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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Branchburg
At Oak Crest in Branchburg, NJ, our junior campers engage in a dynamic array of activities, such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their daily schedule includes a mix of athletic and creative pursuits, along with Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. A distinctive advantage for our junior campers is the Late Night program, providing them with the opportunity to extend their day 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 Branchburg, New Jersey, offers a wide array of athletic activities, all conducted on full-size fields. Weekly schedules encompass sports like Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. In addition, juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, which are led by specialized coaches. These sessions focus on skill development followed by engaging games designed to reinforce the newly acquired abilities. Our Oak Crest counselors actively participate in these sessions, collaborating with specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for our young campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups compete in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents change weekly, providing a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of artistic activities led by experienced art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms in Branchburg, NJ. Campers can engage in activities such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild adventures, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more on a weekly basis.
Additionally, all Junior Girl groups have the chance to showcase their talents in a dance routine as part of our annual event, Showcrest. This grand Dance and Drama Production occurs during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, complete with professional sound and lighting, making it a significant highlight of the camp experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is an integral part of our camp experience. Our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Branchburg, NJ, sets the standard for excellence. For 3rd Grade Juniors, we have a dedicated 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex, custom-designed for children aged 3-8, while 4th Grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool featuring eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water areas, ensuring that we can start all swimmers in standing depth and progress them into deeper waters as their skills improve.
Each morning, our Juniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our swim lessons are skill-based, catering to swimmers of all levels rather than solely age-based, ensuring a challenging experience for everyone. We annually train and certify our instructors, adhering not only to American Red Cross standards but also drawing from over 25 years of practical expertise in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoons, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in Branchburg, NJ, children have the perfect environment to achieve this goal thanks to our newly 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 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. As campers progress, they can take part in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, for which Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
Ropes Courses
In Branchburg, NJ, our Junior campers have the opportunity to experience all of Oak Crest’s Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned at a height of 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to become familiar with belaying techniques and navigate various elements similar to those found in our High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower features two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the thrilling Giant Swing. The High Ropes course offers additional rock walls and mid-air challenges for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who guide groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure the ongoing safety of our campers.
Choice
In Branchburg, NJ, during the Choice period, campers have the flexibility to select their preferred activity for the week. Each week, campers can explore a new activity from our constantly updated list. In addition to a wide range of athletic and creative options, Junior campers also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or be part of a specific Dance routine. This much-anticipated annual event is known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our Branchburg, NJ camp, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their assigned groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors actively facilitate and encourage an inclusive atmosphere, promoting respectful engagement and effective communication among both campers and staff. Through these shared experiences, these groups form strong bonds and create lasting friendships.
Oak Crest maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
