Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near Princeton
At Oak Crest Day Camp, each program level is built to match the growth and abilities of our campers. First graders are introduced to activities that combine fun with skill-building, including the Climbing Tower, Zipline, Giant Swing, and the camp favorite—GAGA. These experiences encourage confidence and teamwork while giving children the chance to try new challenges in a supportive environment.
By second grade, campers begin to experience CHOICE. Each week, they can select from a variety of activities, giving them the freedom to explore their interests and develop independence. This structure allows children to grow at their own pace while discovering what excites them most.
Families living near Princeton, NJ, choose Oak Crest Day Camp because it offers more than just recreation. Campers improve their athletic abilities, strengthen swimming skills, and develop social and emotional growth that carries beyond the summer. Every activity is designed to help children build confidence, friendships, and life skills that stay with them long after camp ends.
Explorer Athletics
Sports programs for 1st and 2nd graders are carefully structured to match their developmental stage. Smaller playing fields and age-appropriate equipment make it easier for young campers to learn the fundamentals and experience success. This approach gives children the chance to focus on skill-building without being overwhelmed, helping them gain confidence through each activity.
Instruction is led by Athletic Specialists who teach core techniques in sports such as soccer, basketball, and baseball. Structured game times provide opportunities to practice what they’ve learned, while counselors actively participate to encourage and support each child. The combination of guided instruction and hands-on reinforcement ensures that every camper feels included and valued.
Families near Princeton, NJ, recognize Oak Crest Day Camp for providing sports programs designed specifically for children ages 6 to 8. The focus on fundamental skills, teamwork, and personal growth helps young campers improve athletically while also building persistence and confidence that extend beyond the summer.
Creative Arts
Creative programming for 1st and 2nd graders gives children the chance to explore many different forms of art in a structured, supportive setting. Campers take part in hands-on activities such as Ceramics, Music, Cooking, Drama, Dance, Nature Exploration, Mad Science, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, and Computer skills. Classes are led by experienced instructors in air-conditioned classrooms, allowing children to focus on building new skills while enjoying the process of creating.
Each week introduces fresh projects that encourage campers to experiment, solve problems, and share their work with peers. For Explorer Girl groups, ages 6–8, the highlight of the summer is Showcrest—an annual Dance and Drama production held during the sixth week of camp. With professional sound and lighting, every participant has the opportunity to perform on stage, gaining experience in teamwork, confidence, and public presentation.
Families living near Princeton, NJ, value Oak Crest Day Camp for its wide range of arts programming that supports both individual creativity and group collaboration. These experiences help children develop practical skills and confidence that extend far beyond the summer.
Learn to Swim
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
The Bicycle Village at Oak Crest Day Camp gives 6- to 8-year-olds a dedicated space to build cycling skills in a safe and structured environment. Campers ride on a 1/4-mile training course that helps beginners practice control and endurance, a pump track that develops balance and coordination, and a mountain biking trail that introduces more advanced handling skills. Each part of the cycling area is designed to match different stages of learning so children can progress step by step.
Instruction is led by experienced staff who work with small groups to provide individualized guidance. Campers are taught the basics of safe riding, including how to start, stop, turn, and navigate different terrains. The goal is not only to teach children how to ride but also to strengthen independence, coordination, and motor development that will serve them well beyond camp.
Every cyclist is provided with a properly fitted bike and helmet, and safety practices are emphasized at every session. Families living near Princeton, NJ, choose Oak Crest Day Camp because programs like Bicycle Village combine practical skill-building with structured support, giving children the chance to grow confident both on and off the bike.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Ropes courses for 6- to 8-year-olds at Oak Crest Day Camp are designed to introduce adventure in a way that matches each child’s stage of growth. First graders begin on the low ropes course, where activities such as climbing, balancing, and swinging just inches off the ground help strengthen coordination and gross motor skills. These early challenges are carefully structured to give children a sense of accomplishment while building trust in their own abilities.
By second grade, campers take on greater challenges at the Climbing Tower and Zipline. These elements introduce more height and excitement, encouraging children to step outside their comfort zone in a safe, supportive setting. The design allows campers to build on what they learned the year before, creating a natural progression of confidence and skill.
Safety is built into every part of the program. Each season, the ropes courses are fully inspected and certified by the original construction company. In addition, trained instructors perform daily safety checks and guide campers through each activity with careful supervision.
Families living near Princeton, NJ, value Oak Crest Day Camp for providing ropes course experiences that balance adventure with safety. These activities give children the chance to practice problem-solving, perseverance, and courage while enjoying challenges designed specifically for their age group.