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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 08836
In 08836, New Jersey, Oak Crest offers two distinct programs: a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program. Our Munchkin Division boasts an exceptional camper-to-staff ratio, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers, supported by a team of 3 to 4 staff members. Additionally, we assign a dedicated Munchkin Specialist to oversee each activity. These specialists are carefully recruited and trained to meet the unique needs of children aged 3, 4, and 5.
The Munchkin Program employs a comprehensive approach that focuses on three key areas. First, it emphasizes the development of gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities. Second, it aims to equip young campers with essential swimming skills. Lastly, the program places a strong emphasis on fostering social development among the children.
Munchkin Athletics
At Oak Crest, we provide modified versions of a variety of sports activities tailored to our youngest campers. Our offerings range from mini-soccer and mini-basketball to t-ball and gymnastics, all designed to ensure that children aged 3, 4, and 5 can experience success in these sports. Our dedicated athletic specialists, who possess specialized training in working with this age group, guide your child through the process of acquiring fundamental skills in these sports in a manner that is both age-appropriate and engaging.
Creative Arts
Located in 08836, New Jersey, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center serves as a prominent hub for fostering artistic expression. Here, your child will have the opportunity to engage in a wide array of artistic endeavors within well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms, all under the guidance of experienced art instructors.
Weekly, our campers actively participate in a diverse range of activities, including ceramics, music, cooking, drama, nature exploration, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, computers, and more.
Enhancing the overall experience, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, an elaborate dance and drama production. This tradition, held 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.
Low Ropes
Climbing and ropes courses play a pivotal role in the Summer Camp experience. In our Oak Crest location in 08836, New Jersey, we have introduced a low ropes course with a dual purpose: promoting the development of gross motor skills among our young campers and providing them with the necessary abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower.
During their participation in the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in activities such as climbing, exploring, and swinging, all while remaining just inches above the ground. To ensure the highest level of safety, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive inspection and certification by the construction company at the start of each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, responsible for guiding the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily checks to maintain a secure environment for the campers.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is not merely a life skill but an essential proficiency that finds its ideal training ground in our newly established, cutting-edge 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex at the 08836, NJ location. Our commitment to excellence is evident through our annual instructor training program, which draws from American Red Cross guidelines and our extensive practical experience of over 25 years in teaching children to swim. We confidently assure you that your child will master the art of swimming at Oak Crest.
For beginners, our state-of-the-art Aquatic Facility includes two shallow pools, ensuring even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This setup significantly enhances their comfort level and initial progress. Each morning, our campers partake in a 40-minute swim lesson led by a certified swim instructor, with assistance from 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 centers on the development of children’s proficiency in navigating group dynamics. This process is instrumental in nurturing their self-assurance and independence. As campers transition between different activities, they actively participate in activities that promote the formation of friendships, collaborative teamwork, sharing, taking turns, and acquiring the ability to interact respectfully with both peers and staff.
Our committed staff members play a vital role in empowering Munchkin campers to express themselves using words and guiding them in direct communication. Oak Crest fosters a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are fundamental for success in life.
Munchkin Lunch
To cater to the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, Munchkins have a distinct dining arrangement separate from the rest of the camp. They enjoy the first lunch period of the day. Our Oak Crest Staff is highly attentive to any specific dietary requirements your child may have, guaranteeing a personalized and accommodating approach to their dietary preferences and needs.
