At Oak Crest in Sayreville, NJ, junior campers embark on a diverse and engaging journey, participating in activities such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their daily schedule is packed with a blend of athletic and creative pursuits, including Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. A distinctive highlight for our junior campers is the Late Night program, which allows them to extend their day with a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire featuring delicious S’mores.
Our Junior program in Sayreville, New Jersey, offers an extensive array of athletic activities set on full-size fields. Our weekly schedules feature Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Juniors also have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, led by skilled Athletic Specialists who provide both instruction and engaging games to reinforce newly acquired skills. Our 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 competitive matches of Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents change weekly, ensuring a dynamic and spirited experience for our campers.
Your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich spectrum of artistic activities, guided by experienced art instructors in air-conditioned classrooms in Sayreville, NJ. Campers can engage in a wide 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.
Additionally, for our Junior Girl groups, there is the exciting opportunity to showcase their talents in a dance routine during our annual event, Showcrest. This grand Dance and Drama Production, held during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, features professional sound and lighting, providing a memorable and significant experience for all participants.
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience. Our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Sayreville, NJ, is truly exceptional. The 3rd Grade Juniors benefit from our recently constructed 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex, exclusively designed for children aged 3-8. Meanwhile, the 4th grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, boasting eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water areas, ensuring that we can accommodate swimmers starting at standing depth and progressively advance them into deeper waters as their skills improve.
Each morning, our Juniors engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with additional support from our group counselors. Our swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring that swimmers of all levels face an appropriate challenge. 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 the art of swimming. In the afternoon, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools.
At Oak Crest in Sayreville, NJ, mastering the art of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and we offer the perfect setting for this endeavor in our brand new Bicycle Village. This facility boasts a 1/4 mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond the sense of independence it fosters, cycling imparts valuable 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, complete with appropriately sized bikes and helmets provided by Oak Crest.
In Sayreville, NJ, Juniors at Oak Crest have the exciting opportunity to explore all of our Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to familiarize themselves with belaying techniques and navigate various elements similar to those found in our High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower boasts two distinct rock walls, a thrilling 200-yard zip line, and the exhilarating Giant Swing. Our High Ropes Course offers additional rock walls and challenging mid-air obstacles.
Before each season, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive safety inspections and certification, carried out by the same company responsible for their construction. In addition to this, our certified ropes instructors, who lead groups through the courses, perform daily inspections to ensure ongoing safety for all participants.
In Sayreville, NJ, during the Choice period, campers at Oak Crest have the freedom to select an activity for the week. Each week, campers can explore a new activity from a constantly updated list. In addition to a wide array of athletic and creative options, Juniors also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or be a part of a specific Dance routine. This highly anticipated yearly event is known as Showcrest.
At our Sayreville, NJ camp, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive activities within their designated groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors actively encourage an inclusive atmosphere, facilitating respectful interaction and effective communication among campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups cultivate strong bonds and form lasting friendships. Oak Crest is resolute in upholding a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, placing a strong emphasis on creating a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills crucial for lifelong success.
