In the 07076 area of New Jersey, Oak Crest offers two distinct programs: a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program. In our Munchkin Division, we maintain an exceptional camper-to-staff ratio, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers accompanied by 3 to 4 staff members. Additionally, each activity is supervised by a dedicated Munchkin Specialist, who undergoes specialized recruitment and training to cater to the specific needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program focuses on a threefold approach:
1. Enhancing gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities.
2. Teaching swimming skills to campers.
3. Promoting social development among the participants.
At Oak Crest, we provide modified versions of various sports activities tailored to the developmental stage of our youngest campers. These adaptations include mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics, all designed to ensure that our 3, 4, and 5-year-old campers can experience success in these sports. Our athletic specialists are specifically trained to work with children of this age group, guiding them in learning the fundamental skills of these sports in a manner that is both age-appropriate and engaging for your child.
Located in 07076, NJ, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center serves as an exceptional hub for fostering artistic expression. Here, your child will have the opportunity to engage in a wide array of artistic activities, all conducted in well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms under the guidance of experienced art instructors. On a weekly basis, our campers actively participate in a diverse range of activities encompassing ceramics, music, cooking, drama, nature exploration, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, computers, and more.
Adding to the depth of this artistic experience, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand production involving dance and drama. This is far from a modest event; Showcrest, held during the 6th week of camp, unfolds in the evening at a local venue and includes professional-grade sound and lighting, creating a truly remarkable spectacle.
Climbing and ropes courses are essential components of the Summer Camp experience. At Oak Crest’s 07076, NJ location, we have established a low ropes course with dual objectives: promoting the development of gross motor skills in our Munchkin campers and equipping them with the necessary skills for navigating our Climbing Tower. During their participation in the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in climbing, exploration, and swinging activities, all while being just inches above the ground.
To ensure the utmost safety, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive inspection and certification by the company responsible for their construction at the start of each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily checks to maintain a secure environment for the campers.
Swimming is not just a life skill; it is a crucial proficiency that is best acquired at our newly established, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex in the 07076, NJ location. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our annual instructor training program, which combines American Red Cross guidelines with over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim. We can confidently guarantee that your child will become proficient in swimming at Oak Crest.
For our beginner swimmers, our Aquatic Facility boasts two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably stand, which enhances their comfort level and initial progress. Every morning, our campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by a certified swim instructor, with the assistance of group counselors. In the afternoons, they return to the Aquatic Complex for 40 minutes of free swim, fostering camaraderie with fellow campers and group counselors.
A captivating facet of the camp experience resides in nurturing children’s proficiency in navigating group dynamics, fostering heightened confidence and independence in the process. As they transition between diverse activities, the group actively participates in fostering friendships, collaborative endeavors, sharing, taking turns, and developing respectful interactions with both peers and staff. Our dedicated staff empowers Munchkin campers to express their thoughts verbally and facilitates direct communication. Oak Crest offers a supportive environment where children acquire emotional and social skills vital for success in life.
In catering to the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, we have a dedicated dining arrangement for the Munchkin group, allowing them to enjoy the first lunch period of the day separately from the rest of the camp. The Oak Crest Staff is highly attentive to any dietary requirements your child may have, ensuring a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.
