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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Manville
At Oak Crest in Manville, NJ, junior campers engage in a dynamic array of activities such as archery, mountain biking, lacrosse, high ropes, BMX, skateboarding, pioneering challenges, and more. Their well-rounded schedule includes a mix of athletic and creative pursuits, including instructional swim sessions and climbing tower adventures. A distinctive offering for juniors is our Late Night program, enabling them to extend their camp experience with a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, exclusive events, and a twilight campfire featuring delicious S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program, set in the heart of Manville, New Jersey, offers an extensive array of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Our weekly schedules encompass a variety of sports, including 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 dedicated Athletic Specialists who provide skill instruction followed by engaging games to reinforce newly acquired abilities. Oak Crest counselors actively participate, collaborating with specialists to create valuable opportunities for camper success.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups actively participate in soccer, handball, football, and dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate on a weekly basis, offering a dynamic and competitive experience that keeps our campers engaged and excited.
Creative Arts
In the welcoming air-conditioned classrooms of Manville, NJ, your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of artistic activities guided by experienced art teachers. Our campers eagerly participate in diverse activities, including ceramics, music, mad science, cooking, drama, nature exploration, pioneering challenges, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, computers, and much more, all on a weekly basis.
Moreover, our Junior Girl groups take center stage during our annual event, Showcrest—a grand dance and drama production. This spectacular showcase unfolds during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, complete with professional sound and lighting, providing a platform for our campers to shine and express their creative talents.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is an integral part of our camp experience, and our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Manville, NJ, sets the standard. For 3rd Grade Juniors, we have a recently constructed, 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed exclusively for 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, 4th grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, which features eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water to ensure all swimmers start in standing depth and progress into deeper water as their skills improve.
Every morning, Juniors participate in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our swim lessons are skill-based, not age-based, ensuring a challenging experience for swimmers of all levels. We invest in annual training and certification for our instructors, drawing from American Red Cross standards and over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoons, Juniors have the opportunity to enjoy free swim in the pools.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in Manville, NJ, we understand that mastering the skill of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone. That’s why we provide the perfect environment for children to achieve this goal – 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 fostering independence, cycling 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 can take part in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, for which Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
Ropes Courses
In Manville, NJ, our junior campers have the exciting opportunity to explore all of Oak Crest’s Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned at a height of 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to become familiar 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 thrilling Giant Swing, while the High Ropes course offers additional 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 for all participants.
Choice
In Manville, NJ, during the Choice period, campers enjoy the freedom to select their activity for the week. Each week, campers can explore a new activity from an ever-evolving list of options. In addition to a wide range of athletic and creative choices, our Junior campers also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or join a specific Dance routine. This annual extravaganza is known as Showcrest, and it’s a unique and exciting event that allows campers to showcase their talents.
Social Development
At our camp in Manville, NJ, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive activities within their designated groups throughout the day. The active participation of our counselors plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful interactions, and promoting effective communication among campers and staff alike. Through shared experiences, these groups develop strong bonds and cultivate lasting friendships.
Oak Crest is steadfast in its dedication to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing the creation of a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
