Located in Whitehouse Station, NJ, Oak Crest offers both 5 full-day and 3 full-day programs within our Munchkin Division. Our commitment to providing exceptional care is reflected in our industry-leading camper-to-staff ratio, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers per group, supervised by 3 to 4 dedicated staff members. Additionally, our Munchkin Specialists, who are specially recruited and trained, oversee each activity to cater to the specific needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program at Oak Crest is built upon a comprehensive approach, focusing on three key areas:
1. Enhancing gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities.
2. Teaching valuable swimming skills.
3. Promoting social development among our young campers.
At Oak Crest, we provide tailored versions of various sports activities designed to suit the abilities of our youngest campers. Our offerings include mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics, all of which have been modified to ensure that children aged 3, 4, and 5 can experience success and enjoyment. Our dedicated athletic specialists, who undergo specialized training to work with this age group, will guide your child in learning the fundamental skills of these sports in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
Located in Whitehouse Station, NJ, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center is a standout hub for artistic expression. Here, your child can engage in a diverse range of creative activities within well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms led by experienced art instructors. Each week, our campers actively participate in a wide array of activities, including Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
In addition to these enriching experiences, each Munchkin group plays a significant role in the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. This is not a modest event by any means; Showcrest, a cherished tradition 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 that showcases the talents and creativity of our young campers.
Climbing and Ropes Courses are integral aspects of the Summer Camp experience at Oak Crest’s Whitehouse Station, NJ location. We have established a low ropes course with a dual purpose: to promote the development of gross motor skills in our Munchkin campers and to equip them with the essential skills necessary to navigate our Climbing Tower. During their participation in the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in climbing, exploration, and swinging activities, all while staying just inches above the ground.
Safety is our top priority, and to ensure it, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive inspections and certifications 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.
Swimming is not just a life skill; it’s a crucial proficiency that is best cultivated at our newly established, cutting-edge 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is exemplified through our annual instructor training program, 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 become proficient in swimming at Oak Crest.
For our novice swimmers, our state-of-the-art Aquatic Facility offers two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This significantly enhances their comfort and initial progress in the water. Each morning, our campers partake 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 both fellow campers and group counselors.
One of the most captivating aspects of the camp experience is the emphasis on nurturing children’s proficiency in managing group dynamics. This process fosters the growth of their confidence and independence. As they transition between diverse activities, the group actively participates in building friendships, collaborating, sharing, taking turns, and learning to interact respectfully with both peers and staff members. Our dedicated staff plays a crucial role in empowering Munchkin campers to express their thoughts verbally and guiding them in effective communication. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children acquire vital emotional and social skills that are fundamental for success in life.
To cater to the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, the Munchkins have their own dining arrangement separate from the rest of the camp, and they enjoy the first lunch period of the day. The Oak Crest Staff is highly attentive to any specific dietary requirements your child may have, guaranteeing a personalized and accommodating approach to their meals.
