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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 Metuchen
In Metuchen, New Jersey, Oak Crest offers both a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program in our Munchkin Division. Our commitment to providing exceptional care is evident in our outstanding camper-to-staff ratio, typically maintained at 10 to 12 campers per 3 to 4 staff members. Furthermore, each activity is supervised by a dedicated Munchkin Specialist, specially recruited and trained to meet the unique needs of children aged 3, 4, and 5.
The Munchkin Program places a strong emphasis on a threefold approach. This approach includes the development of gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, the acquisition of essential swimming skills, and the promotion of social development among our young campers.
Munchkin Athletics
At Oak Crest, we provide modified versions of a variety of sports activities tailored to our young campers. These adaptations include mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics. Our aim is to ensure that even our youngest campers can experience success in these traditional sports.
Our dedicated athletic specialists are specially trained to work with children aged 3, 4, and 5. Under their guidance, your child will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of these sports in a manner that is both age-appropriate and engaging, allowing them to fully enjoy the experience.
Creative Arts
Located in Metuchen, New Jersey, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center is a distinguished hub for fostering artistic expression. Here, your child will have the opportunity to engage in a wide array of artistic activities, all conducted in well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms and guided by experienced art instructors.
Our campers actively participate in a diverse range of activities on a weekly basis, including ceramics, music, cooking, drama, nature exploration, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, and computer-related pursuits, among others.
Adding a touch of grandeur to the overall experience, each Munchkin group contributes to our annual Showcrest, an impressive dance and drama production. Far from modest, Showcrest is a cherished tradition that unfolds during the 6th week of camp. It takes place in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional-grade sound and lighting, creating a truly remarkable and memorable spectacle for all involved.
Low Ropes
Climbing and ropes courses play pivotal roles in our Summer Camp adventure. At Oak Crest’s Metuchen, NJ location, we’ve implemented a low ropes course with dual objectives: promoting the development of gross motor skills in our Munchkin campers and equipping them with the essential skills needed to navigate our Climbing Tower. During their time on the Low Ropes Course, our young participants engage in activities such as climbing, exploration, and swinging, all while being just inches above the ground.
Ensuring the utmost safety of our campers is our top priority. To achieve this, our ropes courses undergo rigorous inspection and certification by the company responsible for their construction at the start 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.
Learn to Swim
Swimming transcends being just a life skill; it represents a vital proficiency that is best acquired at our newly established, cutting-edge 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex in Metuchen, NJ. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in our annual instructor training, which draws upon American Red Cross guidelines and our extensive practical experience spanning over 25 years in teaching children to swim. We confidently assure you that your child will achieve mastery in swimming at Oak Crest.
For our beginners, our state-of-the-art Aquatic Facility boasts two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This significantly enhances their comfort level and initial progress. Each morning, our campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson, led by a certified swim instructor and assisted by 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 centers around nurturing children’s proficiency in navigating group dynamics. This journey fosters the development of heightened confidence and independence in our campers. As they transition between different activities, the group actively participates in cultivating friendships, collaboration, sharing, taking turns, and learning respectful interaction with both peers and staff members.
Our devoted staff plays a pivotal role in empowering Munchkin campers to express their thoughts using verbal communication and guides them in direct interpersonal interactions. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children acquire invaluable emotional and social skills that are fundamental for success in life.
Munchkin Lunch
In catering to the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, we have established a separate dining arrangement for our Munchkins, who enjoy the first lunch period of the day. At Oak Crest, our dedicated staff is vigilant about addressing any specific dietary requirements your child may have, guaranteeing a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.
