In Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, Oak Crest offers both a 5 full-day program and a 3 full-day program within our Munchkin Division. We maintain an excellent camper-to-staff ratio in this division, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers per group, accompanied by 3 to 4 staff members. Additionally, each activity is supervised by a Munchkin Specialist who has undergone specific training to meet the needs of children aged 3, 4, and 5.
The Munchkin Program focuses on three key aspects: 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 various sports activities to cater to our youngest campers. Our offerings include mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics, all designed to ensure that children aged 3, 4, and 5 can experience success in these sports. Our athletic specialists are specifically trained to work with this age group, guiding your child in acquiring fundamental skills in these activities in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
Located in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, Oak Crest’s Creative Arts Center serves as a vibrant hub for fostering artistic expression. Here, your child can engage in a wide spectrum of artistic activities conducted in well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms under the guidance of seasoned art instructors. Each week, our campers actively participate in activities encompassing Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature Exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
What adds to the richness of the experience is the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production that involves every Munchkin group. This is no ordinary event; Showcrest, a cherished tradition held during the 6th week of camp, unfolds in the evening at a local venue, complete with professional-grade sound and lighting, resulting in a truly remarkable and memorable spectacle.
Climbing and Ropes Courses play vital roles in the Summer Camp experience. At Oak Crest’s Monmouth Junction, NJ location, we’ve established a low ropes course with dual objectives: enhancing the gross motor skills of our Munchkin campers and equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate our Climbing Tower. During their time at the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in climbing, exploration, and swinging, all while remaining just inches above the ground.
To prioritize safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough inspection and certification by the company responsible for their construction at the beginning of each season. Moreover, our certified ropes instructors, who guide the groups through these courses, perform daily checks to maintain a secure environment for all campers.
Swimming is not just a life skill; it’s a crucial proficiency that is best acquired at our newly established, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex in Monmouth Junction, NJ. Our dedication to excellence is evident through our annual instructor training, which incorporates American Red Cross guidelines and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children to swim. We firmly guarantee that your child will become proficient in swimming at Oak Crest.
For our beginners, our cutting-edge Aquatic Facility includes two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably stand. This significantly enhances their comfort and initial progress. Every 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 revolves around nurturing children’s proficiency in navigating group dynamics. This process not only fosters heightened confidence and independence but also enables them to develop essential social skills. As they transition between diverse activities, campers actively engage in the cultivation of friendships, collaborative efforts, sharing, taking turns, and learning to interact respectfully with both peers and staff. Our dedicated staff is committed to empowering Munchkin campers to express their thoughts verbally and guiding them in direct communication. Oak Crest offers a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills that are indispensable for success in life.
To cater to the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, the Munchkins have a distinct dining arrangement separate from the rest of the camp, with the privilege of enjoying the first lunch period of the day. Our Oak Crest Staff is highly attentive to any dietary requirements your child may have, guaranteeing a personalized and accommodating approach to their mealtime needs.