At Oak Crest, situated in Woodbridge, NJ, our program adapts to the campers’ age, just as it does in the Munchkin program. The Explorer program prioritizes skill development in various athletic and creative pursuits, along with the advancement of swimming abilities and the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence.
For first-grade campers, an introduction to the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA awaits. As they transition into second grade, campers have the opportunity to partake in a CHOICE period in their schedule. This allows them to choose activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
In Woodbridge, NJ, our camp program for 1st and 2nd graders involves tailored adaptations of traditional sports. By employing scaled-down fields and courts equipped with age-appropriate gear, we ensure that our campers can attain proficiency while developing fundamental game skills effectively. Our Athletic Specialists, who supervise these activities, are well-versed in dedicating a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the application of that skill. Additionally, Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside our campers, working in collaboration with our specialists to establish and reinforce opportunities for success among our young participants.
In Woodbridge, NJ, your child will have access to a wide variety of artistic activities, conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by experienced art educators. Each week, campers participate in sessions covering a range of disciplines including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups are involved in a Dance routine as part of our annual Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production, typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting.
At Oak Crest in Woodbridge, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a foundational element of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for children aged 3-8. This Aquatic Complex offers water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, enabling us to initiate instruction in shallow water and progress to deeper levels as our swimmers advance in their skills.
Every morning, our Explorers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. In the afternoons, the groups have the opportunity for free swim sessions. Our swim lessons are tailored to individual skill levels rather than age, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors receive annual training and draw from a wealth of expertise, incorporating not only the American Red Cross guidelines but also more than 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim.
Mastering the skill of bicycling has become a significant childhood milestone, and Oak Crest, situated in Woodbridge, NJ, provides an ideal setting for this endeavor with its newly established Bicycle Village. This village boasts 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 essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized guidance, enabling novice riders to build the confidence necessary for success. Oak Crest ensures the availability of appropriately sized bikes and helmets throughout the learning process.
In Woodbridge, NJ, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to enhance the gross motor skills of our 1st Grade Explorers and equip them with the necessary skills for navigating our Climbing Tower. The 1st Grade Explorers engage in activities on the Low Ropes Course, which involve climbing, exploration, and swinging, all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon advancing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is designed to allow campers to progress at their own pace, and as they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more advanced elements.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and receive certification from the company responsible for their construction. In addition, certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
In Woodbridge, NJ, at Oak Crest’s Explorer Division, there is a deliberate emphasis on nurturing collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the group is encouraged to work together and cultivate mutual support among its members. The group’s structure, along with the active participation of counselors, plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds and friendships. Additionally, counselors provide guidance to campers on respectful interactions with their peers and effective communication with both fellow campers and staff members. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for success in life.
