What makes Oak Crest Day Camp’s 3rd & 4th grade program unique?

Oak Crest Day Camp near Warren, NJ offers a summer program built specifically for children ages 8–10. The schedule includes skill-based instruction in sports, swimming, arts, and outdoor adventure. Activities are structured to encourage independence, teamwork, and confidence at this key stage of development.

How does the Learn to Swim program support 8–10 year olds?

Our Learn to Swim program gives campers daily instruction from certified swim instructors. Each child progresses at their own pace, beginning in shallow water and advancing as skills improve. The program follows American Red Cross guidelines and includes both lessons and free swim time.

What activities are included for 3rd and 4th graders at Oak Crest?

Campers enjoy a variety of activities tailored for ages 8–10, including archery, basketball, lacrosse, climbing, ropes courses, biking, dance, and creative arts. Weekly Choice time allows each camper to select an activity that interests them most.

How does Oak Crest Day Camp ensure camper safety?

Safety is a top priority. All equipment and facilities, including pools and ropes courses, are inspected regularly. Certified staff supervise every activity, and the camp maintains a strict anti-bullying policy to ensure a positive and inclusive environment.

Is transportation available for families near Warren, NJ?

Yes. Oak Crest Day Camp provides convenient transportation options for families living near Warren, NJ, with supervised door-to-door service designed for comfort and reliability.

What social and emotional skills do campers gain at Oak Crest?

Through group-based activities and counselor-led programs, campers learn communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. The camp environment promotes friendship, respect, and teamwork, helping children develop emotional confidence that extends beyond camp.

Are there performance opportunities for 3rd and 4th graders?

Yes. Campers can participate in Showcrest, Oak Crest’s annual dance and drama production. This event gives children a chance to perform on stage at a local venue near Warren, complete with professional lighting and sound.

Do campers receive individualized attention during activities?

Each group is led by experienced counselors who ensure that campers receive guidance and encouragement suited to their individual abilities. Whether during swimming, sports, or creative sessions, staff help each camper grow at their own pace.

Can 8–10 year olds participate in biking or climbing at Oak Crest?

Yes. Campers in this age group use the Bicycle Village, featuring a training track, pump course, and mountain bike trail. They also climb the Oak Crest Tower, complete with rock walls, a zip line, and a Giant Swing—all operated by certified instructors.

Why do parents near Warren, NJ choose Oak Crest Day Camp?

Parents appreciate Oak Crest’s combination of structured programming, individualized instruction, and commitment to safety. The camp’s 8–10 year old program helps children gain confidence, learn new skills, and build friendships in a supportive environment close to home.

Fun-Filled Summer Adventures for 8–10 Year Olds Near Warren, NJ

For children ages 8 to 10, the Junior Division is built to match their growing confidence and desire for independence. Just a short drive from Warren, NJ, this program offers a full schedule of age-appropriate activities that keep campers engaged, challenged, and active throughout the day.

Juniors participate in a variety of structured athletic and adventure-based programs, including Archery, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, BMX, High Ropes, and time at the Skatepark. They also take on physical challenges like the Climbing Tower, all while learning new skills and building teamwork. Daily Instructional Swim helps campers strengthen water safety and swimming technique under the guidance of trained staff.

A key feature of the Junior experience is Late Night—a special evening event exclusive to this age group. Campers stay after hours for extended swim time, group games, a twilight campfire with S’mores, and dinner outdoors with friends. These nights are often a favorite memory of the summer, giving Juniors something extra to look forward to.

The Junior Division encourages kids to explore, grow, and make strong connections while participating in a wide range of fun and meaningful experiences.

Junior Athletics

Junior campers at Oak Crest Day Camp, ages 8 to 10, take part in a well-rounded sports program designed to build skills, confidence, and teamwork. With guidance from experienced instructors, campers are introduced to a variety of sports including Soccer, Football, Pickleball, Archery, and Basketball. Each activity is structured to match the physical and developmental needs of this age group, with an emphasis on participation and growth.

One of the highlights of the Junior athletic experience is League Play. Campers join teams and compete in friendly games against their peers, applying what they’ve learned in a supportive, team-based environment. Counselors take an active role—coaching, encouraging, and modeling good sportsmanship—helping every camper feel involved and successful, regardless of skill level.

Families near Warren, NJ will find this program especially valuable for children who enjoy being active and want to develop athletic ability in a setting that prioritizes safety, effort, and fun. The Junior sports program offers structured opportunities to practice, play, and improve each day.

Creative Arts

Children ages 8 to 10 participate in a wide range of creative and exploratory activities at Oak Crest Day Camp, all designed specifically for their age group. Held in air-conditioned indoor spaces and guided by experienced instructors, each program offers hands-on learning in a structured and supportive setting.

Campers rotate through weekly sessions in Ceramics, Cooking, Music, Drama, Computers, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Nature, Mad Science, Dance, and Camper vs. Wild. Every child experiences each of these areas at least once per week, with the chance to build new skills, try something different, and discover personal interests.

One of the most anticipated moments of the summer is Showcrest, a large-scale dance and drama production held during the sixth week of camp. Junior Girl groups prepare a choreographed dance routine to perform on a professional stage at a local venue near Warren, NJ. The event features full sound and lighting, and gives each performer the chance to be part of a team and present their work to family and friends.

This part of the program supports confidence, creativity, and collaboration, offering every camper the chance to contribute, express themselves, and take pride in what they’ve accomplished.

Learn to Swim

The Learn to Swim Program at Oak Crest Day Camp is a core part of the daily schedule for children ages 8 to 10. Campers receive 40 minutes of swim instruction each day, led by certified swim instructors and supported by their group counselors. Instruction is based on skill level rather than age, allowing each swimmer to progress at a pace that matches their ability and comfort in the water.

Campers in 3rd grade use a dedicated 12,000-square-foot Aquatic Complex designed specifically for their age group. Those in 4th grade swim in a larger pool equipped with eight 25-meter lanes, providing ample space for learning and practice. All swimmers begin in shallow areas and gradually transition to deeper water as they develop their skills.

The swim program at Oak Crest is built on over 25 years of experience teaching children to swim, using a blend of American Red Cross standards and techniques developed through years of hands-on instruction. Instructors participate in annual training to maintain a consistent and high level of quality across all swim groups.

In addition to daily lessons, campers enjoy free swim sessions in the afternoon, giving them time to play, practice, and enjoy the water in a safe and well-supervised environment.

Families near Warren, NJ can feel confident knowing that swim instruction at Oak Crest Day Camp is structured, progressive, and focused on helping every child build water safety and swimming ability.

Learn to Ride a Bicycle

Bicycle Village at Oak Crest Day Camp offers a structured biking program designed for children ages 8 to 10, with facilities and instruction that support all skill levels—from those just learning to ride to those ready for trail challenges.

Campers begin on a dedicated ¼-mile training course, ideal for practicing balance, braking, and steering in a controlled setting. As skills improve, they advance to our pump track and mountain bike preparation trail, both designed to introduce elevation changes, curves, and terrain that build confidence and control. All campers are provided with properly sized bikes and helmets to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

Cycling at this age helps develop coordination, posture, and motor skills while also giving children a sense of independence. Oak Crest instructors offer consistent, individualized guidance, helping each camper build the skills needed to ride successfully and safely.

Families near Warren, NJ looking for a biking program that balances instruction with progression will find that Oak Crest Day Camp prepares young riders with the foundational skills to grow into more advanced biking, including participation in our Mountain Biking Program later in the summer.

Ropes Courses

The ropes program at Oak Crest Day Camp is built specifically for campers ages 8 to 10, with age-appropriate elements that focus on safety, skill-building, and personal growth.

The Confidence Course, set just 5 feet off the ground, gives campers the opportunity to practice key techniques like belaying and balance in a secure, low-risk environment. This course uses the same types of obstacles found in our High Ropes area, giving campers an introduction to climbing and maneuvering through suspended elements.

For those ready for more challenge, the Climbing Tower includes two separate rock walls, a 200-yard zip line, and the Giant Swing—each offering different ways to develop strength, coordination, and trust in the process. The High Ropes Course adds more advanced features, including elevated rock walls and suspended obstacles that require teamwork and focus.

All ropes elements are inspected before every summer by the original construction company and checked daily by certified ropes instructors. Campers are guided by trained staff throughout every activity, with equipment and procedures designed to meet strict safety standards.

Families near Warren, NJ will appreciate how this program supports both physical activity and personal achievement in a controlled, supervised environment. The ropes courses at Oak Crest Day Camp give every camper a chance to build confidence by setting and reaching individual goals.

Choice

Campers ages 8 to 10 at Oak Crest Day Camp take part in weekly Choice activities, where they select a preferred activity from a rotating list of options. This gives each camper the opportunity to explore personal interests while participating in structured, instructor-led programs.

Choices often include a mix of sports, creative arts, and performing arts. Campers may choose to join the Drama Production or be part of a group Dance routine, both of which build toward participation in Showcrest—Oak Crest’s annual performance held during the sixth week of camp. This event is staged at a local venue near Warren, NJ and features group performances for friends and family.

The Choice program gives children more control over their schedule, supports independence, and allows them to invest more deeply in areas they enjoy most—all within the supportive structure of a full camp day.

Social Development

Children ages 8 to 10 build meaningful connections at Oak Crest Day Camp through group-based activities that emphasize communication, cooperation, and respect. Each group is led by trained counselors who guide campers through daily routines while reinforcing positive social behavior.

Throughout the day, campers work together, solve problems as a team, and support one another in both structured and informal settings. These experiences help them develop key social skills such as active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution. Counselors play an active role in encouraging inclusive behavior and creating a group dynamic where every child feels valued.

Oak Crest Day Camp enforces a strict anti-bullying policy and takes proactive steps to ensure a safe and respectful environment. Any concerns are addressed promptly, and all staff are trained to promote emotional well-being alongside physical safety.

Families near Warren, NJ will appreciate the focus on social development, where children are given consistent support to build confidence, form friendships, and learn the interpersonal skills they’ll carry into future settings.

Researching Camp?

Prospective Families

Summer camp for 3rd & 4th graders 8-10 years old near Warren