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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ 10 Years Running
Summer Camp near Highland Park
Oak Crest Day Camp, nestled near Highland Park, NJ, is the ideal summer haven for children aged 3 to 15 years. Known for its convenience, it provides hassle-free door-to-door transportation for many families. The camp offers a wide array of engaging activities tailored to various age groups.
For younger campers, there’s an abundance of activities like swimming, biking, rock climbing, and arts and crafts. These activities not only ensure a fun-filled summer but also foster learning and development.
As children mature, they can partake in specialized programs, including exciting day trips and overnight adventures, allowing them to embrace independence and build lifelong skills. Whether it’s swimming proficiency, mastering biking, or honing social, teamwork, and leadership abilities, Oak Crest provides a supportive and dynamic environment.
Recognizing the challenges of today’s family life, Oak Crest Day Camp offers flexible scheduling options, including early enrollment and late drop-off services. This commitment to accommodating family needs provides parents with peace of mind while their children enjoy an enriching summer experience, allowing them to manage their busy schedules.
With its comprehensive program and family-friendly services, Oak Crest Day Camp creates a place where cherished summer memories are crafted, lasting friendships are forged, and children are encouraged to explore, learn, and flourish.
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
Oak Crest’s Munchkin Division offers two program options for 3 to 5-year-olds: a 5 full-day and a 3 full-day program. We maintain a low camper-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention, with each group consisting of 10 to 12 campers and 3 to 4 staff members, placing a strong emphasis on safety and nurturing care.
One of the primary focuses of the Munchkin Program is swimming. We are dedicated to helping children build comfort and proficiency in the water. Our specially trained Munchkin Specialists lead these efforts to provide an age-appropriate and enriching experience. In addition to swimming, our program includes a variety of athletic and creative activities designed to enhance gross and fine motor skills, fostering a well-rounded developmental experience for your child.
Explorers (1st and 2nd Graders)
In the Explorers program, which is similar to our Munchkin program, children participate in a range of activities that foster physical and creative development. They also continue to improve their swimming abilities while simultaneously developing essential social and emotional skills. As first graders, campers get to experience exciting activities like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and GAGA, adding an adventurous twist to their summer.
In the second grade, campers have the opportunity to choose their preferred activities on a weekly basis during CHOICE periods. This allows for personalized experiences, ensuring that each child can explore their interests and have a summer filled with activities they genuinely enjoy.
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders)
In the Junior program at Oak Crest, children have the opportunity to participate in a diverse array of activities, such as Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, and Camper vs. Wild. This well-rounded program includes both athletic and creative pursuits, as well as Instructional Swim and access to the Climbing Tower.
Moreover, Juniors get to experience special occasions like Late Nights, which provide extended camp access for extra fun. During Late Nights, they can enjoy a special dinner, additional swim time, engaging games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire complete with delicious S’mores. These activities create memorable moments and foster a sense of camaraderie among the campers.
Seniors (5th & 6th Graders)
Senior campers at Oak Crest have the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive range of activities, including all the camp’s offerings, which encompass various exciting options. Beyond the regular camp activities, seniors embark on thrilling day trips, such as visits to Dorney Park, adding an extra layer of adventure to their summer.
In addition to these enriching experiences, seniors can explore their interests through an extensive selection of advanced Choice offerings. This empowers them to tailor their camp experience to their preferences and deepen their engagement.
Senior Late Nights are another highlight, providing extended camp time for extra enjoyment. During these special evenings, seniors relish a unique dinner, additional swim sessions, engaging games, a distinct event, and a twilight campfire where they can savor delicious S’mores. These activities not only create lasting memories but also foster a strong sense of community among the senior campers.
Teen Travel (7th, 8th, & 9th Graders)
During the Choice period, campers have the opportunity to choose an activity to engage in for that specific week. Each week, our campers can pick a new activity from a constantly evolving list of options. These choices encompass a wide array of athletic and creative activities.
Furthermore, our Senior campers have the exciting option of being part of our annual Drama Production or taking part in a special Dance routine known as Showcrest. These productions are highly anticipated events, with the Senior campers’ performances consistently being the highlight of the show. It’s a chance for them to showcase their talents and creativity in front of their peers, adding an extra layer of excitement and fulfillment to their camp experience.
Social Development
At Oak Crest, our dedicated camp counselors take on the important role of guiding campers through a series of team-building challenges and friendly competitions. Through these activities, we prioritize fostering valuable skills such as teamwork, support, and effective communication. This structured environment is designed to instill respect among campers and helps cultivate lasting friendships.
In line with our commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment, Oak Crest maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against bullying. Our primary goal is to provide a caring and inclusive atmosphere where children and young teens can not only have fun but also develop crucial emotional and social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
LIT Program (10th & 11th Graders)
The LIT (Leadership in Training) Experience is a program that provides older campers, typically in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, with a hands-on opportunity to develop essential leadership skills in a dynamic and engaging environment. This program is geared towards enriching the camp experience for younger campers by nurturing their growth.
Participants in the LIT program concentrate on honing skills such as problem-solving, serving as role models, and effectively collaborating within a team. The primary emphasis lies on instilling a sense of responsibility, with the ultimate goal of preparing LITs for future success in both college and their careers. Additionally, it opens up the possibility of becoming exceptional camp staff in the future, showcasing their leadership abilities and contributing positively to the camp community.
