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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Warren
At Oak Crest in Warren, NJ, our program adapts to the campers’ age, promoting skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, enhancing swimming abilities, and fostering social and emotional intelligence. First-grade participants get acquainted with activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and our GAGA tradition. As campers progress to second grade, they benefit from a CHOICE period in their weekly schedule, offering them the opportunity to select activities, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In Warren, NJ, our 1st and 2nd-grade campers partake in adapted variations of traditional sports. Employing scaled-down playing fields and courts, equipped appropriately for their age, this method empowers campers to attain proficiency while acquiring fundamental sports skills. Our dedicated Athletic Specialists, who supervise these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session for teaching a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill. Furthermore, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating with the specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success for our young participants.
Creative Arts
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Warren, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a fundamental aspect of our camp experience. We take pride in our exceptional aquatic facility, which includes a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3 to 8. This complex boasts water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to commence swim instruction in shallow water and progressively move to deeper areas as our swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors offering support. In the afternoon, campers return for free swim sessions. 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 and draw from a wealth of experience, incorporating techniques not only from the American Red Cross but also from over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest, situated in Warren, NJ, we provide an ideal environment for this achievement through our newly established Bicycle Village. This village includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only encourages independence in children but also instills valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, allowing novice riders to develop the necessary confidence. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Warren, NJ, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course designed with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the necessary abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers actively engage in low ropes course activities, encompassing climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted at a height just inches above the ground. Upon reaching 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have their first experiences with the Climbing Tower and Zipline. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully structured to allow campers to progress at their own pace, with access to higher and more challenging elements as they gain comfort and confidence.
Before the start of each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. In addition to this, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes course activities, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in Warren, NJ, there is a dedicated emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, campers are encouraged to work together and build mutual support within their respective groups. This group-oriented structure, complemented by the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among the campers. Additionally, counselors provide guidance on respectful interaction with peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest offers a supportive environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for their success in life.
