In Somerset County, NJ, Oak Crest offers both a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program in our Munchkin Division. We maintain an exceptional camper-to-staff ratio, with 10 to 12 campers accompanied by 3 to 4 staff members. Additionally, each activity is supervised by a Munchkin Specialist, specifically selected and trained to cater to the needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program focuses on a three-pronged approach: enhancing gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, teaching swimming skills, and fostering social development.
At Oak Crest, we provide modified versions of various sports activities, tailored to suit the abilities of our youngest campers. From mini-soccer and mini-basketball to t-ball and gymnastics, we’ve adjusted traditional sports to ensure that our 3, 4, and 5-year-old campers can experience success. Our athletic specialists, specially trained for working with this age group, guide your child in mastering the fundamental skills of these sports in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
Located in Somerset County, NJ, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center serves as an exceptional hub for artistic expression. Here, your child can engage in a wide variety of artistic activities conducted by experienced art instructors in well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms. Our campers actively participate in activities such as Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more on a weekly basis.
Adding to the depth of this experience, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. This is not just a modest event; Showcrest, a cherished tradition during the 6th week of camp, takes place in the evening at a local venue and features professional-grade sound and lighting, creating a truly remarkable spectacle.
At Oak Crest’s Somerset County, NJ location, Climbing and Ropes Courses are essential components of our Summer Camp adventure. We have established a low ropes course with dual objectives: developing gross motor skills in our Munchkins and equipping them with the necessary skills for our Climbing Tower. During the Low Ropes Course activities, our young campers engage in climbing, exploration, and swinging, all while being just inches above the ground.
For utmost safety, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive 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.
At our Somerset County, NJ location, swimming is not just a life skill; it’s a crucial proficiency that is best acquired in our newly established, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex. We are committed to excellence, evident in our annual instructor training, which adheres to American Red Cross guidelines and leverages over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim. We confidently guarantee your child’s mastery of swimming at Oak Crest.
Our Aquatic Facility is equipped with two shallow pools for beginners, ensuring even the youngest campers can comfortably stand, greatly enhancing their comfort and initial progress. Each morning, campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by a certified swim instructor, with assistance from group counselors. In the afternoons, they return to the Aquatic Complex for 40 minutes of free swim, promoting camaraderie among campers and group counselors.
An integral and enchanting aspect of the camp experience is the cultivation of children’s ability to navigate group dynamics. This process contributes to the development of heightened confidence and independence in our young campers. As they transition between various activities, the group actively participates in fostering friendships, collaborative efforts, sharing, taking turns, and learning to interact respectfully with both peers and staff. Our dedicated staff empowers Munchkin campers to express their thoughts using words and guides them in direct communication. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills essential for success in life.
To meet the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, the Munchkins have a dedicated dining arrangement separate from the rest of the camp, with the advantage of enjoying the first lunch period of the day. Our Oak Crest Staff is attentive to any dietary requirements your child may have, guaranteeing a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.
