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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Somerset
Junior campers at Oak Crest in Somerset, NJ, explore a diverse range of activities including Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their schedule encompasses various athletic and creative pursuits, alongside Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. A unique perk for Juniors is the Late Night program, allowing them to extend their stay for a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire featuring S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program offers a diverse range of athletic activities on full-size fields in Somerset, New Jersey. Weekly schedules include Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Additionally, juniors can explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program. Led by Athletic Specialists, these sessions involve skill instruction followed by games that reinforce the newly learned skills. Oak Crest counselors actively participate, supporting specialists in creating meaningful success opportunities for campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups engage in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. The activities and opponents rotate weekly, providing a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will engage in diverse artistic activities conducted by experienced art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms in Somerset, NJ. Campers participate in Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more on a weekly basis.
Furthermore, all Junior Girl groups showcase a dance routine in our annual event, Showcrest, a grand Dance and Drama Production. This significant production takes place during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening, featuring professional sound and lighting.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program stands as a fundamental component of the Oak Crest experience. Our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Somerset, NJ, is unparalleled. The 3rd Grade Juniors utilize our recently constructed, state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex tailored exclusively for 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, the 4th grade Juniors swim in our Gigantic Pool, featuring eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities provide shallow water, enabling us to initiate all swimmers in standing depth and progress them into deeper water as their skills advance.
Each morning, Juniors partake in a 40-minute swim lesson guided by certified swim instructors, with group counselors offering support. Swim lessons are skill-based rather than age-based, ensuring a challenge for swimmers of all levels. We annually train and certify our instructors, drawing not only from American Red Cross standards but also 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.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Mastering the skill of riding a bicycle has evolved into a significant childhood milestone. At Oak Crest’s Somerset, NJ, children have the ideal setting to acquire this skill—the brand new Bicycle Village. This facility includes a 1/4 mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond fostering independence, cycling imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our seasoned instructors offer personalized attention, enabling novice riders to build the confidence they need. As campers progress, they can participate in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, for which Oak Crest provides appropriately sized bikes and helmets.
Ropes Courses
In Somerset, NJ, Juniors have the opportunity to engage in all of the Oak Crest Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, situated 5 feet above the ground, enables campers to familiarize themselves with belaying and navigate several elements akin to those found in our High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower features two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the Giant Swing. The High Ropes course offers additional rock walls and mid-air challenges.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction. Additionally, our certified ropes instructors, who guide groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure ongoing safety.
Choice
In Somerset, NJ, during the Choice period, campers have the option to choose an activity for the week. Weekly, campers can opt for a new activity from a continually updated list. Alongside various athletic and creative options, Juniors can also choose to play a role in our yearly Drama Production or take part in a specific Dance routine. This annual event is referred to as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our Somerset, NJ, campers collaborate, communicate, and support each other within their designated groups throughout the day. The active involvement of our counselors fosters an inclusive atmosphere, promoting respectful interaction and effective communication among campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups cultivate strong bonds and forge enduring friendships. Oak Crest is unwavering in its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, emphasizing a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills essential for lifelong success.
