Munchkins (Ages 3-5) Summer Camp near Cranford NJ
Oak Crest Day Camp offers a unique Munchkin Program specifically designed for children aged 3-5, located conveniently near Cranford, NJ. Our program provides flexible attendance options, with a choice between 5-day or 3-day full weeks, allowing parents to select what works best for their family. The Munchkin Program is structured to ensure personalized attention, featuring small groups of 10 to 12 young campers supported by a dedicated team of 3 to 4 staff members. This low camper-to-staff ratio allows for individualized care and engagement, ensuring each child receives the nurturing environment they need to thrive.
A key feature of our program is the Munchkin Specialists, professionals who are specially trained to work with this age group. They focus on fostering essential skills in three main areas: developing motor skills through a variety of athletic and creative activities, teaching water safety and building confidence through swim lessons, and encouraging the growth of social skills critical at this stage of development. These carefully planned activities help young children build confidence, learn new skills, and create lasting friendships.
Join Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Cranford, NJ, where we offer a safe and nurturing environment for young children to explore, learn, and grow. We are dedicated to creating enriching experiences that help your child develop both physically and socially, ensuring a memorable summer for the whole family.
Munchkin Athletics
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Cranford, NJ, offers an exciting range of sports specifically designed for children aged 3 to 5 years. Our program includes mini versions of popular activities like soccer, basketball, t-ball, and gymnastics. These activities are carefully adapted to be the right size and pace for young children, allowing them to engage in the excitement of sports in a way that matches their developmental stage.
Each sport is led by athletic specialists who understand how to connect with young children. With a focus on safety and enjoyment, these instructors help our youngest campers learn the basic skills of each sport, guiding them step-by-step in a supportive setting. Through this hands-on approach, children build confidence and develop important motor skills while having fun.
By participating in these activities at Oak Crest Day Camp, your child will experience the joy of sports in a way that encourages learning and growth. Our goal is to provide an environment where young campers can explore new interests, gain valuable skills, and create memories that last a lifetime, all while enjoying a summer filled with fun and adventure.
Creative Arts
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Cranford, NJ, offers a Creative Arts Center that provides a wide range of artistic activities for young campers. Our program includes hands-on classes in Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, and Computers. With a variety of options, each child has the opportunity to explore different creative outlets and discover what interests them most. All activities are led by professional art teachers in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment, ensuring a supportive space for learning and creativity.
A special feature of our program is Showcrest, an annual Dance and Drama Production held during the 6th week of camp. All Munchkin groups participate in this event, which takes place at a local venue with professional sound and lighting. This event allows young campers to present the dance routines they have practiced, building confidence and a sense of achievement as they perform in front of family and friends.
Oak Crest Day Camp provides a summer of creative exploration, where children are encouraged to develop their artistic skills and express themselves. Our program helps foster creativity, confidence, and teamwork in a fun and engaging way.
Low Ropes
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Cranford, NJ, offers a specially designed Low Ropes Course for children in our Munchkin Division, focusing on ages 3 to 5. This course provides young campers with an introduction to climbing and balance activities, allowing them to explore, climb, and swing close to the ground. The Low Ropes Course is crafted to build gross motor skills and prepare them for future challenges, like our Climbing Tower.
Safety is always a top priority. Our ropes courses are inspected and certified for safety by professionals before each season, and daily checks are conducted by certified instructors. These instructors guide the children through each activity, ensuring a safe and supportive environment while encouraging them to take on new challenges at their own pace.
At Oak Crest Day Camp, we focus on creating a safe and fun experience for our youngest campers. The Low Ropes Course is designed to help children build confidence, improve coordination, and develop problem-solving skills, all while having an enjoyable adventure.
Learn to Swim
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Cranford, NJ, provides comprehensive swimming lessons in a 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed for young learners. Our program combines methods from the American Red Cross with over 25 years of experience teaching children to swim, ensuring a safe and effective learning process. Instructors are trained each year to use the best techniques for teaching young campers, making swimming a key part of their camp experience.
Our facility includes two shallow pools tailored for beginners, allowing even the youngest campers to stand comfortably, build confidence, and quickly gain swimming skills. Every morning, campers participate in a 40-minute structured swim lesson led by certified swim instructors and supported by group counselors. In the afternoon, they return for 40 minutes of free swim, where they can practice their new skills and enjoy the water in a relaxed setting.
At Oak Crest Day Camp, we focus on making swimming both a fun and essential part of each camper’s summer, helping them develop confidence and a lifelong skill.
Social Development
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Cranford, NJ, focuses on the social and emotional growth of young campers, especially those in the Munchkin Division. As children participate in various activities throughout the day, they learn how to interact in group settings, which helps them develop essential life skills such as making friends, sharing, taking turns, and working with others. These experiences help build confidence and encourage independence.
Our staff are more than just instructors; they guide young campers in learning effective communication. Through direct coaching, they help children use words to express themselves, resolve conflicts, and navigate social situations with peers and staff. This hands-on guidance supports the development of strong communication skills.
At Oak Crest Day Camp, we provide an environment where children can learn, grow, and build important social and emotional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. We believe that these early lessons in teamwork, communication, and social interaction are key components of a child’s development, making our camp a special place for young campers to thrive.
Transportation
Many families near Cranford, NJ, appreciate the door-to-door pickup service offered by Oak Crest Day Camp. This service provides parents with a reliable way to ensure their children, particularly those aged 3-5, are safely transported to and from camp activities each day. With options for early morning pickups and late drop-offs, our service is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working parents, providing the flexibility needed to balance work and family life.
The extended hours also give children additional time to engage in camp activities, enhancing their social, physical, and cognitive development in a secure environment. Oak Crest Day Camp’s transportation service offers both convenience and peace of mind, allowing families to focus on what matters most—providing their children with enriching summer experiences.
Munchkin Lunch
To meet the nutritional needs of our preschool campers, Oak Crest Day Camp provides a separate lunch period for Munchkins, giving them the first lunch of the day. Our staff is prepared to accommodate any specific dietary needs your child may have, ensuring that every camper enjoys a healthy meal in a comfortable setting.
Located near Cranford, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp focuses on creating a supportive environment for young children to thrive, including mealtime. Our dedicated approach to nutrition helps ensure a positive experience for both children and parents.