Oak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ 10 Years Running
Limited Spots Left for Summer 2024
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Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
Transportation
Oak Crest provides Bus Transportation to dozens of nearby towns.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
New to Camp?
Learn more about how we tailor our program for each age group.
Summer Camp near Edison
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Edison , NJ, stands out as an ideal summer haven for children aged 3 to 15. Recognized for its exceptional convenience, the camp provides door-to-door transportation, relieving the scheduling burden for many families. With a focus on engaging and thrilling activities tailored for different age groups, Oak Crest ensures that every day is an exciting adventure.
For the younger campers, the options are diverse and stimulating, including swimming, bicycling, rock climbing, and arts and crafts. These activities not only guarantee a fun-filled summer but also foster valuable learning experiences. As children mature, they can delve into specialized programs such as special day trips and overnight excursions, offering an ideal mix of adventure and independence. Beyond mere enjoyment, these activities are designed to instill lifelong skills, be it swimming proficiency, cycling mastery, or the development of crucial social, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
Recognizing the challenges of contemporary family life, Oak Crest Day Camp goes the extra mile by providing flexible scheduling options. Early enrollment and late drop-off services are available, demonstrating a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of families. This dedication ensures that parents can entrust their children to a summer filled with enrichment while managing their hectic schedules.
In essence, Oak Crest Day Camp is more than just a recreational facility; it’s a supportive and dynamic environment where summer memories are forged, friendships are cultivated, and children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow. The camp’s comprehensive program and family-friendly services make it the perfect setting for a fulfilling summer experience for both children and parents alike.
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
Oak Crest offers specialized programs tailored for 3 to 5-year-olds in our Munchkin Division, featuring both 5 full-day and 3 full-day options. The emphasis is on maintaining an optimal camper-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention, with each group comprising 10 to 12 campers and 3 to 4 staff members. This approach prioritizes safety and nurturing care, creating an environment where each child’s needs are met with diligence.
In the Munchkin Program, the spotlight is on developing essential swimming skills. The program dedicates focused efforts to build comfort and proficiency in the water. Moreover, it goes beyond aquatic activities, incorporating a variety of athletic and creative pursuits to enhance gross and fine motor skills. Specially trained Munchkin Specialists lead these activities, ensuring an age-appropriate and enriching experience for each child.
By offering a balanced blend of swimming education and holistic skill development, the Munchkin Program at Oak Crest strives to provide a well-rounded and engaging experience for young campers. The careful attention to safety, low camper-to-staff ratio, and specialized instruction make it a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and have fun.
Explorers (1st and 2nd Graders)
Similar to the Munchkin program, our Explorers, designed for first and second graders, provide a dynamic blend of athletic and creative activities. This not only nurtures physical development but also enhances swimming skills and fosters social and emotional intelligence in young campers.
For first graders, the adventure expands with the introduction of exciting elements like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and engaging GAGA sessions. These activities are carefully selected to provide both fun and a sense of accomplishment.
As campers progress to the second grade, they enjoy CHOICE periods, a unique feature that allows them to personalize their weekly experiences by selecting preferred activities. This tailored approach ensures that each child has the opportunity to explore and engage in activities they find most appealing, contributing to a more individualized and enjoyable summer camp experience.
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders)
Oak Crest’s Junior program is designed to offer a diverse array of activities for children in this age group. From Archery and Mountain Biking to Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, and Camper vs. Wild, Juniors experience a rich variety of both athletic and creative pursuits. This comprehensive program also includes Instructional Swim sessions and access to the Climbing Tower, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience.
As an added bonus, Juniors get to enjoy special Late Nights, extending their camp access for extra fun. These Late Nights feature a special dinner, additional swim and games, a unique event, and a memorable twilight campfire with S’mores. This extended program not only provides extra excitement for the campers but also contributes to the creation of lasting memories during their summer at Oak Crest.
Seniors (5th & 6th Graders)
Seniors at Oak Crest not only partake in the full spectrum of camp activities but also embark on thrilling day trips, including visits to popular destinations like Dorney Park. The program is designed to cater to their advanced interests and skills through a diverse array of Choice offerings, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.
Adding to the excitement, Senior campers get to extend their camp time with dedicated Senior Late Nights. This special extension includes a unique dinner, extra swim and games, a distinctive event, and a twilight campfire complete with the quintessential treat—S’mores. These extended sessions are crafted to provide not just additional fun but also opportunities for bonding and creating cherished memories during their Oak Crest summer.
Teen Travel (7th, 8th, & 9th Graders)
Campers at Oak Crest have the unique opportunity to personalize their experience through the Choice program. Every week, they can select an activity from a dynamic list that is constantly changing, ensuring a fresh and engaging variety. This goes beyond the typical athletic and creative pursuits, offering Seniors the chance to take on roles in our annual Drama Production or participate in a special Dance routine, collectively known as Showcrest. The Senior contributions to both the Drama and Dance productions are consistently the highlights of the show, showcasing their talents and making a lasting impact on the entire camp community.
Social Development
At Oak Crest, our dedicated camp counselors play a pivotal role in guiding groups through a series of team-building challenges and competitions. This intentional approach aims to cultivate essential values such as teamwork, support, and effective communication among campers. The structured environment not only encourages these crucial skills but also promotes an atmosphere of respect and the formation of lifelong friendships.
In our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing space, Oak Crest maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. Our focus is on creating an environment where children and young teens can thrive emotionally and socially. Through these deliberate efforts, we aim to instill in campers the fundamental skills necessary for healthy relationships and personal development.
LIT Program (10th & 11th Graders)
The LIT Experience at Oak Crest is a transformative opportunity for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, offering hands-on leadership skill development in a dynamic and engaging setting. This program is meticulously designed to enrich the overall camp experience for younger campers. Participants delve into essential aspects of leadership, including problem-solving, role modeling, and teamwork.
Emphasizing a sense of responsibility, the LIT program aims to prepare participants for future success in both college and careers. The skills acquired during this experience not only contribute to personal growth but also lay the foundation for potential roles as outstanding camp staff. The LIT Experience at Oak Crest is a strategic investment in the development of young leaders, fostering qualities that extend far beyond the camp environment and into their future endeavors.
