Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near Hillsborough
At Oak Crest Day Camp, our programs adapt and grow with our campers. As young children mature, they advance from the Munchkin program to the Explorer initiative, designed for those entering 1st and 2nd grades. This progression introduces them to new activities and challenges that cater to their evolving developmental needs.
For 1st graders, we offer the excitement of the Climbing Tower, Zipline, and Giant Swing, as well as the popular game of GAGA. These activities are crafted to enhance physical skills and boost confidence.
As children step into 2nd grade, they experience the autonomy of CHOICE. This feature allows them to select their preferred activities each week, fostering independence and encouraging a diverse set of experiences. It’s an empowering way for campers to explore their interests in a supportive environment.
Located near Hillsborough, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp provides these enriching experiences in a setting that promotes both athletic and creative growth, alongside social and emotional development.
Explorer Athletics

At Oak Crest Day Camp, our young campers in 1st and 2nd grades enjoy sports activities tailored specifically for their abilities. By adapting conventional sports to smaller fields and courts and using age-appropriate equipment, we help campers learn the basics of each sport effectively. This setting allows them to succeed and feel accomplished as they develop new skills.
Our Athletic Specialists excel in teaching these fundamentals and strategically structure game time to reinforce newly learned abilities. Oak Crest counselors work closely with the specialists, actively engaging in games to ensure each child feels supported and valued during playtime.
Oak Crest Day Camp, beloved by parents of 6-8 year-olds, is known for its dynamic, developmentally-appropriate programs. Conveniently located near Hillsborough, NJ, we offer a nurturing environment where young athletes can thrive and explore their potential.
Creative Arts

Join us at Oak Crest Day Camp, where children can engage in a rich array of artistic activities under the guidance of skilled art teachers in air-conditioned classrooms. Our camp, conveniently located near Hillsborough, NJ, offers a diverse curriculum including Ceramics, Music, Science Experiments, Cooking, Drama, Nature Exploration, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, and Computer Science.
Each week, campers delve into activities designed to foster creativity and excitement. Additionally, our Explorer Girl groups, ages 6-8, have the unique opportunity to participate in our annual Showcrest. This Dance and Drama Production takes place during the 6th week of camp at a local venue, complete with professional sound and lighting, offering your child a chance to shine in a professionally staged performance. Don’t miss out on this exciting experience that celebrates the talents of our young campers.
Learn to Swim

Join us at Oak Crest Day Camp, where our Learn-to-Swim Program is a cornerstone of our offerings, especially popular among families near Hillsborough, NJ. Our camp features a state-of-the-art Aquatic Complex designed specifically for our younger campers, spanning 12,000 square feet with varied water depths to cater to all skill levels.
The Aquatic Complex allows children to start in shallow water of just one foot deep, providing a safe environment for beginners, and extends up to six feet for more advanced swimmers. This graduated approach helps children safely enhance their swimming skills under the careful guidance of our certified instructors.
Our swim lessons, conducted daily in 40-minute sessions, are tailored to individual abilities rather than age groups, ensuring personalized attention. Our instructors, who are trained annually in American Red Cross standards, bring over 25 years of experience to their teaching, making our program a trusted choice for local parents seeking a comprehensive and nurturing swim education for their children. Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Hillsborough, NJ, is the preferred destination for a robust and enjoyable swimming experience.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle

Explore the thrill of cycling at Oak Crest Day Camp’s Bicycle Village, a newly introduced feature that’s capturing the hearts of 6-8-year-olds near Hillsborough, NJ. Our dedicated cycling area includes a 1/4-mile training course, an advanced pump track, and a trail designed for mountain biking skills.
Learning to ride a bike is a key milestone in childhood, promoting independence and enhancing balance, coordination, and motor skills. At Oak Crest, we focus on personalized instruction to build confidence in young cyclists. Each child is equipped with appropriately sized bikes and helmets, ensuring a safe and rewarding cycling experience.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course

At Oak Crest Day Camp, our ropes courses are tailored to excite and challenge young explorers aged 6 to 8, located near Hillsborough, NJ. The camp features a specially designed low ropes course that helps 1st graders develop their gross motor skills, acting as a primer for the more challenging Climbing Tower.
On the low ropes course, 1st graders engage in activities such as climbing and swinging, safely a few inches off the ground. As they move into 2nd grade, campers graduate to our Climbing Tower and Zipline, stepping up to new heights of adventure and challenge.
Safety is paramount at Oak Crest. Our ropes courses are rigorously inspected and certified by their builders before each season, with daily checks conducted by our certified ropes instructors. This ensures a safe, enriching, and fun experience for every camper. Join us at Oak Crest Day Camp, a favored choice for families near Hillsborough, NJ, for a camp experience that builds confidence, skills, and memorable adventures for your child.
Social Development
At Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Hillsborough, NJ, the Explorer Division is designed for children aged 6-8 to cultivate teamwork and collaboration. Through diverse activities, campers learn to support one another, fostering friendships under the guidance of our dedicated counselors. We emphasize respectful interactions and clear communication between campers and staff, ensuring a nurturing environment that promotes social and emotional growth.
This approach helps prepare children for future success by instilling crucial life skills. Oak Crest is a top choice for local families seeking comprehensive development for their children in a supportive camp setting.
