In West Windsor, New Jersey, Oak Crest offers both a 5-day and a 3-day program for young children. In our Munchkin Division, we maintain an exceptional camper-to-staff ratio, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers per group, supervised by 3 to 4 staff members. Additionally, every activity is closely overseen by a Munchkin Specialist, who is carefully recruited and trained to meet the unique needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program is centered on a three-pronged approach: the development of gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, the acquisition of swimming proficiency, and the fostering of social development.
Oak Crest provides modified versions of a variety of sports activities tailored to our youngest campers. These include mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics, all carefully adapted to ensure that even our 3, 4, and 5-year-old campers can experience success. Our dedicated athletic specialists, who undergo specialized training for working with this age group, guide your child in learning the fundamental skills of these sports in an engaging and developmentally appropriate manner.
Located in West Windsor, New Jersey, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center serves as a distinctive hub for artistic expression. Here, your child will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of artistic activities within well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms under the guidance of experienced art instructors. On a weekly basis, our campers actively participate in activities ranging from Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, to Computers, and more.
Enhancing the richness of this experience, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. Far from being a modest event, Showcrest, a longstanding tradition 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 spectacle.
Climbing and ropes courses are integral aspects of the Summer Camp experience. At our West Windsor, NJ location, Oak Crest has established a low ropes course with dual objectives: promoting the development of gross motor skills in our Munchkins and equipping them with the necessary skills for our Climbing Tower. During their participation in the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in activities such as climbing, exploration, and swinging, all while remaining just inches above the ground.
To ensure the highest level of safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspection and certification by the company responsible for their construction at the start of each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through these courses, conduct daily checks to maintain a secure environment for the campers.
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 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex located in West Windsor, NJ. Our dedication 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 wholeheartedly guarantee that your child will achieve mastery in swimming at Oak Crest.
For our novice swimmers, our cutting-edge Aquatic Facility features two shallow pools, ensuring even the youngest campers can confidently stand, enhancing their comfort and initial progress. Each 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 both fellow campers and group counselors.
One of the most captivating elements of the camp experience centers on nurturing children’s proficiency in managing group dynamics. This fosters increased self-assurance and self-reliance in them. As they transition between different activities, the group actively participates in cultivating friendships, collaborating, sharing, taking turns, and developing respectful interactions with both their peers and the staff. Our committed staff empowers Munchkin campers to express themselves effectively through verbal communication, guiding them in clear and direct expression. At Oak Crest, we create a supportive environment where children acquire emotional and social skills crucial for lifelong success.
To meet the specific nutritional needs of our preschool campers, Munchkins have a dedicated dining arrangement separate from the rest of the camp, and they enjoy the first lunch period of the day. Our Oak Crest Staff is highly attentive to any dietary requirements your child may have, ensuring a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.
