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children not only have fun but also develop the emotional and social skills that are vital for success in life.
