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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Fords
At Oak Crest in Fords, 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 schedule offers a blend of athletic and creative pursuits, including Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. A distinctive advantage for Juniors is our Late Night program, allowing them to extend their day with a special dinner, extra swim time, additional games, unique events, and a twilight campfire featuring S’mores
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program in Fords, New Jersey, offers a wide variety of athletic activities on full-size fields. Weekly schedules feature sports such as Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Additionally, juniors can partake in our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, led by dedicated Athletic Specialists who provide skill instruction followed by skill-reinforcing games. 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 competitive sports like Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate weekly, delivering a dynamic and spirited experience for our campers.
Creative Arts
In Fords, NJ, your child will immerse themselves in a wide range of artistic activities led by experienced teachers in comfortable, air-conditioned classrooms. Campers can enjoy weekly participation in various arts including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Moreover, all Junior Girl groups culminate their creative journey by showcasing a dance routine in our annual event, Showcrest – a spectacular Dance and Drama Production. This significant production, featuring professional sound and lighting, takes place during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, providing a memorable experience for campers and their families.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Fords, NJ, sets the standard for excellence. 3rd Grade Juniors benefit from our recently constructed, exclusive 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex tailored specifically for 3-8 year-olds, while 4th-grade Juniors enjoy our Gigantic Pool, featuring eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water, allowing us to introduce all swimmers at standing depth and progressively advance them into deeper waters as their skills develop.
Each morning, Juniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing support. Our swim lessons are skill-based, ensuring a challenging experience for swimmers of all levels. Our instructors receive annual training and certification, adhering to American Red Cross standards and benefiting from over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoon, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the art of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in Fords, NJ, children have the perfect environment to achieve this skill: the newly constructed Bicycle Village. This facility features a 1/4 mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. In addition to promoting independence, cycling instills valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors provide individualized attention, helping novice riders build the confidence they need. 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 Fords, NJ, our Junior campers have the unique opportunity to experience all of Oak Crest’s Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to become acquainted with belaying techniques 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 additional rock walls and mid-air challenges.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous 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 ongoing safety.
Choice
In Fords, NJ, during the Choice period, campers have the freedom to select an activity for the week. Each week, campers can choose from a regularly refreshed list of options, including a variety of athletic and creative activities. Juniors also have the exciting opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or be part of a special Dance routine. This highly anticipated annual event is known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our Fords, NJ camp, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their assigned groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors play an active role in cultivating an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful interactions and effective communication among campers and staff. These shared experiences help our campers develop strong bonds and form lasting friendships. Oak Crest is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, emphasizing a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
