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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Highland Park
At Oak Crest in Highland Park, NJ, our 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 schedule is packed with athletic and creative pursuits, including Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. Juniors enjoy a unique benefit with our Late Night program, which allows them to extend their stay for a special dinner, extra swim time, additional games, a distinctive event, and a twilight campfire complete with S’mores.
Junior Athletics
In Highland Park, New Jersey, our Junior program offers a diverse array of athletic activities on full-size fields. Weekly schedules feature Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Juniors also have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, led by specialized instructors who provide skill instruction followed by skill-reinforcing games. Our Oak Crest counselors actively participate, working alongside specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups engage in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. Weekly rotations of activities and opponents ensure a dynamic and competitive experience for our young campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of artistic activities led by experienced art teachers, all within the comfort of air-conditioned classrooms in Highland Park, NJ. Our campers can explore activities such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more on a weekly basis.
In addition to these creative experiences, our Junior Girl groups also have the chance to showcase their talent in a special annual event known as Showcrest. This grand Dance and Drama Production takes place during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening and features professional sound and lighting, providing a significant platform for our campers to shine.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience, and our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Highland Park, NJ, is unrivaled. Our 3rd Grade Juniors benefit from a recently constructed, exclusive 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for 3-8 year-olds, while 4th grade Juniors swim in our expansive Gigantic Pool, featuring eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities provide the advantage of shallow water, allowing us to start all swimmers in standing depth and progressively move them into deeper water as their skills improve.
Each morning, Juniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with additional support from group counselors. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that swimmers of all levels are appropriately challenged. Our instructors receive 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 afternoon, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in Highland Park, NJ, mastering the art of riding a bicycle is recognized as a significant childhood milestone, and we offer the ideal environment for children to achieve this goal – the recently established Bicycle Village. This facility comprises a 1/4 mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond fostering independence, cycling imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors provide personalized 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 for their enjoyment and development.
Ropes Courses
In Highland Park, NJ, our Junior campers at Oak Crest have the unique opportunity to experience all of our Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to become acquainted with belaying 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 offers even more rock walls and mid-air challenges.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive 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 standards are met.
Choice
In Highland Park, NJ, during the Choice period at Oak Crest, campers have the flexibility to select an activity for the week. Each week, campers can choose from a regularly updated list of options. In addition to a wide range of athletic and creative choices, Junior campers also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or take part in a dedicated Dance routine. This special yearly event is known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our camp in Highland Park, NJ, our campers actively collaborate, communicate, and support one another within their designated groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful interaction and effective communication among both campers and staff members. Through shared experiences, these groups develop strong bonds and form lasting friendships. Oak Crest is steadfast in its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing the creation of a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills essential for lifelong success.
