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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Cranford
Junior campers at Oak Crest in Cranford, NJ, enjoy a diverse array of activities such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their schedule includes a mix of athletic and creative pursuits, along with Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. An exclusive benefit for Junior campers is the Late Night program, offering a special dinner, extended swim time, additional games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire with S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program in Cranford, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive selection of athletic activities on full-size fields. Weekly schedules encompass sports like Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Additionally, juniors can partake in our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program. These sessions, led by Athletic Specialists, include skill instruction followed by games to reinforce newly acquired abilities. Oak Crest counselors actively engage, collaborating with specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups participate in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. Activities and opponents change weekly, delivering a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will enjoy a rich array of artistic experiences guided by experienced art instructors in our air-conditioned classrooms in Cranford, NJ. Campers actively engage in a wide spectrum of activities, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more on a weekly basis.
Additionally, all Junior Girl groups participate in our annual event, Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. This remarkable showcase occurs during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, complete with professional sound and lighting to enhance the experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience, supported by our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Cranford, NJ. Our 3rd Grade Juniors benefit from our recently constructed, exclusive 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed for ages 3-8. Meanwhile, our 4th-grade Juniors swim in our Gigantic Pool, featuring eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities provide a shallow water area, allowing us to initiate swimmers in standing depth and gradually advance their skills in deeper water.
Each morning, Juniors engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors, with group counselors offering assistance. Our swim lessons focus on skill levels rather than age, ensuring a challenging experience for swimmers of all abilities. Our instructors undergo annual training and certification, adhering to American Red Cross standards and drawing from over 25 years of practical experience 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 art of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in Cranford, NJ, children have the perfect environment to achieve this skill through our brand new 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 promoting independence, cycling teaches valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention, empowering novice riders to build their confidence. As campers progress, they can take part in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, with Oak Crest providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
Ropes Courses
In Cranford, NJ, our Junior campers have the unique opportunity to explore all of the Oak Crest Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to acquaint themselves 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 exhilarating Giant Swing. The High Ropes course presents additional rock walls and thrilling mid-air challenges.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive safety inspections and receive certification from the same company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who guide groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure continuous safety.
Choice
In Cranford, NJ, during the Choice period, campers have the flexibility to select an activity for the week. Each week, campers can explore a new activity from an ever-evolving list of options. In addition to a diverse range of athletic and creative choices, Junior campers 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
In Cranford, NJ, our campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their designated groups throughout the day. The active participation of our counselors plays a pivotal role in nurturing an inclusive atmosphere, fostering respectful communication and interaction among both campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups form strong bonds and lasting friendships. Oak Crest maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing the creation of a nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills that are crucial for lifelong success.
