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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 Belle Mead
In Belle Mead, NJ, Oak Crest offers two program options for children in our Munchkin Division: a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program. Our commitment to providing exceptional care is reflected in our outstanding camper-to-staff ratio, typically maintaining a ratio of 10 to 12 campers with the support of 3 to 4 dedicated staff members. Furthermore, each activity is carefully overseen by a specialized Munchkin Specialist, who is specifically recruited and trained to meet the unique needs of children aged 3, 4, and 5.
The Munchkin Program at Oak Crest is built on a comprehensive approach, focusing on three key elements. First, we prioritize the development of gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities. Second, we place a strong emphasis on teaching essential swimming skills. Lastly, our program is designed to foster social development in young children, creating a well-rounded and enriching experience for each participant.
Munchkin Athletics
At Oak Crest, we provide tailored versions of various sports activities, meticulously designed to suit the abilities of our youngest campers. From mini-soccer and mini-basketball to t-ball and gymnastics, we have reimagined traditional sports to enable our 3, 4, and 5-year-old campers to experience success. Our dedicated 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 captivating manner.
Creative Arts
Located in Belle Mead, NJ, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center stands as a distinguished hub for fostering artistic expression. Here, your child will have the opportunity to engage in a wide array of artistic activities conducted within well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms under the guidance of experienced art instructors. Each week, our campers actively participate in a diverse range of activities that encompass Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
In addition to these enriching experiences, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production that adds to the depth of their camp journey. Showcrest, a time-honored tradition taking place 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 and unforgettable spectacle.
Low Ropes
The Oak Crest Summer Camp adventure in Belle Mead, NJ includes an exciting focus on climbing and ropes courses, which are integral components of our program. Our location features a low ropes course designed with two primary objectives: promoting the development of gross motor skills among our young campers and equipping them with essential skills for navigating our Climbing Tower. During their time on the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in climbing, exploration, and swinging, all while being just inches above the ground.
Safety is paramount at Oak Crest. To ensure the utmost safety of our campers, our ropes courses undergo rigorous inspection and certification by the company responsible for their construction at the beginning of each season. In addition, our certified ropes instructors, who expertly guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily checks to maintain a secure and protected environment for our campers.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is not just a life skill; it’s a crucial proficiency that we prioritize at our newly established, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex in Belle Mead, NJ. At Oak Crest, our unwavering commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our annual training of instructors, which combines American Red Cross guidelines with over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim. We proudly guarantee that your child will master the art of swimming at Oak Crest.
Our Aquatic Facility is equipped to cater to beginners with two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This setup greatly enhances their comfort level and initial progress. Every morning, our campers partake 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 alike.
Social Development
One of the most captivating elements of the camp experience at Oak Crest is the deliberate focus on nurturing children’s capacity to navigate group dynamics. This deliberate emphasis leads to the development of heightened confidence and independence among our campers. As they transition between different activities, the group actively participates in the cultivation of friendships, collaborative endeavors, sharing, turn-taking, and the acquisition of respectful interactions with both their peers and staff members. Our dedicated staff is instrumental in empowering Munchkin campers to express their thoughts using words and guiding them in effective communication. Oak Crest creates a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
Munchkin Lunch
At Oak Crest, we are dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, the Munchkins. They have a designated dining arrangement separate from the rest of the camp, allowing them to 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 meals. Your child’s well-being and dietary preferences are a top priority for us.
