Take a Virtual Tour
2025 DATES & RATES
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near Westfield
At the Oak Crest facility in Westfield, New Jersey, the program is tailored to adapt as campers progress in age. The Explorer program, similar in essence to the Munchkin program, prioritizes the development of a wide range of athletic and creative skills, the improvement of swimming abilities, and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
In the first-grade curriculum, campers are introduced to various exciting elements such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and engage in the Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As campers advance to the second grade, they have the opportunity to partake in a CHOICE period within their schedule. This enables them to select activities on a weekly basis, fostering a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In Westfield, New Jersey, our program for 1st and 2nd graders involves tailored adaptations of traditional sports. By employing scaled-down fields and courts, along with age-appropriate equipment, this approach is designed to facilitate success while imparting fundamental game skills to campers. Our team of Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to allocate a portion of each session to teaching a new skill, which is then reinforced through gameplay that emphasizes the newly acquired skill.
Furthermore, our Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, collaborating closely with the specialists to create and validate opportunities for success among our young participants.
Creative Arts
In Westfield, New Jersey, children have the chance to participate in a comprehensive array of artistic activities within climate-controlled classrooms, guided by seasoned art instructors. On a weekly basis, campers are enrolled in sessions covering diverse disciplines including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as an integral component of our annual event, Showcrest, which is a prominent Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production, traditionally held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue. It boasts professional-grade sound and lighting arrangements for an exceptional experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in Westfield, New Jersey, our Learn-to-Swim Program is an essential cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility sets a standard of excellence, featuring a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex that is purposefully designed for children aged 3 to 8. This Aquatic Complex encompasses water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in shallow water and progressively advance to deeper levels as our young swimmers develop their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer participants partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. In the afternoons, these groups return for free swim sessions. Notably, our swim lessons are tailored to individual skill levels rather than age, enabling us to provide challenges to swimmers of varying proficiencies. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques draw from a wealth of expertise, incorporating the principles of the American Red Cross as well as over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In Westfield, New Jersey, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and to equip them with the necessary abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers actively participate in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which entail climbing, exploration, and swinging, all occurring just inches above the ground. As they progress to the 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace. As they grow more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our 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 in Westfield, New Jersey, a significant emphasis is placed on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the group is presented with opportunities to engage in collective tasks and cultivate mutual support among its members. This group structure, combined with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and lasting friendships. Additionally, counselors provide guidance to campers on the importance of respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are fundamental for success in life.
