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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Colonia
At Oak Crest in Colonia, NJ, our junior campers engage in a diverse array of activities, such as archery, mountain biking, lacrosse, high ropes, BMX, skateboarding, pioneering, and more. Their daily schedule includes a mix of athletic and creative endeavors, as well as instructional swim sessions and climbing tower experiences. A distinctive perk for our junior campers is the Late Night program, which enables them to extend their stay for a special dinner, extra swim time, additional games, exclusive events, and a twilight campfire complete with S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program in Colonia, New Jersey, offers an extensive range of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Our weekly schedules are packed with sports like Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Additionally, juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, which are led by Athletic Specialists. These sessions include skill instruction followed by games that reinforce the newly acquired skills. Our Oak Crest counselors actively participate, working alongside specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for our campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups engage in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate on a weekly basis, offering a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
Creative Arts
In Colonia, NJ, your child will immerse themselves in a variety of artistic activities led by seasoned art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms. Our campers partake in a wide range of creative endeavors, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild adventures, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more, all on a weekly basis.
Additionally, our Junior Girl groups have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a special annual event called 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, allowing our campers to shine on stage.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of our camp experience. Our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Colonia, NJ, is truly exceptional. Our 3rd Grade Juniors have the privilege of using our recently constructed 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex, designed exclusively for 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, our 4th grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, which boasts eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water areas, allowing us to start all swimmers in standing depth and progressively move them into deeper water as their skills develop.
Each morning, our Juniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. These lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring a challenging experience for swimmers of all levels. We annually train and certify our instructors, adhering not only to American Red Cross standards but also drawing from over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoon, Juniors have the opportunity to enjoy free swim in the pools.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in Colonia, NJ, we recognize that mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone. To provide the ideal setting for children to achieve this goal, we’ve introduced the brand new Bicycle Village. This facility features a 1/4 mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond fostering independence, learning to cycle imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention, allowing novice riders to build the confidence they need. As campers progress, they can even take part in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, for which Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
Ropes Courses
In Colonia, NJ, our junior campers have the unique opportunity to explore all of Oak Crest’s Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, provides campers with the chance to familiarize themselves with belaying and navigate several 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 exhilarating Giant Swing. The High Ropes course offers even more rock walls and mid-air challenges for an added adrenaline rush.
Prior to the start of each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who expertly guide groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure ongoing safety.
Choice
In Colonia, NJ, during the Choice period, campers enjoy the flexibility of selecting an activity for the week. Each week, campers can opt for a new activity from a continually updated list. In addition to a wide range of athletic and creative options, our Junior campers can also choose to participate in our annual Drama Production or take part in a specific Dance routine. This highly anticipated annual event is known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our Colonia, NJ camp, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their designated groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors play an active role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere, promoting respectful communication and interactions among both campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups develop strong bonds and forge lasting friendships. Oak Crest is firmly committed to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, emphasizing our dedication to nurturing an environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills for lifelong success.
