At Oak Crest in Piscataway, NJ, our junior campers engage in a diverse array of activities such as archery, mountain biking, lacrosse, high ropes, BMX, skateboarding, pioneering adventures, and more. Their daily schedule combines athletic and creative endeavors, including instructional swim and the climbing tower. A distinct advantage for our junior campers is the Late Night program, which offers extended hours for a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, unique events, and a twilight campfire complete with S’mores.
Our Junior program in Piscataway, New Jersey, boasts a wide variety 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, all led by dedicated Athletic Specialists who provide skill instruction followed by games to reinforce newly acquired abilities. Oak Crest counselors actively participate, collaborating with specialists to create meaningful opportunities for camper success.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups partake in soccer, handball, football, and dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate weekly, ensuring a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
In Piscataway, NJ, your child will immerse themselves in a rich array of artistic activities led by experienced instructors, all within air-conditioned classrooms. Our campers participate in a weekly rotation of diverse 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, our Junior Girl groups get the chance to shine as they showcase a dance routine in our annual event, Showcrest—an extravagant Dance and Drama Production. This remarkable production occurs during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, complete with professional sound and lighting for a truly memorable experience.
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Located in Piscataway, NJ, our state-of-the-art aquatic facility is unrivaled. For our 3rd Grade Juniors, we offer a recently constructed, state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex tailored exclusively for 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, our 4th grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, featuring eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities provide shallow water, allowing us to introduce all swimmers to standing depth and gradually progress them into deeper water as their skills develop.
Every morning, Juniors engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that swimmers of all levels find them challenging. We annually train and certify our instructors, adhering not only to American Red Cross standards but also drawing from over 25 years of practical experience in teaching children how to swim. In the afternoon, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools.
At Oak Crest in Piscataway, NJ, mastering the art of bicycle riding is considered a significant childhood milestone. We offer the perfect environment for children to achieve this milestone through 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. Learning to ride a bike not only fosters independence but also imparts essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention, helping novice riders build the confidence they need. As campers progress, they can take part in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, with Oak Crest providing appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
In Piscataway, NJ, our Junior campers have the unique opportunity to partake in all of Oak Crest’s Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to acquaint themselves with belaying and navigate various elements similar to those encountered in our High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower boasts two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the thrilling Giant Swing. 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 conducted 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 measures are in place.
In Piscataway, NJ, during the Choice period, campers have the flexibility to select an activity for the week. Each week, campers can opt for a new activity from a regularly refreshed list. 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 special annual event is known as Showcrest.
At our camp in Piscataway, NJ, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their assigned groups throughout the day. The active participation of our counselors plays a pivotal role in creating an inclusive atmosphere, fostering respectful communication and teamwork among both campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups cultivate lasting bonds and establish enduring friendships. Oak Crest is steadfast in its dedication to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing a nurturing environment where children acquire crucial emotional and social skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
