At Oak Crest in Franklin Park, NJ, junior campers engage in a diverse array of activities, such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their daily schedule includes a blend of athletic and creative pursuits, complemented by Instructional Swim and access to the Climbing Tower. A distinct advantage for our junior campers is the Late Night program, offering extended hours for a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, exclusive events, and a twilight campfire complete with delicious S’mores.
Our Junior program, located in Franklin Park, New Jersey, offers an extensive array of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Each week, our carefully curated schedules encompass sports like Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Furthermore, juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, both led by dedicated Athletic Specialists who provide skill instruction and organize skill-reinforcing games. Oak Crest counselors actively participate, collaborating with specialists to create meaningful opportunities for camper success.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups engage in a rotation of Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. This dynamic approach provides campers with a competitive and varied sports experience each week.
Your child will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic activities led by experienced art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms in Franklin Park, NJ. Our campers engage in weekly sessions of Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
Additionally, all Junior Girl groups participate in a special showcase, the annual ‘Showcrest,’ a grand Dance and Drama Production held during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening. This event boasts professional sound and lighting, providing a memorable platform for our campers to shine.
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience, made possible by our state-of-the-art aquatic facility located in Franklin Park, NJ. Our Aquatic Complex is unparalleled, offering a unique experience for both 3rd and 4th Grade Juniors.
For 3rd Grade Juniors, we have a recently constructed, state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex specifically tailored to 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, our 4th Grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, which boasts eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities feature shallow water areas, allowing us to start all swimmers in standing depth and progress them into deeper water as their skills improve.
Each morning, our Juniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with additional support provided by our group counselors. Our swim lessons are skill-based, ensuring a challenge for swimmers of all levels. We take pride in annually training and certifying our instructors, drawing not only from American Red Cross standards but also 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.
At Oak Crest in Franklin Park, NJ, mastering the art of bicycle riding is considered a significant childhood milestone. Our brand-new Bicycle Village provides an ideal setting for children to acquire this skill. 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 also imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of 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 participate in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, for which Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
In Franklin Park, NJ, our Juniors have the unique opportunity to partake in all of the Oak Crest Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned at a height of 5 feet above the ground, serves as an introductory experience, allowing campers to familiarize themselves with belaying techniques and navigate several elements similar to those encountered in our High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower features two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the exhilarating Giant Swing, while the High Ropes Course presents additional rock walls and mid-air challenges.
Prior to the commencement of each season, our ropes courses undergo meticulous safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who lead groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure ongoing safety.
Located in Franklin Park, NJ, our campers have the opportunity to exercise their choices during the Choice period. Each week, campers can select an activity from a continually updated list, allowing them to explore a variety of options throughout the summer. In addition to a diverse range of athletic and creative activities, our Junior campers can also choose to participate in our annual Drama Production or take part in a dedicated Dance routine. This highly anticipated yearly event is known as Showcrest.
At our camp in Franklin Park, NJ, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their assigned groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors play an active role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful communication and interaction among campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups develop strong bonds and lasting friendships.
Oak Crest is resolute in its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, placing a strong emphasis on creating a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills essential for lifelong success.
