Oak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Limited Spots Left for Summer 2024
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Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Metuchen
At Oak Crest in Metuchen, NJ, our junior campers embark on a diverse array of activities, from archery and mountain biking to lacrosse, high ropes, BMX, and skatepark adventures. They also engage in Camper vs. Wild pioneering activities and much more. Their well-rounded schedule combines athletic and creative pursuits, including instructional swim and conquering the climbing tower.
What sets our program apart for juniors is the exclusive Late Night offering. This special program allows them to extend their day with a unique dinner experience, additional swim time, extra games, exclusive events, and a memorable twilight campfire featuring delicious S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program, located in Metuchen, New Jersey, boasts a comprehensive range of athletic activities held on full-size fields. Each week, our campers enjoy a well-rounded schedule that includes soccer, football, tennis, lacrosse, archery, basketball, hockey, and more. For those seeking adventure, we also offer access to our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program.
Our expert Athletic Specialists lead these sessions, offering skill instruction followed by engaging games that reinforce the newly acquired abilities. Furthermore, our dedicated Oak Crest counselors actively participate, collaborating with specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for our young campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce an exciting element – League Play. Campers participate in various sports like soccer, handball, football, and dodgeball, with activities and opponents rotating weekly. This dynamic approach ensures a competitive and ever-evolving experience for our enthusiastic campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will immerse themselves in a rich array of artistic experiences led by seasoned art educators, all within the comfort of air-conditioned classrooms in Metuchen, NJ. Our campers eagerly participate in an array of creative activities on a weekly basis, including ceramics, music, mad science, cooking, drama, nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild adventures, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, computer programming, and more.
As a special highlight, all Junior Girl groups come together to showcase their talent in a captivating dance routine during our annual event, Showcrest. This grand Dance and Drama Production is a highlight of our program and occurs during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, complete with professional sound and lighting to ensure a memorable experience for all.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience. Our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Metuchen, NJ, sets the standard for excellence. For 3rd Grade Juniors, we’ve recently introduced a tailored 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed exclusively for children aged 3 to 8. 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 gradually progress them into deeper waters as their skills improve.
Every morning, our Juniors engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with additional support from group counselors. These lessons are skill-based, not age-based, ensuring that swimmers of all levels are appropriately challenged. We take pride in our annual training and certification of instructors, drawing from both American Red Cross standards and 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 Metuchen, NJ, mastering the art of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood achievement. Our camp provides the perfect environment for children to develop this skill, thanks to our state-of-the-art Bicycle Village. This facility comprises a 1/4 mile training course, a cutting-edge pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail.
Beyond the joy of independence, cycling imparts essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the refinement of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized guidance, empowering novice riders to build their confidence. As campers progress, they have the opportunity to join our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, where Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets for their continued growth and enjoyment.
Ropes Courses
In the heart of Metuchen, NJ, our Junior campers have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in all the Oak Crest Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, provides campers with the chance to acquaint themselves with belaying techniques and navigate various elements reminiscent of those found in our challenging High Ropes Course. For those seeking an extra thrill, our Climbing Tower boasts two distinct rock walls, a thrilling 200-yard zip line, and the exhilarating Giant Swing. The High Ropes course takes the adventure to new heights with additional rock walls and mid-air challenges.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification, carried out 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 for all participants.
Choice
In Metuchen, NJ, during the Choice period, our campers have the exciting opportunity to select an activity for the week. Each week, they can explore a new adventure from a regularly updated list of options. In addition to a diverse range of athletic and creative pursuits, our Junior campers also have the option to participate in our annual Drama Production or join in a dedicated Dance routine. This highly anticipated event is known as Showcrest, a yearly highlight of our program.
Social Development
At our camp in Metuchen, NJ, campers are encouraged to collaborate, communicate, and provide support to their peers within their assigned groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors actively engage to create an inclusive atmosphere, fostering respectful interactions and effective communication among both campers and staff. These shared experiences help nurture strong bonds and lasting friendships among the groups.
At Oak Crest, we uphold a firm zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills crucial for lifelong success.