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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSOak Crest Day Camp: Voted Best Camp in NJ 10 Years Running
Summer Camp near Scotch Plains
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Scotch Plains, NJ, is the ideal summer destination for children aged 3 to 15. Known for its convenience, the camp provides door-to-door transportation for many families, making it a hassle-free choice for parents.
At Oak Crest, each day is an adventure filled with engaging activities designed to excite children of all ages. Younger campers can enjoy swimming, biking, rock climbing, and arts and crafts, ensuring a summer filled with fun and learning.
As children grow, they can take part in specialized programs like special day trips and overnight excursions, perfect for those seeking adventure and independence. These activities focus not only on enjoyment but also on building lifelong skills. Whether your child wants to learn swimming, master biking, or develop social, teamwork, and leadership abilities, Oak Crest provides a supportive and dynamic environment.
Recognizing the demands of modern family life, Oak Crest Day Camp offers flexible scheduling options, including early enrollment and late drop-off services. This commitment to accommodating family needs ensures parents can have peace of mind while their children enjoy an enriching summer experience.
With its comprehensive program and family-friendly services, Oak Crest Day Camp is where summer memories are created, friendships are forged, and children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow.
3-5 Year Olds (Munchkins)
For parents residing in the Scotch Plains area, Oak Crest offers specialized programs tailored to the needs of 3 to 5-year-olds in our Munchkin Division. We maintain a low camper-to-staff ratio, ensuring personalized attention and safety for your child. In each group, there are 10 to 12 campers supervised by 3 to 4 staff members who prioritize your child’s well-being and development.
One of the key focuses of our Munchkin Program is swimming. We place special emphasis on helping your child become comfortable and proficient in the water. Our dedicated Munchkin Specialists lead swimming sessions designed to enhance your child’s aquatic skills. Beyond swimming, we provide a variety of athletic and creative activities that promote the development of both gross and fine motor skills. These activities are carefully chosen to provide an age-appropriate and enriching experience for your child.
Explorers (1st and 2nd Graders)
For parents residing in the Scotch Plains area, our Explorer program offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for first and second graders. Just like our Munchkins, Explorers participate in a wide range of athletic and creative activities, fostering the development of their swimming skills, as well as their social and emotional intelligence.
In the first grade, campers are introduced to exciting elements like the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and GAGA, adding a thrilling dimension to their camp experience. These activities are not only fun but also contribute to their physical and social growth.
As campers enter the second grade, they have the opportunity to personalize their experience through CHOICE periods. Each week, they can select their preferred activities, allowing for a tailored and enjoyable camp experience that aligns with their individual interests and preferences.
Juniors (3rd & 4th Graders)
For parents living in the Scotch Plains area, our Junior program at Oak Crest provides an extensive array of activities designed to engage and challenge campers. These activities include Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, and Camper vs. Wild.
The Junior program encompasses a balanced mix of athletic and creative pursuits, ensuring that campers have a well-rounded experience. They also benefit from Instructional Swim sessions and access to the Climbing Tower, allowing them to develop their swimming skills and experience exciting climbing adventures.
Additionally, Juniors get to enjoy special Late Nights at camp, which provide extended access to camp facilities. These evenings include a special dinner, extra swim time, games, a unique event, and a twilight campfire featuring delicious S’mores. It’s an opportunity for campers to bond, have fun, and create lasting memories during their Oak Crest experience.
Seniors (5th & 6th Graders)
For parents residing near Scotch Plains, our Senior campers at Oak Crest have a diverse and enriching camp experience. They have the opportunity to partake in all camp activities, ensuring they get a well-rounded experience.
In addition to regular camp activities, Senior campers embark on thrilling day trips, such as visits to Dorney Park, adding an extra layer of excitement to their summer adventures. They also have access to a wide range of advanced Choice offerings, allowing them to select activities that align with their interests and passions.
Senior Late Nights are a special feature for these campers, providing extended camp access. During these evenings, they enjoy a special dinner, extra swim time, engaging games, unique events, and a twilight campfire featuring delicious S’mores. These Late Nights foster camaraderie and create memorable moments, enhancing the overall Oak Crest experience for our Senior campers.
Teen Travel (7th, 8th, & 9th Graders)
At Oak Crest, we believe in giving our campers the freedom to choose activities that interest them during the Choice period. Each week, campers can select a new activity from a dynamic list of options, ensuring they have the chance to explore a variety of interests.
In addition to the wide range of athletic and creative activities available, our Senior campers have the unique opportunity to take part in our annual Drama Production and special Dance routine, collectively known as Showcrest. The Senior participants in both the Drama and Dance productions consistently deliver outstanding performances, making them the highlight of the show. This allows campers to showcase their talents and creativity while enhancing their overall camp experience.
Social Development
At Oak Crest, our dedicated camp counselors play a crucial role in guiding campers through various team-building challenges and competitions. These activities are carefully designed to nurture essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and mutual support.
Our structured environment fosters an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie, encouraging the formation of lasting friendships among the campers. We take a strong stance against bullying and strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy, ensuring that Oak Crest remains a safe and caring space where children and young teens can develop vital emotional and social skills.
LIT Program (10th & 11th Graders)
The LIT (Leadership-in-Training) Experience at Oak Crest is a program designed to empower 9th, 10th, and 11th graders with hands-on leadership skill development in a dynamic setting. Participants in this program actively contribute to enhancing the camp experience for younger campers.
During the LIT Experience, participants focus on honing skills such as problem-solving, effective role modeling, and fostering teamwork. The program places a strong emphasis on instilling a sense of responsibility in LITs, with the aim of preparing them for future success in college and their careers. Furthermore, it cultivates their potential to become exceptional camp staff members, making it a valuable stepping stone for their personal and professional development.
