Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near South Bound Brook
As campers move from the Munchkin program into first grade at Oak Crest Day Camp, they begin participating in physically challenging and skill-based activities designed for their age group. These include climbing a beginner-level tower, riding a child-appropriate zipline, and trying the giant swing under close supervision. First graders also take part in traditional games like GAGA, which are structured to improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and basic sportsmanship.
In second grade, campers begin choosing some of their weekly activities through a structured CHOICE system. This system allows them to explore interests and build decision-making skills. Options include sports, creative activities, and focused specialty programs. This approach helps second graders begin shaping their own camp day based on what they enjoy and want to try.
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near South Bound Brook, NJ, provides a structured setting where children develop social skills, emotional awareness, and physical abilities—including swimming and athletics—while being guided by trained staff.
Explorer Athletics
Oak Crest Day Camp offers a sports program for first and second graders that focuses on teaching basic athletic skills in a setting designed for young children. Activities take place on smaller fields using modified equipment, allowing campers to learn fundamental movements like throwing, catching, kicking, and working as a team without the pressure of full-scale competition.
Each sport is led by Athletic Specialists who teach skills in a step-by-step format suited for 6- to 8-year-olds. The goal is to help campers understand and practice one element at a time. Once the basics are introduced, campers participate in structured games where they can apply what they’ve learned in a group setting. These games are designed to give every child a chance to participate and improve through repetition and guidance.
Camp counselors join the activities and support each child individually. By working closely with the specialists, counselors help maintain focus, reinforce instruction, and provide positive feedback throughout the session. This approach helps ensure that each camper remains engaged, builds confidence, and makes consistent progress.
Located near South Bound Brook, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp uses this program to help children improve physical coordination, learn the basics of team sports, and gain early experience in a structured athletic environment.
Creative Arts
Children ages 6 to 8 participate in a wide range of arts and specialty programs that focus on hands-on learning and skill-building. Campers rotate through structured activities including ceramics, music, cooking, science, drama, dance, jewelry making, digital photography, computer skills, and nature. Each activity is led by instructors who teach using age-appropriate steps, helping campers understand the basics and stay engaged. All sessions take place in air-conditioned classrooms to provide a comfortable learning environment throughout the day.
Explorer Girl groups also take part in Showcrest, a dance and drama production held during the sixth week of camp. Campers rehearse and perform in a show that uses professional lighting and sound and is presented to family and friends. Preparing for the performance teaches teamwork, stage presence, and the discipline needed to participate in a group production. The experience supports the development of confidence, memorization, and public presentation skills.
Near South Bound Brook, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp includes these programs as part of its goal to help children explore creative interests while building practical skills through consistent, instructor-led activities.
Learn to Swim
Ages 6 to 8 are a key time for building water safety and swimming ability through consistent instruction. Campers in this age group follow a daily swim program held in a 12,000 square foot Aquatic Complex with multiple pools. Water depths range from 1 foot to 6 feet, allowing beginners to start in shallow areas and move into deeper sections as their skills improve.
Every morning includes a 40-minute swim lesson. Certified instructors lead each group, with counselors assisting in the water to ensure that every swimmer receives individual support. Campers are grouped by current ability so they can focus on specific skills—such as floating, kicking, stroke development, or swimming in deeper water—at a pace that matches their comfort and progress.
The program is led by a trained team that follows American Red Cross standards. Instructors receive yearly training, and the overall swim program is managed by a leadership staff with over 25 years of experience in swim education. The structure and consistency help swimmers build skills safely and effectively.
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near South Bound Brook, NJ, runs this swim program as a central part of the camp day for younger age groups, with the goal of developing strong swimming habits and improving water confidence through focused, daily practice.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Bicycle Village is a dedicated area where campers ages 6 to 8 learn to ride or improve their bike-handling skills in a structured setting. The space includes a 1/4-mile paved course for practicing basic movement, a pump track for developing balance and control, and a wooded trail that introduces simple mountain biking techniques. Each part of the course is designed to match the needs of beginner and intermediate riders.
Campers receive instruction from staff trained to teach young children how to ride safely and effectively. Practice begins with core skills such as balancing, steering, starting, stopping, and riding straight. As each camper builds confidence, they move through progressively more challenging sections of Bicycle Village to continue building coordination and control.
All necessary equipment is included. Campers are fitted with bikes suited to their size and provided with properly adjusted helmets. The focus is on teaching safe riding habits and making sure every camper progresses at a pace that fits their ability level.
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near South Bound Brook, NJ, includes Bicycle Village as part of its approach to helping children develop physical coordination and gain useful skills in a controlled and supportive environment.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
Ropes course activities begin with first graders using a low ropes course designed for ages 6 to 8. These elements are positioned just inches off the ground and focus on helping children improve balance, core strength, and coordination. Campers move through obstacles that involve climbing, swinging, and navigating structures while remaining close to the ground. Instructors supervise every step to ensure that each camper practices safely and at a pace that matches their comfort level.
Second graders are introduced to higher elements, including the Climbing Tower and Zipline. These activities build on the skills learned during first grade and add new physical and mental challenges. Campers are guided individually through each element, with a focus on safe climbing, proper use of equipment, and encouragement to complete each activity without pressure. The goal is to help them gain experience and confidence while practicing safe risk-taking in a structured environment.
All ropes equipment is inspected before the season by the original builders of the course. Certified instructors perform daily checks and remain with the campers throughout every activity to monitor equipment use and provide instruction.
Near South Bound Brook, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp uses this step-by-step approach to ropes activities to help young campers build physical and problem-solving skills in an environment that prioritizes supervision and safety.
Social Development
Campers ages 6 to 8 in the Explorer Division follow a daily schedule that includes group-based activities focused on developing teamwork and communication. They participate in tasks as partners, small groups, and full teams, where they learn to share responsibilities, complete challenges, and solve problems together.
Counselors provide support throughout the day by guiding how campers interact with one another. They help children practice listening, speaking respectfully, and resolving conflicts through conversation. Staff are trained to model appropriate behavior and encourage each camper to contribute to the group in a positive way.
Through regular group participation, campers gain experience working with peers who may have different personalities and communication styles. They take part in shared tasks—whether it’s during a game, an activity, or a transition—and begin to build patience, flexibility, and confidence in expressing themselves appropriately.
Oak Crest Day Camp, located near South Bound Brook, NJ, includes these structured social experiences to help children build emotional awareness and interpersonal skills they can use both in and outside of camp.