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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Belle Mead
At Oak Crest in Belle Mead, NJ, our junior campers engage in a wide array of activities, such as archery, mountain biking, lacrosse, high ropes, BMX, skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their schedule is thoughtfully designed to include both athletic and creative pursuits, with opportunities for instructional swim and climbing tower experiences. One distinctive feature for our junior campers is the Late Night program, which offers the chance to extend their stay for a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire complete with S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program in Belle Mead, New Jersey, offers an extensive range of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Weekly schedules are packed with sports like soccer, football, tennis, lacrosse, archery, basketball, hockey, and more. Additionally, our juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, which are led by dedicated Athletic Specialists. These sessions focus on skill instruction followed by games that reinforce the newly acquired skills, with Oak Crest counselors actively participating to ensure meaningful success opportunities for campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups participate in competitive sports such as soccer, handball, football, and dodgeball. The activities and opponents change weekly, providing an ever-evolving and dynamic experience for our campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of artistic activities led by experienced instructors, all within the comfort of air-conditioned classrooms in Belle Mead, NJ. Our campers engage in a rotating schedule of activities, including ceramics, music, mad science, cooking, drama, nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, computers, and more on a weekly basis.
Moreover, for our Junior Girl groups, there’s the exciting opportunity to showcase their talents in a dance routine during our annual event, Showcrest. This grand Dance and Drama Production occurs in the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, featuring professional sound and lighting for an unforgettable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience, distinguished by our state-of-the-art aquatic facility located in Belle Mead, NJ. Specifically, our 3rd Grade Juniors benefit from a recently constructed, state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed exclusively for 3-8 year-olds. Simultaneously, our 4th grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, boasting eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water, allowing us to introduce swimmers to standing-depth water and gradually progress them to deeper levels as their skills develop.
Every morning, Juniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our approach emphasizes skill-based instruction rather than age-based, ensuring that swimmers of all levels are appropriately challenged. We annually train and certify our instructors, drawing from not only American Red Cross standards but also more than 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoon, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools, further enhancing their aquatic experience.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in Belle Mead, NJ, mastering the art of riding a bicycle is considered a significant childhood milestone, and we provide the perfect environment for children to achieve this goal – the recently established Bicycle Village. This facility boasts a 1/4 mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond fostering independence, cycling imparts invaluable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of essential motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, allowing novice riders to build the confidence they need. As campers progress, they have the opportunity to engage in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, complete with appropriately sized bikes and helmets provided by Oak Crest.
Ropes Courses
In Belle Mead, NJ, our Juniors have the opportunity to experience all of the Oak Crest Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to familiarize themselves with belaying techniques and navigate several elements similar to those found in our High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower is equipped with two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the thrilling Giant Swing. For those seeking even more challenges, our High Ropes course features additional rock walls and mid-air obstacles.
Prior to the start of each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction. Moreover, our certified ropes instructors, who guide groups through these courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure ongoing safety for all participants.
Choice
In Belle Mead, NJ, during the Choice period, campers enjoy the flexibility of selecting an activity for the week. Every week, campers can explore a new activity from our continually updated list of options. In addition to a wide array of athletic and creative choices, Juniors also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or join a specific Dance routine. This much-anticipated yearly event is known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our Belle Mead, NJ camp, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their designated groups throughout the day. Our counselors play an active role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful communication and effective interaction among both campers and staff. Through these shared experiences, these groups cultivate strong bonds and create lasting friendships. Oak Crest is firmly committed to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing a nurturing environment where children develop the emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
