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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders) Summer Camp near Watchung
At Oak Crest in Watchung, NJ, our junior campers engage in a rich array of activities such as archery, mountain biking, lacrosse, high ropes, BMX, skatepark, Camper vs. Wild pioneering, and more. Their daily schedule includes a blend of athletic and creative pursuits, complemented by instructional swim sessions and access to the climbing tower. A distinctive offering for junior campers is our Late Night program, allowing them to extend their stay for an exclusive dinner, extra swim time, additional games, special events, and a twilight campfire featuring delicious S’mores.
Junior Athletics
Our Junior program in Watchung, New Jersey, offers a wide array of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Weekly schedules encompass sports like soccer, football, tennis, lacrosse, archery, basketball, hockey, and more. In addition, junior campers have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, guided by Athletic Specialists who provide skill instruction followed by skill-reinforcing games. Oak Crest counselors actively participate in these sessions, working alongside specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for the campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups partake in competitive games such as soccer, handball, football, and dodgeball. The activities and opponents rotate weekly, offering a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
Creative Arts
Your child will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of artistic activities under the guidance of experienced art teachers, all within comfortable air-conditioned classrooms in Watchung, NJ. Our campers actively participate in engaging activities such as ceramics, music, mad science, cooking, drama, nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild adventures, dance, digital photography, jewelry making, and computer-based projects on a weekly basis.
Moreover, within our Junior Girl groups, there is a special opportunity for campers 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, is a highlight of the summer and features professional sound and lighting to create a memorable experience for all involved.
Learn to Swim
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is an essential part of the Oak Crest experience, and our aquatic facility in Watchung, NJ, is truly state-of-the-art. For 3rd Grade Juniors, we have a recently constructed, 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed exclusively for children aged 3-8. Meanwhile, 4th-grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, which boasts eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities feature shallow water areas, ensuring that we can begin all swimmers in standing depth and gradually progress them to deeper waters as their skills improve.
Each morning, our Juniors participate 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, offering a challenge suitable for swimmers of all proficiency levels. We take pride in annually training and certifying 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 afternoons, Juniors have the opportunity for free swim in the pools.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Ropes Courses
In Watchung, NJ, our Junior campers at Oak Crest have the exciting opportunity to partake in all of our Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to familiarize themselves with belaying and navigate various elements similar to those found in our High Ropes Course. Our Climbing Tower features two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and an exhilarating Giant Swing. The High Ropes course offers additional rock walls and mid-air challenges for a thrilling experience.
To prioritize safety, our ropes courses undergo thorough safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction before each season. Moreover, our certified ropes instructors, who expertly guide groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure ongoing safety for all participants.
Choice
In Watchung, NJ, during the Choice period, our campers have the opportunity to select an activity for the week. Every week, campers can explore a new activity from a regularly updated list of options. In addition to a diverse range of athletic and creative choices, our Junior campers can also elect to participate in our annual Drama Production or take part in a specific dance routine, both of which culminate in our annual event known as Showcrest.
Social Development
At our camp in Watchung, NJ, campers actively collaborate, communicate, and provide mutual support within their designated groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors play an integral role in creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages respectful interactions and effective communication among both campers and staff members. Through shared experiences, these groups cultivate strong bonds and form lasting friendships. Oak Crest remains steadfast in its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing a nurturing environment where children can develop the emotional and social skills crucial for lifelong success.
