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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 Somerset
In Somerset, NJ, Oak Crest provides both a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program. Within our Munchkin Division, we maintain the most favorable camper-to-staff ratio in the camp, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers accompanied by 3 to 4 staff members. Moreover, each activity is overseen by a Munchkin Specialist, specially recruited and trained to cater to the needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program emphasizes a threefold approach: the enhancement of gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, the acquisition of swimming skills, and the promotion of social development.
Munchkin Athletics
At Oak Crest offers scaled-down versions of various sports activities. From mini-soccer and mini-basketball to t-ball and gymnastics, we have adapted traditional sports to ensure our youngest campers can achieve success. Under the guidance of our athletic specialists, who are specifically trained for working with 3, 4, and 5-year-old campers, your child will delight in learning the fundamental skills of these sports in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
Creative Arts
Situated in Somerset, NJ, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center stands out as an unparalleled hub for artistic expression. Your child will have the opportunity to partake in a diverse range of artistic activities within well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms guided by experienced art instructors. Weekly, our campers actively participate in activities spanning Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Adding to the richness of the experience, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. This is far from a modest affair; Showcrest, a tradition during the 6th week of camp, unfolds in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional-grade sound and lighting to create a truly remarkable spectacle.
Low Ropes
Climbing and Ropes Courses constitute integral components of the Summer Camp adventure. At Oak Crest’s Somerset, NJ location, we have established a low ropes course with dual objectives: fostering the development of gross motor skills in our Munchkins and equipping them with the essential skills required to navigate our Climbing Tower. Engaging in the Low Ropes Course, our young campers spend their time climbing, exploring, and swinging, all while being just inches above the ground.
To ensure utmost safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspection and certification by the company responsible for their construction at the beginning of each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who guide the groups through all ropes courses, conduct daily checks to maintain a secure environment for the campers.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is not merely a life skill; it’s an essential proficiency best acquired in our newly established, cutting-edge 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex at the Somerset, NJ location. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our annual training of instructors, drawing on both American Red Cross guidelines and a wealth of practical experience spanning over 25 years in teaching children to swim. We unequivocally guarantee that your child will master the art of swimming at Oak Crest.
For our beginners, our state-of-the-art Aquatic Facility features two shallow pools, ensuring even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This significantly enhances their comfort level and initial progress. Each morning, our campers engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by a certified swim instructor, 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
The most enchanting aspect of the camp experience lies in the cultivation of children’s ability to navigate group dynamics. Through this process, they develop heightened confidence and independence. As they move between various activities, the group actively engages 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 articulate their thoughts using words and guides them in direct communication. Oak Crest provides a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills essential for success in life.
Munchkin Lunch
To address the nutritional requirements of our preschool campers, Munchkins have a separate dining arrangement from the rest of the camp, enjoying the first lunch period of the day. The Oak Crest Staff is attentive to any dietary needs your child may have, ensuring a personalized and accommodating approach.
