Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near Skillman
As children move from the Munchkin program into first grade at Oak Crest Day Camp, they begin participating in age-appropriate activities designed to build physical confidence and coordination. These include structured introductions to climbing, ziplining, and the giant swing. All of these activities are supervised closely by trained staff, helping children safely develop strength, balance, and trust in their abilities. First graders also take part in games like GAGA, which promote agility, motor skills, and teamwork in a fun group setting.
By second grade, campers begin choosing some of their own weekly activities through Oak Crest’s CHOICE program. This system allows each child to explore new interests or spend more time on preferred activities, encouraging personal growth and decision-making. Options include team sports, creative programs, and skill-based specialties. These experiences help campers build independence and discover what they enjoy most in a supportive environment.
Oak Crest Day Camp is located near Skillman, NJ, and offers a structured and safe setting where children continue to develop socially, emotionally, and physically.
Explorer Athletics
Oak Crest Day Camp’s sports program for first and second graders is designed to help children build basic athletic skills in a setting that matches their age and ability. Campers practice on smaller fields and use modified equipment that allows them to focus on proper form and technique. Activities are structured to help children develop skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, and moving as part of a team.
Each sport is led by Athletic Specialists who teach in a step-by-step format suited to the developmental needs of 6- to 8-year-olds. Skills are introduced clearly and practiced through drills before being used in organized games. These games give campers the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a group environment where participation and effort are encouraged.
Group counselors are involved in every session, working directly with the Athletic Specialists to provide one-on-one attention and help each child stay focused and involved. This team approach ensures that campers receive consistent support and guidance during each activity.
Located near Skillman, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers this program as part of a broader focus on helping young children improve physical coordination, understand teamwork, and gain confidence in sports through clear instruction and structured play.
Creative Arts
Children ages 6 to 8 take part in a wide range of arts and specialty programs that help them build practical skills and explore creative interests. Daily rotations include hands-on activities such as ceramics, cooking, science, drama, dance, music, jewelry making, digital photography, computer use, and nature projects. Each activity is led by instructors who provide age-appropriate instruction in air-conditioned classrooms designed for focus and comfort.
Explorer Girl groups in this age range also take part in Showcrest, a dance and drama production that takes place in the sixth week of camp. Campers rehearse throughout the season and perform on a stage equipped with professional sound and lighting. The experience helps them develop presentation skills, teamwork, and confidence. The final performance is open to families and gives each child the chance to share what they’ve worked on with an audience.
Near Skillman, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp includes these arts and performance opportunities as part of its approach to helping children grow through structured activities that support both creative expression and personal development.
Learn to Swim
Campers ages 6 to 8 take part in a daily swim program that builds foundational water skills through consistent, structured lessons. The program is based in a 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex with several pools designed for different stages of swimming development. With water depths ranging from 1 foot to 6 feet, beginners start in shallow areas and gradually move into deeper sections as they become more confident and capable.
Each morning includes a 40-minute swim lesson led by certified instructors. Campers are grouped by ability so they can focus on skills appropriate to their level—whether that’s floating, learning basic strokes, or gaining comfort in deeper water. Group counselors are present to help reinforce instruction and provide individual attention as needed.
Instructors are re-certified each year following American Red Cross guidelines. The program is overseen by a leadership team with more than 25 years of experience in swim instruction for young children. Safety, skill development, and steady progress are central to the swim curriculum.
Near Skillman, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers this swim program as part of its effort to help each camper become a more confident and capable swimmer in a supportive and well-managed environment.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Bicycle Village is designed for campers ages 6 to 8 who are either learning to ride or working to improve basic bike-handling skills. The area includes a 1/4-mile paved course for practicing control and movement, a pump track for balance and rhythm, and a wooded trail that introduces beginning mountain biking in a supervised setting. These features allow campers to gradually build confidence and coordination across different types of terrain.
Instruction is provided by staff trained to support both beginners and riders with some prior experience. Campers practice step-by-step skills including balance, steering, starting, stopping, and riding in a straight line. As they improve, they are introduced to more challenging parts of the course where they can continue developing control and awareness while riding.
Bikes are matched to each camper’s size and all children are fitted with helmets before each session. Equipment is maintained by staff to ensure safety. The focus remains on helping each camper build skills in a controlled environment, with consistent guidance and appropriate challenges based on individual progress.
Near Skillman, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers Bicycle Village as part of its commitment to developing physical coordination and real-world skills that support independence and growth for young campers.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Ropes course activities at Oak Crest Day Camp begin with low ropes elements for 1st grade campers and expand to include climbing features by 2nd grade. The low ropes course is built specifically for younger children, with elements positioned just inches above the ground. Campers develop balance, core strength, and coordination as they move through challenges such as swinging, walking across beams, and climbing with support.
By 2nd grade, campers are introduced to higher elements including the Climbing Tower and Zipline. These activities build on the physical and decision-making skills learned in the low ropes course. Instructors work closely with each camper to guide them through climbing techniques and safety procedures. Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace while being continuously supervised.
All ropes course equipment is checked thoroughly before each season by the original builders. Certified staff inspect all elements daily and monitor each activity to ensure equipment is used correctly and children are supported at all times.
Near Skillman, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers this ropes progression as part of its focus on helping children grow through physical challenge, guided instruction, and consistent safety practices.
Social Development
Campers ages 6 to 8 in the Explorer Division take part in daily activities that focus on group interaction, cooperation, and communication. These activities are designed to help children practice working in pairs, small groups, and full teams as they complete tasks, solve problems, and participate in games together throughout the day.
Counselors lead these interactions by setting clear expectations and modeling respectful behavior. They help campers learn to listen to others, express themselves clearly, and manage disagreements by talking through issues. Staff are trained to support the development of social skills by giving children tools to understand different perspectives and contribute to a group in a positive way.
As campers spend time with peers, they take on shared responsibilities in both structured activities and daily routines. These experiences help them learn how to adapt to different personalities, take turns, offer support, and build relationships over time. Social growth is encouraged through consistent practice and direct guidance.
Near Skillman, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp provides this group-based structure to help young children develop the communication and teamwork skills they will need in classroom settings and other group environments beyond camp.