Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near Somerset
As campers move from the Munchkin program into first grade at Oak Crest Day Camp, they begin participating in more physically challenging and skill-based activities. These include climbing the tower, riding the zipline, and experiencing the giant swing—all supervised and age-appropriate introductions to adventure elements. First graders also join in traditional camp games like GAGA, which help develop reflexes, coordination, and sportsmanship.
By second grade, campers gain the opportunity to make weekly activity choices. This CHOICE system is structured to help children explore personal interests while building confidence and independence. Whether selecting a favorite sport, trying a new creative outlet, or joining a specialty program, second graders begin shaping their camp experience to match their developing personalities.
Located near Somerset, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp provides a well-rounded environment where children build social skills, grow emotionally, and develop athletic and swimming abilities in a safe and structured setting.
Explorer Athletics
Oak Crest Day Camp’s sports program for first and second graders is built around helping young children learn and practice basic athletic skills in a structured environment. Campers use smaller playing fields and modified equipment, which allows them to focus on technique and build confidence through age-appropriate challenges.
Each sport is taught by trained Athletic Specialists who break down the fundamentals—such as throwing, catching, kicking, and team movement—into simple steps that match the developmental stage of 6- to 8-year-olds. After learning the basics, campers apply their skills during structured game time, where they can practice what they’ve learned in a supportive group setting.
Counselors participate alongside campers, working with the specialists to provide individual attention and encouragement. This teamwork ensures each child stays engaged, feels supported, and experiences success throughout the activity.
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near Somerset, NJ, offers this program as part of a broader effort to help young children build physical coordination, learn sportsmanship, and develop early confidence in athletic settings.
Creative Arts
At Oak Crest Day Camp, children are introduced to a wide range of arts and specialty programs designed to encourage hands-on learning and creative expression. Campers rotate through activities such as ceramics, music, cooking, science experiments, drama, dance, jewelry making, digital photography, computer skills, and nature exploration. All programs are taught by instructors who focus on age-appropriate instruction and skill development, with activities held in air-conditioned classrooms to ensure a comfortable learning environment.
For campers ages 6–8, the Explorer Girl groups have a unique opportunity to participate in Showcrest, Oak Crest’s annual dance and drama production. This event takes place during the sixth week of camp and features professional sound and lighting, giving children the chance to perform on stage in front of family and friends. Preparing for and participating in the show helps campers build teamwork, confidence, and presentation skills while experiencing the excitement of live performance.
Located near Somerset, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers an arts program that allows children to develop practical skills, explore personal interests, and gain memorable experiences through creative projects and performance opportunities.
Learn to Swim
Oak Crest Day Camp offers a swim program for children ages 6 to 8 that focuses on building water skills through daily, structured instruction. The program is held in a 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex with multiple pools designed for skill progression. Water depths range from 1 foot to 6 feet, giving new swimmers the chance to begin in shallow water and gradually move deeper as they become more confident.
Each morning, campers participate in 40-minute swim lessons. Certified instructors lead the lessons, and group counselors assist to ensure every child receives support. Lessons are grouped by skill level so each swimmer can focus on the specific techniques they need to improve—whether they are learning to float, practicing strokes, or becoming more comfortable in deeper water.
Instructors at Oak Crest Day Camp are trained each year in accordance with American Red Cross guidelines. The swim program is guided by a leadership team with more than 25 years of experience teaching children how to swim safely and effectively.
Families living near Somerset, NJ, consistently choose Oak Crest Day Camp for its clear structure, strong swim instruction, and results that help young children become more capable and confident swimmers.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Oak Crest Day Camp’s Bicycle Village is designed for children ages 6 to 8 who are learning to ride or working to improve their bike-handling skills. The area includes a 1/4-mile paved training course, a pump track to practice balance and control, and a wooded trail that introduces campers to basic mountain biking techniques.
Campers receive instruction from staff trained to work with beginners as well as those with some experience. Each child is guided through step-by-step practice that focuses on key skills like balancing, steering, starting and stopping, and riding in a straight line. As campers grow more confident, they move on to more advanced areas within Bicycle Village to continue building ability and control.
All equipment is provided, including bikes that match each child’s size and properly fitted helmets. The focus is on safety, skill development, and making sure every child progresses at a pace that works for them.
Families near Somerset, NJ, often choose Oak Crest Day Camp for programs like Bicycle Village, which combine physical development with practical life skills in a setting that supports each child’s growth.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Oak Crest Day Camp introduces ropes course activities to children ages 6 to 8 through a structured progression that starts with low ropes for 1st graders and advances to climbing elements in 2nd grade. The low ropes course is designed specifically for younger campers and focuses on helping them build core strength, coordination, and balance. The elements are set just inches off the ground, giving children the chance to climb, swing, and explore in a safe and controlled environment.
As campers enter 2nd grade, they are introduced to the Climbing Tower and Zipline. These elements add height and challenge, encouraging campers to apply the physical and problem-solving skills they developed on the low ropes course. Instructors guide each child through the process, helping them climb at their own pace while reinforcing safety and proper technique.
All ropes course equipment is inspected before the start of each camp season by the original course builders. Certified instructors perform daily safety checks and remain with the campers throughout every activity to ensure proper supervision and equipment use.
Families living near Somerset, NJ, often select Oak Crest Day Camp because of its step-by-step approach to adventure programming that builds confidence while keeping safety as the top priority.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division at Oak Crest Day Camp, children ages 6 to 8 participate in daily group-based activities that are designed to teach teamwork, cooperation, and respectful communication. Campers work together in pairs, small groups, and full teams to complete challenges, solve problems, and support each other throughout the day.
Counselors play a direct role in guiding these interactions. They encourage campers to listen to one another, speak clearly, and resolve conflicts by talking through problems. These staff members are trained to help children develop social awareness by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive group dynamics.
As friendships form, campers learn how to work with different personalities and take part in shared responsibilities, whether during a game, a group project, or a daily routine. These moments help children build empathy, patience, and confidence in expressing themselves.
Families living near Somerset, NJ, choose Oak Crest Day Camp for its structured approach to helping children build the social and emotional skills they need for long-term success both in and out of school.