Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near Martinsville
As children move from the Munchkin program into first grade at Oak Crest Day Camp, their daily schedule begins to include more structured, physical activities that build strength, coordination, and confidence. First graders are gradually introduced to adventure elements such as the climbing tower, zipline, and giant swing. Each activity is taught step by step, with close supervision, so children can learn new skills while feeling safe and supported. They also take part in classic camp games like GAGA, which encourage quick thinking, body control, teamwork, and respect for rules.
In second grade, campers are ready for more independence. At this stage, children begin using Oak Crest’s weekly CHOICE system, which allows them to select activities based on their interests. These choices may include sports, creative programs, or specialty activities, giving campers a chance to try new things or spend more time on what they enjoy most. This system helps children practice decision-making, gain confidence in their preferences, and take ownership of their camp experience.
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Martinsville, NJ, offers a structured program designed to support children as they grow socially, emotionally, and physically. Campers build friendships, learn to work with others, and develop athletic and swimming skills in a consistent, well-supervised environment that parents can trust.
Explorer Athletics
Oak Crest Day Camp’s sports program for first and second graders is designed to help young children learn athletic fundamentals in a clear, structured way. Activities are set up on smaller fields and use modified equipment so campers can focus on proper movement, control, and skill development without feeling overwhelmed. This approach allows children to build confidence as they learn how sports are played at their level.
Sports are led by trained Athletic Specialists who understand how 6- to 8-year-olds learn and progress. Skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, running patterns, and basic teamwork are taught step by step. Campers are given time to practice each skill before moving into organized game play, where they can apply what they’ve learned in a guided and supportive setting.
Counselors work alongside the Athletic Specialists during each activity. They help reinforce instructions, offer encouragement, and provide individual support when needed. This teamwork ensures every child stays involved, understands expectations, and feels successful regardless of prior experience.
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Martinsville, NJ, offers this sports program to help children develop coordination, learn how to work as part of a team, and build early confidence in athletic activities that will support them as they grow.
Creative Arts
Children at Oak Crest Day Camp are offered a wide range of arts and specialty programs that focus on hands-on learning and skill development. Campers rotate through structured activities including ceramics, music, cooking, science experiments, drama, dance, jewelry making, digital photography, computer skills, and nature exploration. Each class is taught by experienced instructors who provide clear, age-appropriate instruction. All activities are held in air-conditioned classrooms, helping children stay comfortable and engaged throughout the day.
For campers ages 6–8 in the Explorer Girl groups, participation in Showcrest adds a performance-based experience to the program. During the sixth week of camp, children prepare for a dance and drama production using professional sound and lighting. Rehearsals and group practice teach teamwork, focus, and stage confidence, leading up to a live performance for family and friends.
These arts and specialty programs are part of Oak Crest Day Camp’s structured approach to helping children explore interests, build creative and practical skills, and gain confidence. The camp is located near Martinsville, NJ, making it a convenient option for families in the surrounding area.
Learn to Swim
Children ages 6 to 8 take part in a daily swim program that emphasizes steady skill development through consistent instruction. The program is held in a 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex designed to support swimmers at different ability levels. With multiple pools ranging from 1 foot to 6 feet in depth, campers are able to start where they feel comfortable and progress gradually as their skills improve.
Each morning includes a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors, with group counselors in the water to provide added support and supervision. Campers are placed into small groups based on ability, allowing instructors to focus on the specific needs of each swimmer. Lessons may include water comfort, floating, breathing techniques, stroke development, and safe movement in deeper water.
All swim instructors are trained annually following American Red Cross guidelines. The program is overseen by an experienced leadership team with more than 25 years of experience teaching children how to swim. This structure ensures consistency, safety, and clear progress throughout the summer.
Oak Crest Day Camp offers this swim program near Martinsville, NJ, providing families with a reliable option for strong instruction that helps children become safer, more confident swimmers.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Children ages 6 to 8 can take part in the Bicycle Village program at Oak Crest Day Camp, which is structured to help both new riders and developing riders build bike skills safely and progressively. The program takes place in a dedicated riding area that includes a quarter-mile paved course for basic riding practice, a pump track to work on balance and control, and a wooded trail that introduces simple off-road riding skills.
Instruction is provided by staff trained to teach children at different ability levels. Campers are guided through clear, step-by-step lessons that focus on essential skills such as balancing, steering, starting, stopping, and maintaining control while riding. As children demonstrate readiness, they are gradually introduced to more challenging sections of the Bicycle Village to continue improving coordination and confidence.
All bicycles and safety equipment are supplied by the camp. Each child is fitted with a bike appropriate for their size and a properly fitted helmet before riding begins. Safety is reinforced throughout the program, and campers progress at a pace that matches their comfort and ability.
Oak Crest Day Camp offers Bicycle Village near Martinsville, NJ, giving families access to a structured program that helps children develop physical coordination, independence, and practical riding skills in a supportive setting.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Ropes course activities at Oak Crest Day Camp are introduced through a structured, age-based progression for campers ages 6 to 8. First graders begin on a low ropes course designed specifically for younger participants. The elements are positioned just off the ground and focus on building balance, coordination, core strength, and basic problem-solving skills. Campers move through each element at their own pace while learning how to navigate obstacles safely and confidently.
By second grade, campers are ready to advance to higher challenge elements, including the Climbing Tower and Zipline. These activities introduce height while reinforcing the physical control and decision-making skills developed on the low ropes course. Instructors provide step-by-step guidance, explain proper technique, and support each camper as they climb and complete each element based on their comfort level.
Safety remains a priority throughout the program. All ropes course equipment is inspected before each camp season by the original course builders. Certified instructors perform daily safety checks and stay with campers during every activity to ensure proper supervision and equipment use.
This ropes course progression is part of Oak Crest Day Camp’s approach to adventure programming near Martinsville, NJ, offering families a clear, safe path for building confidence and physical skills.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest Day Camp, campers ages 6 to 8 take part in daily group-based activities that focus on building social skills through consistent practice. Activities are designed around working in pairs, small groups, and full teams, giving children regular opportunities to cooperate, share responsibilities, and contribute to group goals. Through games, challenges, and daily routines, campers learn how individual actions affect the group.
Counselors are actively involved in guiding these interactions throughout the day. They help campers practice listening, taking turns, expressing ideas clearly, and resolving disagreements through conversation. Staff members model appropriate behavior and step in when needed to reinforce respectful communication and positive group behavior, helping children understand expectations in real time.
As campers spend time together, they learn how to work with peers who may have different personalities and communication styles. Group projects, team games, and shared responsibilities encourage patience, empathy, and confidence when speaking up or asking for help. These experiences help children become more comfortable navigating social situations independently.
Oak Crest Day Camp offers this Explorer Division program near Martinsville, NJ, giving families a structured setting where children can strengthen social and emotional skills that support success at school and beyond.