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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 Fords
In Fords, New Jersey, Oak Crest offers both 5 full-day and 3 full-day programs for young campers. Within our Munchkin Division, we maintain an exceptional camper-to-staff ratio, typically ranging from 10 to 12 campers per 3 to 4 staff members. Furthermore, each activity is supervised by a Munchkin Specialist, meticulously selected and trained to address the specific needs of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds.
The Munchkin Program adopts a three-pronged approach, focusing on enhancing gross and fine motor skills through engaging athletic and creative activities, teaching swimming skills, and fostering social development.
Munchkin Athletics
Oak Crest provides modified versions of a variety of sports activities tailored to our young campers. We offer scaled-down adaptations of traditional sports such as mini-soccer, mini-basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics, ensuring that even our youngest campers can experience success in these activities.
Our athletic specialists are uniquely trained to work with children aged 3, 4, and 5, guiding them in acquiring the fundamental skills of these sports in a manner that is both age-appropriate and engaging for your child.
Creative Arts
Nestled in Fords, New Jersey, the Creative Arts Center at Oak Crest stands as a distinguished hub for nurturing artistic expression. Here, your child will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of artistic activities, all conducted in well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms under the guidance of seasoned art instructors.
Each week, our campers actively participate in an array of activities, encompassing disciplines such as Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Adding to the depth of this experience, each Munchkin group contributes to the annual Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. Far from a modest endeavor, Showcrest, a cherished 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.
Low Ropes
Climbing and Ropes Courses are essential components of the Summer Camp adventure at Oak Crest in Fords, NJ. Our Fords location features a low ropes course designed with dual objectives: promoting the development of gross motor skills in our Munchkin campers and equipping them with the necessary skills for navigating our Climbing Tower. During their time on the Low Ropes Course, our young campers engage in climbing, exploration, and swinging activities, all while remaining just inches above the ground.
To ensure the utmost safety of our campers, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive inspection and certification by the construction company responsible for them at the start of each season. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who lead the groups through all ropes courses, perform daily checks to maintain a secure environment for the campers.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is not just a basic life skill; it represents a crucial proficiency that is best acquired at our recently established, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex in Fords, NJ. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in our annual instructor training, which adheres to both American Red Cross guidelines and leverages our extensive practical experience of over 25 years in teaching children to swim. We can confidently assure you that your child will master the art of swimming at Oak Crest.
For our novice swimmers, our cutting-edge Aquatic Facility boasts two shallow pools, ensuring that even the youngest campers can comfortably touch the bottom. This significantly enhances their comfort and initial progress in the water. Each morning, our campers engage 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.
Social Development
A significant and captivating element of the camp experience revolves around nurturing children’s proficiency in navigating group dynamics. This process fosters the development of increased confidence and independence in campers. As they transition between different activities, the group actively participates in promoting the formation of friendships, collaborative teamwork, sharing, taking turns, and learning to interact respectfully with both peers and staff.
Our dedicated staff plays a pivotal role in empowering Munchkin campers to express their thoughts using language and guiding them in direct communication. Oak Crest offers a supportive and nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills that are vital for success in life.
Munchkin Lunch
To cater to the specific nutritional needs of our preschool campers, the Munchkins have a dedicated dining arrangement separate from the rest of the camp. They enjoy the first lunch period of the day. Our Oak Crest Staff is highly attentive to any dietary requirements your child may have, offering a personalized and accommodating approach to ensure their well-being.
