Summer camp for 3rd & 4th graders 8-10 years old near Raritan
The Junior Camp program is designed for children ages 8 to 10 who are ready for more active, skill-building experiences. For families near Raritan, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp gives campers the opportunity to enjoy sports, outdoor challenges, swimming, and creative activities in a structured and supportive setting.
Junior campers take part in a wide range of activities each day, including Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, High Ropes, BMX, Skatepark, Instructional Swim, and the Climbing Tower. These activities help campers try new things, build confidence, stay active, and develop independence while spending time with friends and counselors.
A special part of the Junior Camp experience is Late Nights. These extended camp days include extra swim time, group games, a twilight campfire with S’mores, and dinner under the stars. It is a memorable way for campers to enjoy more time at Oak Crest Day Camp while still being part of an age-appropriate program created for 8- to 10-year-olds.
Junior Athletics
For children ages 8 to 10 who enjoy sports, the Junior Camp program provides a strong mix of instruction, practice, and friendly competition. Families near Raritan, NJ can choose Oak Crest Day Camp for a program where campers stay active while learning how to play with confidence and teamwork.
Junior campers participate in a variety of sports, including Soccer, Football, Pickleball, Archery, Basketball, and more. Activities are led by instructors who focus on teaching the basics, helping campers improve their skills, and making each sport accessible for different experience levels.
Campers also have the chance to use what they learn through League Play with other campers. These games give children a fun way to compete, support their teammates, and build confidence in a positive setting. Counselors take part in the activities as well, helping create an encouraging environment where each camper feels supported and motivated to do their best.
Creative Arts
Creative activities are an important part of the Junior Camp experience for children ages 8 to 10. For families near Raritan, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers campers the chance to explore art, performance, science, nature, and hands-on projects throughout the week.
Junior campers take part in activities such as Ceramics, Music, Mad Science, Cooking, Drama, Nature, Camper vs. Wild, Dance, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Computers, and more. Many of these activities are held in air-conditioned classrooms and are led by instructors who help campers learn new skills, try different forms of expression, and build confidence in a supportive setting.
A special part of the program for Junior Girl groups is their Dance performance in Showcrest, Oak Crest Day Camp’s annual Dance and Drama production. Held during the sixth week of camp at a local venue, Showcrest gives campers the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and be part of a larger production with professional sound and lighting. For many campers, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the summer.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is a key part of the Junior Camp program for children ages 8 to 10. For families near Raritan, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers a Learn to Swim Program that helps campers build skills, confidence, and comfort in the water.
Junior campers swim in age-appropriate aquatic facilities. Third Grade Juniors use a 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex, while Fourth Grade Juniors use a large pool with eight 25-meter lanes. Campers begin in shallow water and move into deeper areas as their ability improves, allowing them to progress at a comfortable pace.
Daily 40-minute swim lessons are led by certified swim instructors with support from group counselors. Campers are grouped by skill level rather than age alone, so each child receives instruction that matches their current ability. The program follows American Red Cross standards and is supported by more than 25 years of experience teaching children how to swim.
In addition to instructional swim, Juniors also enjoy afternoon free swim. This gives campers time to practice, play, and enjoy the water in a supervised setting, making swimming both a learning experience and a fun part of each camp day at Oak Crest Day Camp.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Biking is an important part of the Junior Camp experience for children ages 8 to 10. For families near Raritan, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers a Bicycle Village where campers can learn, practice, and build confidence on a bike.
The Bicycle Village includes a 1/4-mile training course, a pump track, and a mountain bike preparation trail. These areas give campers a clear path for growth, whether they are still learning the basics or are ready for more advanced riding skills.
Campers are guided by instructors who help them improve balance, coordination, posture control, and overall bike handling. Beginners receive support as they work on starting, stopping, steering, and riding with more control. As their confidence grows, campers can progress toward the Mountain Biking Program.
Oak Crest Day Camp provides properly sized bikes and helmets for campers, helping make the biking program safe, accessible, and age-appropriate for Junior campers.
Ropes Courses
Ropes course activities give Junior campers ages 8 to 10 a chance to build confidence, problem-solving skills, and trust in a supervised setting. For families near Raritan, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers age-appropriate climbing and ropes experiences that help campers challenge themselves safely.
Junior campers can begin on the Confidence Course, which is set 5 feet off the ground. This course helps children get comfortable with belaying, balance, and moving through ropes elements before taking on more advanced challenges. It includes similar features to the High Ropes Course, but at a lower height for a more gradual introduction.
Campers who are ready for more can try the Climbing Tower, which includes two rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the Giant Swing. The High Ropes Course adds more challenging rock walls and mid-air obstacles for campers who are prepared for the next level.
Safety is built into every part of the program. The ropes courses are inspected before each season by the company that built them, and certified ropes instructors check the courses daily. Instructors also guide campers through each activity, helping them feel secure while they work through new challenges at Oak Crest Day Camp.
Choice
Choice time gives Junior campers ages 8 to 10 more ownership over their camp experience. For families near Raritan, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers a weekly choice period where campers select an activity from a rotating list based on their interests.
Options may include sports, creative activities, Drama Production, or a special Dance routine. This gives campers the chance to spend extra time doing something they already enjoy or try a new activity in a supportive setting.
The Drama and Dance choices also connect to Showcrest, Oak Crest Day Camp’s annual Dance and Drama production. Campers who take part have the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and be part of a larger camp event that gives them confidence on stage and a memorable goal to work toward during the summer.
Social Development
The Junior Camp program helps children ages 8 to 10 build friendships, confidence, and social skills throughout the camp day. For families near Raritan, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp provides a supportive setting where campers learn how to work with others, communicate clearly, and be part of a group.
Counselors guide campers through activities that encourage teamwork, cooperation, and respect. Campers practice listening to one another, helping their peers, and solving small challenges together. These daily interactions help children feel connected and included while building the skills they need to form strong friendships.
Oak Crest Day Camp also maintains a strict anti-bullying policy. The goal is to create a caring environment where every camper feels safe, supported, and valued. For Junior campers, this focus on respect and positive relationships is an important part of the summer experience.






