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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Hillsborough
At Oak Crest in Hillsborough, NJ, junior campers enjoy a wide array of activities such as archery, mountain biking, lacrosse, high ropes, BMX, skatepark, pioneering, and more. Their schedule is rich in athletic and creative pursuits, including instructional swim and the climbing tower. An exclusive feature for juniors is the Late Night program, which extends their stay for a special dinner, extra swim time, additional games, unique events, and a twilight campfire complete with S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program in Hillsborough, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive range of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Weekly schedules feature sports like soccer, football, tennis, lacrosse, archery, basketball, hockey, and more. In addition, juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, led by Athletic Specialists who provide skill instruction followed by skill-reinforcing games. 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 change weekly, delivering a dynamic and competitive experience for our young campers.
Creative Arts
In Hillsborough, NJ, your child will enjoy a wide array of artistic activities led by experienced art teachers within air-conditioned classrooms. Our campers actively participate in activities such as ceramics, music, mad science, cooking, drama, nature exploration, pioneering adventures, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, computer programming, and much more on a weekly basis.
Moreover, our Junior Girl groups have the exciting opportunity to showcase their dance routines in our annual event, Showcrest, which is a grand Dance and Drama Production. This significant production, held during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, boasts professional sound and lighting for an unforgettable experience.
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 Hillsborough, NJ, sets a standard of excellence. For our 3rd Grade Juniors, we offer a recently constructed, state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex exclusively designed for 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, our 4th grade Juniors have the privilege of swimming in our Gigantic Pool, equipped with eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities feature shallow water areas, allowing us to start all swimmers in standing depth and progressively move them into deeper water as their skills improve.
Each morning, our Juniors engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with support provided by group counselors. These lessons are skill-based, not age-based, ensuring that swimmers of all levels are appropriately challenged. Our instructors undergo annual training and certification, adhering to American Red Cross standards and drawing upon 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
At Oak Crest in Hillsborough, NJ, the art of bicycle riding is considered a significant childhood milestone, and our camp provides the ideal environment to achieve this skill through our newly established 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 the attainment of independence, cycling offers invaluable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized guidance, enabling novice riders to gain the confidence they need. As campers advance, they have the opportunity to participate in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, which includes appropriately sized bikes and helmets provided by Oak Crest.
Ropes Courses
In Hillsborough, 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 familiarize themselves with belaying and navigate various elements resembling those found in our High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower features two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the thrilling Giant Swing. The High Ropes course presents additional rock walls and challenging mid-air obstacles.
Prior to 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 expertly guide groups through the courses, perform daily inspections to ensure ongoing safety.
Choice
In Hillsborough, NJ, during the Choice period, campers have the freedom to select an activity for the week from a constantly refreshed list. Each week, campers can explore new options from this evolving list, which includes a diverse range of athletic and creative activities. In addition to these choices, Junior campers also have the opportunity to actively participate in our annual Drama Production or join a specific Dance routine, a highlight event known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our Hillsborough, NJ camp, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive activities within their assigned groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors actively facilitate an inclusive environment, encouraging respectful interactions and effective communication among both campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups develop strong bonds and foster lasting friendships. Oak Crest maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, placing a strong emphasis on creating a nurturing atmosphere where children can acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
