Take a Virtual Tour
2025 DATES & RATES
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Explorers (1st & 2nd Graders) Summer Camp near 08550
At Oak Crest in 08550, NJ, our camp program is designed to adapt and grow with campers as they age. Our Explorer program, which is similar to the Munchkin program, is dedicated to enhancing skills across a range of athletic and creative activities. It also emphasizes the development of swimming proficiency and the nurturing of social and emotional intelligence.
For our first-grade campers, we introduce them to exciting experiences such as the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the cherished Oak Crest tradition of GAGA. As they progress into the second grade, campers have the opportunity to enjoy a CHOICE period in their schedule. This allows them to select activities each week, creating a dynamic and engaging camp experience.
Explorer Athletics
In 08550, NJ, our Summer Camp caters to 1st and 2nd graders by offering modified versions of traditional sports. We utilize scaled-down fields and courts with age-appropriate equipment, fostering an environment where campers can experience success while acquiring fundamental game skills. Our Athletic Specialists, who oversee these activities, are trained to dedicate a portion of each session to instructing a new skill, followed by gameplay that emphasizes the newly learned skill.
Furthermore, our Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these activities alongside the campers, working in collaboration with the specialists to establish and affirm opportunities for success for our young participants.
Creative Arts
In 08550, NJ, your child can enjoy a wide array of artistic activities conducted in air-conditioned classrooms by seasoned art instructors. Every week, campers have the opportunity to participate in sessions covering subjects such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and various other disciplines.
Additionally, all Explorer Girl groups take part in a dance routine as a central element of our annual Showcrest, a significant Dance and Drama Production. Showcrest is a substantial production, typically held during the sixth week of camp in the evening at a local venue, featuring professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest in 08550, NJ, our Learn-to-Swim Program is a fundamental cornerstone of our Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility is truly exceptional, boasting a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex specifically designed for children aged 3 to 8 years old. This complex features water depths ranging from 1 to 6 feet, allowing us to initiate instruction in standing-depth water and progress to deeper levels as our young swimmers advance in their skills.
Each morning, our Explorer campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our approach to swim lessons is skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that we can challenge swimmers at all proficiency levels. Our instructors undergo annual training, and our swim techniques draw from not only the American Red Cross guidelines but also more than 25 years of practical experience in instructing children in swimming.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest, situated in 08550, NJ, mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is regarded as a significant childhood milestone. To facilitate this achievement, we have established a Bicycle Village, providing an ideal setting for young learners. This village includes a 1/4-mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Cycling not only promotes independence but also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, helping novice riders build the confidence they need. Oak Crest ensures that appropriately sized bikes and helmets are provided to facilitate the learning process.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
In 08550, NJ, Oak Crest has recently introduced a low ropes course designed to serve a dual purpose for our 1st Grade Explorers. This course aims to enhance their gross motor skills while equipping them with the necessary abilities to navigate our Climbing Tower. First-grade Explorers engage in a series of activities on the Low Ropes Course, which include climbing, exploration, and swinging—all conducted just inches above the ground. Upon progressing to 2nd Grade, Oak Crest campers have the opportunity to experience the Climbing Tower and Zipline for the first time. The Ropes Course is thoughtfully designed to allow campers to advance at their own pace. As they become more comfortable and confident, they gain access to higher and more challenging elements.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who also guide the groups through all ropes courses, perform daily safety checks to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for our campers.
Social Development
Within the Explorer Division at Oak Crest in 08550, NJ, there is a deliberate emphasis on cultivating collaborative skills within a group setting. Throughout the day, the group is entrusted with working together and building mutual support. This group structure, combined with active counselor involvement, plays a pivotal role in nurturing strong bonds and friendships among campers. Our counselors also guide campers in practicing respectful interaction with others and effective communication with both peers and staff. Oak Crest is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for success in life.
