At Oak Crest in Whitehouse Station, NJ, our junior campers engage in a diverse array of activities such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Camper vs. Wild (pioneering), and more. Their schedule is designed to encompass a wide range of athletic and creative pursuits, including Instructional Swim and the Climbing Tower. A special perk for junior campers is the Late Night program, allowing them to extend their stay for an exclusive dinner, extra swim time, additional games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire featuring S’mores.
Our Junior program in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, offers an extensive range of athletic activities on full-size fields. Weekly schedules feature sports like Soccer, Football, Tennis, Lacrosse, Archery, Basketball, Hockey, and more. Juniors can also enjoy our Skate Park and Mountain Biking Program, guided by Athletic Specialists who provide skill instruction and organize games to reinforce those skills. Oak Crest counselors actively participate, assisting specialists in creating meaningful opportunities for camper success.
At the Junior level, we introduce League Play, where groups participate in Soccer, Handball, Football, and Dodgeball. These activities and opponents rotate weekly, ensuring a dynamic and competitive experience for our young campers.
At our Whitehouse Station, NJ camp, your child will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic activities led by experienced instructors in air-conditioned classrooms. Our campers engage in activities such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more on a weekly basis.
Moreover, all Junior Girl groups have the chance to showcase their talent in a dance routine during our annual event, Showcrest. This spectacular Dance and Drama Production occurs during the sixth week of camp at a local venue in the evening and features professional sound and lighting for a truly memorable experience.
At Oak Crest, our Learn to Swim Program is a cornerstone of the Oak Crest experience, backed by our state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Our 3rd Grade Juniors enjoy the recently constructed, dedicated 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed exclusively for 3-8 year-olds, while our 4th Grade Juniors swim in our Gigantic Pool featuring eight 25-meter lanes. Both facilities offer shallow water, allowing us to start swimmers in standing depth and progressively advance their skills into deeper water.
Each morning, our Juniors engage in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified swim instructors, with group counselors providing additional support. Our approach focuses on skill-based rather than age-based instruction, ensuring a challenge for swimmers of all levels. Our instructors undergo annual training and certification, 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.
Mastering the art of riding a bicycle is a significant childhood milestone, and at Oak Crest’s Whitehouse Station, NJ location, children have the perfect environment to achieve this skill 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 fostering independence, cycling imparts valuable lessons in balance, posture control, coordination, and the development of motor skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, allowing 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.
In Whitehouse Station, NJ, our Junior campers have the unique opportunity to experience all of Oak Crest’s Ropes Courses. The Confidence Course, positioned 5 feet above the ground, allows campers to become acquainted with belaying techniques and navigate various elements similar to those found in our High Ropes Course. Our Climbing Tower boasts two distinct rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the exhilarating Giant Swing. The High Ropes course offers even more rock walls and mid-air challenges.
Prior to each season, our ropes courses undergo rigorous safety inspections and certification by the same company responsible for their construction. Furthermore, our certified ropes instructors, who expertly guide groups through the courses, conduct daily inspections to ensure the ongoing safety of our campers.
In Whitehouse Station, NJ, during the Choice period, campers have the flexibility to select their preferred 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, our Junior campers also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Drama Production or join in a specific Dance routine as part of the cherished event known as Showcrest.
At our Whitehouse Station, NJ camp, campers engage in collaborative, communicative, and supportive interactions within their designated groups throughout the day. Our counselors actively participate in creating an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging respectful communication and effective interactions among both campers and staff. Through shared experiences, these groups develop deep bonds and form lasting friendships. Oak Crest maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, prioritizing a nurturing environment where children acquire essential emotional and social skills for lifelong success.
