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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 Highland Park
In Highland Park, New Jersey, Oak Crest offers both a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program for children in our Munchkin Division. We maintain an exceptionally favorable camper-to-staff ratio, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers with the support of 3 to 4 staff members. Additionally, each activity is supervised by a dedicated Munchkin Specialist, carefully selected and trained to meet the specific needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program focuses on three key objectives: enhancing gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, teaching swimming skills, and fostering social development.
Munchkin Athletics
Oak Crest provides tailored versions of various sports activities, offering opportunities for our youngest campers to participate in mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics. These traditional sports have been adapted to ensure that our 3, 4, and 5-year-old campers can experience success. Our athletic specialists, who undergo specialized training for working with this age group, guide your child in mastering the fundamental skills of these sports in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
Creative Arts
Nestled in Highland Park, New Jersey, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center serves as an exceptional hub for nurturing artistic expression. Here, your child can engage in a wide array of artistic activities in well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms, guided by experienced art instructors. Our campers actively participate in diverse activities on a weekly basis, spanning Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
In addition to these offerings, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production that adds depth and richness to the camp experience. Far from a modest affair, Showcrest, a tradition held during the 6th week of camp, unfolds in the evening at a local venue. It features professional-grade sound and lighting, creating a truly remarkable spectacle for all to enjoy.
Low Ropes
Climbing and Ropes Courses are integral components of the Summer Camp adventure at Oak Crest’s Highland Park, NJ location. We have established a low ropes course with dual objectives: promoting the development of gross motor skills in our Munchkins and equipping them with the essential skills needed for our Climbing Tower. During 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 ropes courses. They undergo thorough inspection and certification by the construction company at the start of each season. Moreover, our certified ropes instructors, responsible for guiding groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily checks to maintain a secure environment for our campers.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is not just a life skill but an essential proficiency that is best acquired at Oak Crest’s newly established, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex in Highland Park, NJ. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our annual training of instructors, which adheres to American Red Cross guidelines and draws from our extensive practical experience spanning over 25 years in teaching children to swim. We unequivocally guarantee that your child will achieve mastery in swimming at Oak Crest.
For our beginner swimmers, our Aquatic Facility boasts two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably stand, which greatly enhances their comfort level and initial progress. Each morning, our campers participate 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.
Social Development
One of the most captivating facets of the camp experience is the fostering of children’s proficiency in navigating group dynamics. This process leads to the development of increased confidence and independence. As children transition between different activities, they actively engage in building friendships, collaborating, sharing, taking turns, and learning to interact respectfully with both peers and staff members. Our dedicated staff members empower Munchkin campers to express themselves verbally and assist them in practicing direct communication. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children acquire crucial emotional and social skills necessary for success in life.
Munchkin Lunch
To cater to the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, the Munchkins have a distinct dining arrangement, being the first to enjoy lunch each day. Our Oak Crest Staff is highly attentive to any specific dietary requirements your child may have, ensuring a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.
