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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near South Plainfield
Junior campers at Oak Crest in South Plainfield, NJ, engage in a wide array of activities such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and others. Their schedule encompasses a diverse mix of athletic and creative endeavors, along with Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. Notably, Juniors have the opportunity to partake in the Late Night program, extending their stay for a special dinner, additional swim time, extra games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire with S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program in South Plainfield, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive range of athletic activities on full-size fields. Each week, our schedule includes sports like Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Additionally, our young participants have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program. These sessions are led by Athletic Specialists who provide skill instruction followed by games to reinforce the newly acquired skills. Oak Crest counselors actively engage in these sessions, collaborating with specialists to create meaningful opportunities for camper success.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, wherein groups participate in organized competitions involving Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate weekly, offering our campers a dynamic and competitive experience.
Creative Arts
Children will have the opportunity to partake in a wide range of artistic activities, overseen by experienced art instructors, within air-conditioned classrooms in South Plainfield, NJ. These activities include Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild adventures, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more, with new activities each week.
In addition to these creative pursuits, all Junior Girl groups participate in a showcase dance routine as part of our annual event, Showcrest. This grand Dance and Drama Production, held during the sixth week of camp, unfolds at a local venue in the evening and boasts professional-grade sound and lighting for a memorable experience.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a fundamental and integral part of the Oak Crest experience. Located in South Plainfield, NJ, our state-of-the-art aquatic facility is unmatched in its quality and offerings. For 3rd Grade Juniors, we have a recently constructed, state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed exclusively for 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, 4th grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, equipped with eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities have shallow water areas, allowing us to start all swimmers in standing depth and gradually progress them into deeper water as their skills develop.
Each morning, Junior campers participate in a 40-minute swim lesson, which is led by certified swim instructors and supported by group counselors. These lessons are structured around skill levels rather than age, ensuring that swimmers of all abilities are appropriately challenged. Our instructors undergo annual training and certification, drawing from both American Red Cross standards and 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, providing them with further practice and enjoyment in the water.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
The art of bicycle riding has become a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest in South Plainfield, NJ, children have an ideal environment for mastering this skill—the newly constructed 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 attainment of independence, cycling imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention, enabling novice riders to 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 South Plainfield, NJ, Junior campers at Oak Crest have the opportunity to participate in all of our Ropes Courses. Among these options, the Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to become familiar with belaying techniques and navigate various elements similar to those found in our High Ropes Course. The Climbing Tower is equipped with two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and an exhilarating Giant Swing. Our High Ropes Course presents additional rock walls and mid-air challenges.
Before the start of each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and receive certification from the same company responsible for their construction. In addition to these inspections, our certified ropes instructors, who guide groups through the courses, conduct daily checks to ensure ongoing safety for all participants.
Choice
In South Plainfield, NJ, during the Choice period, campers have the flexibility to select an activity for the week from a regularly updated list of options. Each week, campers can explore a new activity of their choice. In addition to the diverse array of athletic and creative options available, Junior campers also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or join a specific Dance routine. This yearly event is known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our camp in South Plainfield, NJ, campers actively engage in collaboration, communication, and mutual support within their designated groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful interactions, and facilitating effective communication among both campers and staff members. These shared experiences foster strong bonds and lasting friendships among the groups of campers. Oak Crest maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, emphasizing the creation of a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills crucial for lifelong success.
