At Oak Crest in Westfield, NJ, junior campers engage in a dynamic array of activities such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their schedule is enriched with a blend of athletic and creative endeavors, including Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. An exclusive feature for junior campers is the Late Night program, offering extended hours for a special dinner, extra swim time, additional games, unique events, and a twilight campfire with S’mores.
Our Junior program, located in Westfield, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive array of athletic activities conducted on full-size fields. Our weekly schedules encompass Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Additionally, juniors have the opportunity to explore our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program. These sessions are led by specialized athletic instructors who provide skill instruction followed by engaging games to reinforce the newly acquired skills. Oak Crest counselors actively participate, working alongside specialists to create meaningful success opportunities for our campers.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups participate in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate on a weekly basis, offering a dynamic and competitive experience for our campers.
Your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of artistic activities led by experienced art instructors, all within air-conditioned classrooms in Westfield, NJ. Our campers actively participate in activities such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature exploration, Camper vs. Wild adventures, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more on a weekly basis.
Additionally, for Junior Girl groups, a highlight of the summer is their participation in Showcrest, our annual grand Dance and Drama Production. This significant event occurs during the sixth week of camp and is hosted at a local venue in the evening, complete with professional sound and lighting, allowing our campers to showcase their talents through dance routines and drama performances.
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a foundational element of the Oak Crest experience. Our aquatic facility in Westfield, NJ, is state-of-the-art and unmatched in quality. Our 3rd Grade Juniors benefit from a recently constructed, exclusive 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for 3-8 year-olds. Meanwhile, our 4th-grade Juniors enjoy swimming in our Gigantic Pool, which boasts eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water areas, allowing us to start all swimmers in standing depth and progressively move them into deeper waters as their skills advance.
Every morning, Juniors participate 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 a challenge for swimmers of all levels. We annually train and certify our instructors, adhering to American Red Cross standards and drawing upon 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.
At Oak Crest in Westfield, NJ, mastering the art of bicycle riding is a significant childhood milestone, and our new Bicycle Village provides the perfect setting for children to achieve this goal. This facility boasts a 1/4 mile training course, a state-of-the-art pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. Beyond promoting independence, cycling imparts essential lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, allowing novice riders to gain the confidence they need. As campers progress, they can engage in our dynamic Mountain Biking Program, complete with appropriately sized bikes and helmets provided by Oak Crest.
In Westfield, NJ, our Junior campers at Oak Crest have the unique opportunity to experience all of our Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned at a height of 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 boasts two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the exhilarating Giant Swing. The High Ropes course features additional rock walls and mid-air challenges.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo comprehensive safety inspections and receive certification from the same company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who guide groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure ongoing safety.
In Westfield, NJ, during the Choice period, our campers have the opportunity to select an activity of their choice for the week. Each week, campers can explore 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 chance to participate in our annual Drama Production or join in a specific Dance routine. This exciting annual event is known as Showcrest.
In Westfield, NJ, our campers at Oak Crest actively engage in collaboration, communication, and mutual support within their designated groups throughout the day. Our dedicated counselors play a vital role in fostering an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful interactions, and promoting effective communication among campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups cultivate deep bonds and form lasting friendships. Oak Crest is steadfast in its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing a nurturing environment where children acquire the emotional and social skills necessary for lifelong success.
