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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near North Plainfield
At Oak Crest in North Plainfield, NJ, our junior campers engage in a diverse array of activities, including archery, mountain biking, lacrosse, high ropes, BMX, skatepark, pioneering, and more. Their daily schedule incorporates a mix of athletic and creative pursuits, along with instructional swim and climbing tower sessions. A distinctive benefit for our junior campers is the Late Night program, which extends their stay for a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, unique events, and a twilight campfire complete with delicious S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program, situated in North Plainfield, New Jersey, offers a diverse array of athletic activities played on full-sized fields. Our weekly schedules encompass sports such as Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Additionally, juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, led by specialized athletic instructors who provide skill instruction followed by skill-reinforcing games. Our Oak Crest counselors actively participate, working alongside specialists to create meaningful opportunities for camper success.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups partake in dynamic and competitive experiences involving sports like Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate weekly, offering an engaging and competitive environment for our campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will immerse themselves in a wide range of artistic pursuits, guided by seasoned art instructors in climate-controlled classrooms located in North Plainfield, NJ. Campers eagerly participate in activities such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild adventures, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more on a weekly basis.
Additionally, our Junior Girl groups all take part in a special showcase, where they present a dance routine during our annual event, Showcrest. This grand Dance and Drama Production is a significant highlight, occurring in the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening. It features professional sound and lighting for an unforgettable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of our camp experience. We take great pride in our state-of-the-art aquatic facility located in North Plainfield, NJ, which sets us apart. Our 3rd Grade Juniors benefit from a recently constructed, exclusive 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for ages 3-8. Meanwhile, our 4th-grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our expansive Gigantic Pool, featuring eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water sections, allowing us to start all swimmers in a standing-depth area and gradually progress them into deeper waters as their skills develop.
Each morning, our Juniors engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with the added support of group counselors. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that swimmers of all levels are appropriately challenged. We take pride in our annual training and certification of instructors, drawing from not only American Red Cross standards but also over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoon, Juniors have the opportunity to enjoy free swim in the pools.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
At Oak Crest in North Plainfield, NJ, we recognize that mastering the art of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone. Our campers have the perfect environment to achieve this milestone at our state-of-the-art Bicycle Village. This newly constructed facility features a 1/4 mile training course, a cutting-edge pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond instilling a sense of independence, cycling imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, empowering novice riders to build the confidence they need. As campers advance, they can participate in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, where Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets for their continued growth and enjoyment
Ropes Courses
In North Plainfield, NJ, our Juniors have the unique opportunity to explore all of Oak Crest’s Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned at a safe height of 5 feet above the ground, provides campers with an introduction to belaying and the chance to navigate various elements similar to those found in our more challenging High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower boasts two distinct rock walls, a thrilling 200-yard zip line, and an exhilarating Giant Swing. The High Ropes course further challenges participants with additional rock walls and mid-air obstacles.
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 lead groups through these courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure the ongoing safety of our campers.
Choice
Located in North Plainfield, NJ, our campers enjoy the freedom to choose their activities during the Choice period. Each week, campers can select a new activity from a continually refreshed list. In addition to a diverse range of athletic and creative options, our Junior campers have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or join a specific Dance routine, both of which culminate in our much-anticipated yearly event known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our North Plainfield, NJ facility, our campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their designated groups throughout the day. The active participation of our counselors plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful exchanges and effective communication among both campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups develop strong bonds and forge lasting friendships. Oak Crest remains steadfast in its dedication to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, emphasizing a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
