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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Raritan
At Oak Crest in Raritan, NJ, our Junior campers embark on an adventurous journey filled with diverse activities such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their schedule is thoughtfully designed to encompass a wide range of athletic and creative pursuits, including Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. A distinctive benefit for Junior campers is the Late Night program, which extends their stay for a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire featuring delicious S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program in Raritan, New Jersey, provides a comprehensive array of athletic activities on spacious fields. Each week, our young participants can enjoy activities like Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Additionally, our juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, guided by dedicated Athletic Specialists who offer skill instruction and engaging games to reinforce newly acquired abilities.
Our Oak Crest counselors actively participate in these sessions, working alongside specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for campers. At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups partake in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. This rotation of activities and opponents on a weekly basis ensures a dynamic and competitive experience for our young campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide array of artistic activities led by experienced art teachers within our air-conditioned classrooms in Raritan, NJ. Our campers engage in a variety of creative pursuits on a weekly basis, including Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more.
In addition, all Junior Girl groups come together to showcase a captivating dance routine in our annual event, Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. This significant production occurs during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, complete with professional sound and lighting, making it a memorable experience for both participants and their families.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience, and our aquatic facility in Raritan, NJ, is second to none. Specifically designed to cater to our 3rd Grade Juniors, we have a state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex dedicated exclusively to children aged 3-8 years. Meanwhile, our 4th Grade Juniors have the privilege of 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 progressively move 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. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that swimmers of all proficiency levels find a suitable challenge. Our instructors undergo annual training and certification, adhering to not only American Red Cross standards but also drawing from 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 Raritan, NJ, mastering the art of bicycle riding is recognized as a significant childhood achievement. Our campers have the perfect environment to acquire this skill thanks to our newly established Bicycle Village. This state-of-the-art facility features a 1/4 mile training course, a pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Learning to ride a bicycle not only fosters independence but also imparts essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, helping novice riders build the confidence they need. As campers progress, they have the opportunity to participate in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, for which Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
Ropes Courses
In Raritan, NJ, Junior campers at Oak Crest have the exceptional opportunity to explore all of our Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, provides campers with an introduction to belaying and allows them to navigate various elements reminiscent of those found in our High Ropes Course. Our Climbing Tower boasts two distinct rock walls, a thrilling 200-yard zip line, and the exhilarating Giant Swing. The High Ropes course offers an array of additional rock walls and challenging mid-air obstacles.
Before the start of each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who expertly guide groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure an ongoing commitment to safety.
Choice
In Raritan, NJ, during the Choice period at Oak Crest, campers enjoy the freedom to select an activity for the week. Each week, campers can opt for a new activity from a regularly updated list. In addition to a diverse range of athletic and creative options, our Junior campers also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or become part of a specific Dance routine. This highly anticipated annual event is known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our Raritan, NJ location, Oak Crest ensures that campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their designated groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors actively contribute to fostering an inclusive atmosphere, where campers and staff promote respectful communication and effective teamwork. Through these shared experiences, these groups cultivate meaningful bonds and create enduring friendships.
Oak Crest maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, underscoring our dedication to providing a nurturing environment where children can acquire the emotional and social skills that are essential for lifelong success.
