At Oak Crest in Milltown, NJ, junior campers engage in a diverse array of activities, from Archery and Mountain Biking to Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their well-rounded schedule includes athletic and creative pursuits, as well as Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. An exclusive benefit for junior campers is the Late Night program, which extends their experience with a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire complete with S’mores.
Our Junior program in Milltown, New Jersey, offers a diverse range of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Weekly schedules include Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. In addition, juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, both of which are led by Athletic Specialists. These sessions focus on skill instruction followed by engaging games that reinforce the newly acquired skills. Oak Crest counselors actively participate in these activities, collaborating with specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups participate in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate weekly, providing a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
Your child will enjoy a rich array of artistic activities led by experienced art instructors in climate-controlled classrooms located in Milltown, NJ. Our campers actively engage in a weekly rotation of creative pursuits including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild adventures, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and much more.
Additionally, for our Junior Girl groups, a highlight of the summer is their participation in Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production held during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening. This spectacular event showcases their talents, complete with professional sound and lighting for an unforgettable experience.
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is an integral part of the Oak Crest experience, taking place at our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Milltown, NJ. Our commitment to providing exceptional swimming instruction is evident through our two distinct facilities tailored to different age groups. The 3rd Grade Juniors benefit from our recently constructed 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex, exclusively designed for 3-8 year-olds, while the 4th Grade Juniors enjoy the Gigantic Pool, equipped with eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water areas, ensuring a safe and gradual progression for swimmers as they advance in their skills.
Every morning, our Juniors engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our swim lessons prioritize skill-based progression, accommodating swimmers of all levels, rather than being age-based. We annually train and certify our instructors, adhering to American Red Cross standards and drawing upon our extensive 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoons, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools.
Mastering the art of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in Milltown, NJ, children have the perfect environment to achieve this skill in our state-of-the-art Bicycle Village. This facility boasts a 1/4 mile training course, a cutting-edge pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail, providing an ideal setting for learning. Beyond fostering independence, cycling imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, helping novice riders gain the confidence they need. As campers progress, they have the opportunity to participate in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, with Oak Crest providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
In Milltown, NJ, our Junior campers have the unique opportunity to experience all of Oak Crest’s Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to become familiar with belaying techniques and navigate several 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, while the High Ropes Course offers additional challenging rock walls and mid-air obstacles.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification conducted by the same company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who guide groups through the courses, perform daily inspections to ensure the ongoing safety of our campers.
In Milltown, NJ, during the Choice period, campers enjoy the freedom to select their preferred activity for the week. With a constantly refreshed list of options, campers have the opportunity to try something new each week. In addition to a wide range of athletic and creative choices, Juniors also have the chance to participate in our annual Drama Production or join a specific Dance routine, a celebrated event known as Showcrest.
At our Milltown, NJ location, our campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their assigned groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors actively facilitate an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful communication and cooperation among both campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups develop deep connections and lasting friendships. Oak Crest maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing a nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
