Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near New Brunswick
As children move from the Munchkin program into first grade at Oak Crest Day Camp, they take on new activities that build strength, coordination, and confidence. First graders are introduced to adventure elements such as the climbing tower, zipline, and giant swing, with each experience carefully supervised and designed for their age group. They also take part in classic camp games like GAGA, where they practice quick thinking, body control, and good sportsmanship while having fun with their group.
In second grade, campers begin making weekly activity choices through Oak Crest Day Camp’s CHOICE program. This gives them the chance to explore their interests, try new activities, and start making decisions about how they want to spend their camp day. Whether they return to an activity they already enjoy or step into something new, the program helps them build independence and a stronger sense of self.
Oak Crest Day Camp offers a structured setting where children continue developing social skills, emotional confidence, and athletic and swimming abilities through age-appropriate experiences.
Explorer Athletics
Oak Crest Day Camp’s sports program for first and second graders helps young children build athletic skills step by step. Campers learn in a setting designed for their age, using smaller fields and modified equipment that make each sport easier to understand and practice. This approach helps children focus on the basics, develop proper technique, and gain confidence as they improve.
Athletic Specialists teach core skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, and moving as part of a team. Each skill is broken into simple, manageable steps that match the developmental needs of 6- to 8-year-olds. Once campers understand the fundamentals, they use those skills during structured game play. This gives them the chance to practice in real situations while still learning in a clear and supportive environment.
Counselors stay involved throughout each activity, working alongside the Athletic Specialists to guide campers and give extra encouragement when needed. With this level of support, each child receives attention, stays engaged, and has more opportunities to feel successful during sports.
Oak Crest Day Camp provides a sports program that helps first and second graders improve coordination, understand teamwork, and build confidence in athletic activities.
Creative Arts
At Oak Crest Day Camp, children take part in arts and specialty programs that give them the chance to create, explore, and learn new skills through hands-on activities. Campers rotate through areas such as ceramics, music, cooking, science, drama, dance, jewelry making, digital photography, computer instruction, and nature. Each activity is led by instructors who teach in ways that match the age and skill level of the group, helping children stay engaged while building real skills. Programs are held in air-conditioned classrooms, so campers can focus and stay comfortable throughout the day.
For girls ages 6 to 8 in the Explorer groups, one of the highlights of the summer is Showcrest, Oak Crest Day Camp’s annual dance and drama production. Held during the sixth week of camp, Showcrest gives campers the chance to work together on a live performance for family and friends. With professional sound and lighting, the experience introduces young children to performing on stage in a setting that is exciting, organized, and supportive. As they prepare for the show, campers practice listening, cooperation, and following direction, while also building confidence and becoming more comfortable in front of an audience.
Oak Crest Day Camp offers arts and specialty programs that help children explore their interests, develop practical skills, and take part in creative experiences they will remember long after camp ends.
Learn to Swim
The swim program at Oak Crest Day Camp gives children ages 6 to 8 daily instruction that helps them build skills and confidence in the water. Campers learn in a 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex with multiple pools designed for skill progression. With water depths ranging from 1 foot to 6 feet, each child can begin at a level that feels comfortable and move into deeper water as they improve. This setup supports both new and developing swimmers by matching the environment to their stage of learning.
Every morning, campers take part in a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors. Lessons are grouped by ability, allowing each swimmer to focus on the techniques they are ready to learn next. Some children work on floating, water comfort, and basic movement, while others practice stroke development, breathing, and swimming in deeper water. Group counselors assist during lessons, helping children stay engaged and making sure each camper receives support throughout instruction.
Swim instructors at Oak Crest Day Camp are trained each year according to American Red Cross guidelines. The program is overseen by a leadership team with more than 25 years of experience teaching children to swim in a safe and effective way. That experience helps ensure lessons are structured, consistent, and built around real progress.
Oak Crest Day Camp offers a swim program that helps young children become more capable, more comfortable, and more confident in the water.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Adventure activities at Oak Crest Day Camp are introduced in stages so children ages 6 to 8 can build skills in a way that matches their age and comfort level. First graders begin on the low ropes course, where elements sit just inches above the ground. This gives young campers the chance to climb, balance, swing, and move through obstacles in a setting that feels manageable while still helping them develop strength, coordination, and body control.
In second grade, campers move on to larger challenge elements such as the Climbing Tower and Zipline. These activities build on the skills learned on the low ropes course and introduce a new level of height, focus, and problem-solving. Instructors work closely with each child throughout the process, helping them understand the equipment, follow directions, and move at a pace that feels right for them. This step-by-step progression helps campers gain confidence as they take on new challenges.
Safety is built into every part of the program. All ropes course equipment is inspected before each camp season by the original course builders, and certified instructors complete daily safety checks before activities begin. Staff remain with campers throughout each session to provide instruction, supervision, and support.
Oak Crest Day Camp offers a ropes course program that helps young children build confidence, coordination, and trust in their own abilities through carefully supervised adventure experiences.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest Day Camp, children ages 6 to 8 take part in daily group activities that help them build strong social skills through real interaction. Throughout the day, campers work in pairs, small groups, and larger teams as they play games, complete challenges, and take part in shared routines. These group experiences teach children how to cooperate, take turns, solve problems together, and support others in a positive way.
Counselors guide campers through these interactions with clear, consistent support. They help children practice listening, speaking respectfully, and working through disagreements by talking about problems instead of reacting emotionally. By modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive choices, counselors help campers understand how to be part of a group and how their words and actions affect others.
As children spend time with different peers, they learn how to adjust to different personalities, build friendships, and take on shared responsibilities. Whether they are working together during an activity, helping their group stay organized, or learning how to include others, these everyday moments help campers build patience, empathy, and confidence in expressing themselves.
For families near New Brunswick, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers an Explorer Division experience that helps children strengthen the social and emotional skills that support success in school, friendships, and other group settings.