In 08844, New Jersey, Oak Crest offers both 5 full-day and 3 full-day programs. In our Munchkin Division, we maintain an excellent camper-to-staff ratio, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers with 3 to 4 staff members per group. Additionally, each activity is supervised by a Munchkin Specialist, who is specifically recruited and trained to meet the needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program focuses on a threefold approach: improving gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, teaching swimming skills, and fostering social development.
Oak Crest provides modified versions of various sports activities tailored for our youngest campers. These activities range from mini-soccer and mini-basketball to t-ball and gymnastics. We have adapted traditional sports to ensure that children aged 3, 4, and 5 can experience success. Our athletic specialists, who are specifically trained to work with this age group, guide your child in acquiring fundamental sports skills in a manner that is both age-appropriate and engaging.
Located in 08844, New Jersey, 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 diverse range of artistic activities within well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms, all under the guidance of experienced art instructors. On a weekly basis, our campers actively participate in a wide array of activities, including ceramics, music, cooking, drama, nature exploration, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, and computer-based arts.
What adds to the richness of this experience is that each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand production involving dance and drama. This is no small affair; Showcrest, a cherished tradition occurring during the 6th week of camp, takes place in the evening at a local venue and includes professional-grade sound and lighting, creating a truly remarkable spectacle.
Climbing and Ropes Courses play vital roles in the Summer Camp adventure. In Oak Crest’s 08844, NJ location, we have established a low ropes course with dual objectives: promoting the development of gross motor skills among our Munchkin campers and equipping them with the essential skills required for navigating our Climbing Tower. During their participation in the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in activities involving climbing, exploration, and swinging, all while being just inches above the ground.
To ensure the highest level of safety, our ropes courses undergo rigorous inspection and certification by the company responsible for their construction at the beginning of each season. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily checks to maintain a secure environment for the campers.
Swimming transcends being just a life skill; it represents a crucial proficiency, and our newly established, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex at the 08844, NJ location is the optimal setting for acquiring this essential skill. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is exemplified through our annual instructor training, which draws from both American Red Cross guidelines and a wealth of practical experience spanning over 25 years in teaching children how to swim. We provide an unequivocal guarantee that your child will achieve mastery in swimming at Oak Crest.
For our novice swimmers, our advanced Aquatic Facility boasts two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This arrangement significantly enhances their comfort level and initial progress. Every morning, our campers engage in a 40-minute swim lesson conducted 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 both fellow campers and group counselors.
One of the most captivating facets of the camp experience centers on nurturing children’s capacity to navigate group dynamics, fostering heightened confidence and independence in the process. As campers transition between different activities, they actively participate in the cultivation of friendships, collaborative endeavors, sharing, taking turns, and the acquisition of respectful interaction with both peers and staff. Our dedicated staff is committed to empowering Munchkin campers, enabling them to articulate their thoughts using words and offering guidance in direct communication. Oak Crest fosters a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills vital for success in life.
In order to meet the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, Munchkins have their own dedicated dining arrangement, enjoying the first lunch period of the day. Our Oak Crest Staff is diligent in addressing any specific dietary requirements your child may have, providing a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.
