Oak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ 3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
Limited Spots Left for Summer 2024
Schedule a Private Tour with our Director
Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins) Summer Camp near 08863
In 08863, New Jersey, Oak Crest offers both a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program within its Munchkin Division. This division maintains an exceptionally favorable camper-to-staff ratio, typically averaging between 10 to 12 campers accompanied by 3 to 4 staff members. Additionally, each activity is closely supervised by a designated Munchkin Specialist, who has undergone specific training to cater to the unique needs of children aged 3, 4, and 5.
The Munchkin Program follows a three-pronged approach, which includes enhancing gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, teaching swimming skills, and fostering social development in young children.
Munchkin Athletics
At Oak Crest, we provide modified versions of various sports activities tailored to our youngest campers. These adaptations include mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics, allowing our 3, 4, and 5-year-old campers to experience success in these traditional sports. Our athletic specialists are specially trained to work with children in this age group, ensuring that your child learns the fundamental skills of these sports in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
Creative Arts
Located in 08863, New Jersey, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center serves as a distinguished hub for fostering artistic expression. Within this center, your child will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of artistic activities, all conducted in well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms under the guidance of experienced art instructors.
Our campers actively participate in a wide range of weekly activities, including Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more, allowing them to explore their creativity.
To enhance this enriching experience, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. Far from a modest affair, Showcrest, held during the 6th week of camp, unfolds in the evening at a local venue, featuring professional-grade sound and lighting to create a truly remarkable spectacle.
Low Ropes
The Oak Crest Summer Camp adventure in 08863, New Jersey, incorporates Climbing and Ropes Courses as integral components. Our camp features a low ropes course designed with dual objectives: enhancing the gross motor skills of our Munchkin campers and equipping them with essential skills needed for the Climbing Tower.
During their time on the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in climbing, exploration, and swinging activities, all conducted just inches above the ground. Safety is paramount in our program, and to ensure this, our ropes courses undergo rigorous inspection and certification by the company responsible for their construction at the beginning 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.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is not just a basic life skill; it is a crucial proficiency that is best acquired at our newly established, state-of-the-art Aquatic Complex, covering 12,000 square feet, located at our 08863, New Jersey site. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our annual instructor training program, which draws upon both American Red Cross guidelines and more than 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim. We guarantee with utmost confidence that your child will master the art of swimming at Oak Crest.
Our Aquatic Facility is equipped to cater to beginners, featuring two shallow pools that ensure even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This setup significantly enhances their comfort and initial progress. Every morning, our campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by a certified swim instructor, with support 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.
Social Development
A fundamental and captivating element of the camp experience is the nurturing of children’s ability to navigate group dynamics, resulting in the development of increased confidence and independence. As they transition between different activities, our campers actively participate in the cultivation of friendships, collaborative efforts, sharing, taking turns, and learning to interact respectfully with both their peers and staff members. Our dedicated staff plays a pivotal role in empowering Munchkin campers to express their thoughts using verbal communication and guides them in effective direct communication. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children acquire crucial emotional and social skills that are indispensable for achieving success in life.
Munchkin Lunch
To cater to the specific nutritional needs of our preschool campers, the Munchkins have a distinct dining arrangement, enjoying the first lunch period of the day separately from the rest of the camp. At Oak Crest, our staff is highly attentive to any dietary requirements your child may have, ensuring a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.