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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ 3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins) Summer Camp near 08553
In the 08553 area of New Jersey, Oak Crest offers both a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program for children. Within our Munchkin Division, we maintain an exceptionally favorable camper-to-staff ratio, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers per group, overseen by 3 to 4 staff members. Additionally, each activity is closely supervised by a Munchkin Specialist, who undergoes specialized recruitment and training to meet the unique needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program follows a comprehensive approach, focusing on three key aspects: the development of gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, the acquisition of essential swimming skills, and the promotion of social development among the young campers.
Munchkin Athletics
At Oak Crest, we provide modified versions of various sports activities tailored to suit the needs of our youngest campers. Our offerings include mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics, all of which have been adjusted to ensure that even our 3, 4, and 5-year-old campers can experience success. Our team of athletic specialists is specifically trained to work with children in this age group, guiding them through the process of acquiring fundamental skills in these sports in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
Creative Arts
Located in 08553, NJ, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center is a distinguished hub for fostering artistic expression. Here, your child can engage in a wide spectrum of artistic activities in well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms, guided by seasoned art instructors. Our campers actively participate in various activities on a weekly basis, including Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
What sets us apart is the inclusion of each Munchkin group in our annual Showcrest event, a grand Dance and Drama Production. This is no ordinary event; Showcrest, a cherished tradition during the 6th week of camp, unfolds in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional-grade sound and lighting, creating a truly remarkable spectacle that enriches the overall camp experience.
Low Ropes
Climbing and Ropes Courses play pivotal roles in the Summer Camp experience at Oak Crest’s 08553, NJ location. Here, we’ve established a low ropes course with dual objectives: first, to promote the development of gross motor skills in our Munchkins, and second, to equip them with the fundamental skills necessary to navigate our Climbing Tower. When participating 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 of our campers, our ropes courses undergo rigorous inspection and certification by the construction company at the start of each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who oversee the groups during all ropes courses, conduct daily checks to maintain a secure and protected environment for our young participants.
Learn to Swim
Swimming, far more than just a life skill, is an essential proficiency that finds its ideal learning environment in our newly established, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex at the 08553, NJ location. Our dedication to excellence is exemplified through our annual instructor training, which draws from both American Red Cross guidelines and a wealth of practical experience accumulated over 25 years in teaching children to swim. We wholeheartedly assure you that your child will achieve mastery in swimming at Oak Crest.
To cater to our beginner swimmers, our advanced Aquatic Facility offers two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This design significantly enhances their comfort level and initial progress. Each morning, our campers engage in a 40-minute swim lesson, led by a certified swim instructor with the support 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 alike.
Social Development
One of the most captivating facets of the camp experience is the deliberate nurturing of children’s capacity to navigate group dynamics. This process not only fosters heightened confidence and independence but also cultivates important social skills. As campers transition between various activities, they actively participate in building friendships, collaborative efforts, sharing, taking turns, and learning to interact respectfully with both peers and staff members. Our dedicated staff plays a pivotal role in empowering Munchkin campers to articulate their thoughts through verbal communication and guiding them towards effective direct interaction. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
Munchkin Lunch
To cater to the specific nutritional needs of our preschool campers, the Munchkins have a distinct dining arrangement separate from the rest of the camp. They enjoy the first lunch period of the day, allowing us to provide focused attention to their dietary requirements. The Oak Crest Staff is highly attentive to any dietary needs your child may have, guaranteeing a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.
