Summer camp for 1st & 2nd graders 6-8 years old near Westfield
As children move from the Munchkin program into first grade at Oak Crest Day Camp, they take on new challenges that build strength, confidence, and coordination. First graders begin adventure activities such as climbing the tower, riding the zipline, and trying the giant swing. Each activity is carefully supervised and designed to introduce safe risk-taking in a fun, supportive way. Campers also play traditional games like GAGA, where they learn quick reflexes, body control, and fair play through active, team-based fun.
By second grade, campers start to make their own activity choices each week through the CHOICE program. This system allows children to select areas that match their interests—whether that’s a favorite sport, a new art project, or a specialty activity. These decisions help build confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of ownership over their camp experience.
Located near Westfield, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp provides a balanced environment where children grow socially, emotionally, and physically while being guided by experienced, caring staff.
Explorer Athletics
Oak Crest Day Camp’s sports program for first and second graders focuses on helping children build strong athletic foundations through structured, skill-based instruction. Campers practice on smaller fields with equipment suited to their size, making it easier to learn proper techniques and gain confidence as they improve. Each sport emphasizes the basics—throwing, catching, kicking, and coordinated team movement—taught in a way that fits the developmental level of 6- to 8-year-olds.
Trained Athletic Specialists lead every session, breaking skills into clear, manageable steps and giving campers plenty of time to practice. Once the fundamentals are introduced, children participate in organized games designed to reinforce what they’ve learned while developing teamwork and sportsmanship.
Counselors join in each activity, working side by side with the specialists to give individual support and encouragement. This close involvement helps every camper stay focused, feel successful, and enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Located near Westfield, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp provides this program as part of a comprehensive approach to physical development—helping young children grow more coordinated, confident, and engaged in sports at an early age.
Creative Arts
At Oak Crest Day Camp, children explore a variety of arts and specialty programs that encourage creativity and hands-on learning. Campers rotate through activities such as ceramics, music, cooking, science, drama, dance, jewelry making, digital photography, computer skills, and nature exploration. Each area is led by experienced instructors who tailor lessons to match the developmental level of each age group. Programs take place in air-conditioned classrooms, allowing campers to stay comfortable and focused as they learn new skills and express their creativity.
For campers ages 6–8, the Explorer Girl groups take part in Showcrest, Oak Crest’s annual dance and drama production held during the sixth week of camp. Guided by the performing arts staff, campers rehearse, prepare costumes, and perform under professional sound and lighting. This experience helps children practice teamwork, communication, and stage presence, while building confidence in front of an audience of family and friends.
Located near Westfield, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers an arts program that helps children discover new interests, strengthen creative abilities, and gain lasting confidence through meaningful projects and performance experiences.
Learn to Swim
The swim program for children ages 6 to 8 focuses on helping young swimmers gain confidence and develop essential water skills through daily, structured lessons. Held in a 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex with multiple pools, the program provides a safe, step-by-step approach to learning. Pool depths range from 1 to 6 feet, allowing beginners to start in shallow water and progress at their own pace as they become more comfortable and skilled.
Each morning, campers take part in 40-minute swim sessions led by certified instructors, with counselors assisting to provide close supervision and individual support. Campers are grouped by ability so that every child can focus on the techniques most appropriate for their level—whether learning to float, improving stroke form, or practicing endurance in deeper water.
All instructors are trained annually following American Red Cross standards, and the program is guided by a leadership team with over 25 years of experience teaching children to swim safely and effectively.
Located near Westfield, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers a proven swim program that helps young children grow stronger, more confident, and more capable in the water.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
The Bicycle Village program is designed for children ages 6 to 8 who are learning to ride or want to strengthen their bike-handling skills. The area features a ¼-mile paved training course for practice, a pump track that helps riders improve balance and control, and a wooded trail where campers are introduced to basic mountain biking techniques in a safe, structured environment.
Campers receive guided instruction from staff experienced in teaching young riders of all ability levels. Lessons focus on key fundamentals such as balance, steering, starting, stopping, and maintaining a straight path. Each camper progresses step by step, gaining confidence before moving on to more advanced riding areas within Bicycle Village.
All bikes and helmets are provided, with equipment properly fitted to each child. Safety is emphasized at every stage, and the program ensures that every camper learns at a pace suited to their comfort and ability.
Located near Westfield, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers the Bicycle Village program as part of its commitment to helping children build coordination, confidence, and real-world skills through active, hands-on learning.
Ropes Course and Low Ropes Course
The ropes course program introduces campers ages 6 to 8 to adventure activities through a carefully structured progression that builds strength, coordination, and confidence. First graders begin on the low ropes course, where elements are set just inches off the ground. These challenges help children practice balance, teamwork, and problem-solving while learning how to move safely and independently in a controlled environment.
By second grade, campers advance to the Climbing Tower and Zipline. These elements introduce greater height and excitement while encouraging campers to apply the skills they developed on the low ropes. Instructors guide each child step by step, teaching proper climbing techniques and emphasizing safety at every stage. Campers are supported throughout the activity and climb at a pace that matches their comfort level.
All ropes course equipment is inspected before every season by the original builders, and certified instructors conduct daily safety checks to maintain high standards. Staff remain with campers during every climb to ensure full supervision and correct use of equipment.
Located near Westfield, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers this progressive ropes course experience to help children build physical ability, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence in a safe, well-managed setting.
Social Development
In the Explorer Division, campers ages 6 to 8 take part in daily group-based activities that help them practice teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication. Throughout the day, children work together in pairs, small groups, and full teams to complete challenges, solve problems, and support one another. Each activity is structured to help campers understand how to listen, share ideas, and contribute to group goals.
Counselors play an active role in guiding these interactions. They teach campers how to express themselves clearly, handle disagreements calmly, and approach conflicts through conversation and understanding. By modeling positive communication and reinforcing respectful behavior, counselors help children build strong social awareness and learn how to work well with others.
As friendships grow, campers gain experience collaborating with different personalities and taking on shared responsibilities—whether during a team game, a project, or a daily routine. These experiences build empathy, patience, and confidence, giving children the tools to navigate social situations both at camp and beyond.
Located near Westfield, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp provides a supportive setting where children develop the social and emotional skills that form the foundation for success in school and everyday life.