Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near Edison
At Oak Crest Day Camp, we design our programs to grow with our campers, offering age-specific activities and challenges that match their development. For campers entering 1st grade, the Explorer program introduces exciting new experiences, including the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the camp favorite, GAGA. These activities are structured to help kids build physical skills, confidence, and teamwork.
For those entering 2nd grade, the program includes an empowering feature: choice. Each week, campers can select a new activity, allowing them to explore their interests and try different experiences tailored to their age group. With each week offering a fresh selection, campers have the chance to broaden their skills across a variety of athletic and creative areas, enjoy dedicated swimming lessons, and deepen their social and emotional development.
Located near Edison, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp is dedicated to fostering growth in young campers, providing opportunities that evolve with each age group to promote well-rounded development in a safe and engaging environment.
Explorer Athletics
At Oak Crest Day Camp, our programs for 1st and 2nd graders introduce campers to sports in a way that’s just right for their age and development. Using smaller fields and courts, along with equipment sized for younger players, we help kids grasp the basics of each game in an encouraging environment. This modified setup allows them to feel comfortable and capable, making it easier to understand the rules and enjoy the play.
Our Athletic Specialists focus on teaching essential skills and structuring game time to reinforce what campers learn, helping them practice while having fun. Oak Crest counselors actively join in these activities, working alongside the specialists to ensure every child feels successful and recognized for their efforts.
Located near Edison, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp is a favorite choice for families with 6- to 8-year-olds, offering well-designed programs that foster skill-building and confidence at each developmental stage.
Creative Arts
Oak Crest Day Camp, near Edison, NJ, offers a dynamic array of arts and creative activities for campers to explore. With programs in Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, and more, each week provides new experiences that encourage creativity and self-expression. Guided by experienced art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms, children develop their skills in a supportive environment designed just for them.
A highlight for our Explorer Girl groups, ages 6-8, is the annual Showcrest performance—a Dance and Drama production held during the 6th week of camp. This special event, complete with professional sound and lighting, gives campers a chance to shine on stage at a nearby venue. It’s a memorable opportunity for children to showcase their talents and be celebrated in front of family and friends.
Learn to Swim
Oak Crest Day Camp’s Learn-to-Swim Program is a favorite among families near Edison, NJ, offering a unique and structured swimming experience for children ages 6 to 8. Our state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex is designed specifically for young learners, featuring water depths from a safe 1-foot area to 6 feet. This range allows beginners to start in shallow water and gradually move to deeper sections as their skills improve.
Every morning, certified swim instructors, supported by group counselors, lead 40-minute swim lessons tailored to each camper’s skill level. Lessons are designed to challenge and build confidence in swimmers at all levels, focusing on individual progress rather than age. Our instructors, trained annually to meet American Red Cross standards, bring over 25 years of experience to guide each child’s development in the water.
Located near Edison, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp’s Learn-to-Swim Program continues to be a trusted choice for families seeking a comprehensive, safe, and enjoyable swimming experience for their young swimmers.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Oak Crest Day Camp’s newest addition, Bicycle Village, offers an exciting cycling experience for children ages 6-8. This area features a dedicated 1/4-mile training course, a pump track, and a trail to help campers develop mountain biking skills. Learning to ride a bike builds independence, balance, and coordination, and our skilled instructors provide individualized guidance to support each camper’s progress. We ensure a safe experience with properly sized bikes and helmets, creating a secure and enjoyable environment for young riders.
Located near Edison, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp is an ideal choice for families seeking a well-rounded camp experience that includes cycling and skill development tailored to each child’s growth.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Oak Crest Day Camp offers exciting ropes courses tailored to adventurous 6- to 8-year-olds. For our 1st graders, a low ropes course provides a fun way to build balance, coordination, and gross motor skills, just inches off the ground. This course serves as a foundation, preparing campers for more advanced challenges like the Climbing Tower as they progress.
When campers reach 2nd grade, they take on the Climbing Tower and Zipline, adding new levels of excitement to their camp experience. Safety is always our top priority; our ropes courses are inspected and certified annually by professionals, with additional daily checks by our certified instructors who also guide campers through each course.
Located near Edison, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp is a trusted choice for families seeking a camp that blends adventure, skill-building, and safety for young explorers.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest Day Camp, we emphasize teamwork and social growth for children ages 6 to 8. Through structured activities, campers learn to support one another, with counselors guiding them in forming meaningful friendships. We teach respectful communication and direct interaction, helping kids build essential social and emotional skills in a nurturing setting.
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Edison, NJ, is a trusted choice for families seeking a camp that prioritizes holistic development, preparing young campers with the skills to succeed both in and out of camp.