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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Watchung
At Oak Crest in Watchung, NJ, the program adapts to the campers’ age. The Explorer program, similar to the Munchkin program, aims to improve various athletic and creative skills, enhance swimming abilities, and foster social and emotional intelligence development.
First-grade campers are introduced to activities such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers progress into the second grade, they have the opportunity to participate in a CHOICE period in their schedule, enabling them to select activities each week and creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In Watchung, NJ, our 1st and 2nd-grade campers participate in adapted versions of traditional sports. By employing smaller playing fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, this approach allows campers to experience success while developing fundamental sports skills. Our Athletic Specialists, responsible for supervising 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. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating with specialists to create and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In Watchung, NJ, children are provided with a wide array of artistic activities conducted in climate-controlled classrooms by seasoned art instructors. On a weekly basis, campers participate in sessions spanning various disciplines, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Furthermore, all Explorer Girl groups participate in a Dance routine as an integral component of our annual event, Showcrest, a significant production that combines Dance and Drama. Showcrest is an elaborate production typically held during the sixth week of camp, featuring professional-grade sound and lighting, and takes place in the evening at a local venue.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Watchung, 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 that caters specifically to children aged 3-8. This Aquatic Complex offers a range of water depths, from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water and gradually progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers develop their skills.
Each morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson, led by certified swim instructors who are supported by group counselors. In the afternoon, the groups return for supervised free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are tailored to individual skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers of all proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques are informed by both the American Red Cross guidelines and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone. Located in Watchung, NJ, Oak Crest provides an ideal environment for this achievement through its recently established Bicycle Village. This village comprises 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 essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills.
Our experienced instructors offer individualized attention, helping novice riders develop the necessary confidence. Oak Crest is committed to providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Social Development
In Watchung, NJ, Oak Crest’s Explorer Division places a significant emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group context. Throughout the day, the group is encouraged to collaborate and build mutual support. This group-oriented structure, along with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships among campers. Counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interactions with their peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can acquire essential emotional and social skills that are fundamental for success in life.
