Active & Skill-Building Summer Camp for Grades 5–6 Near Princeton, NJ

Summer camp for 5th & 6th graders 10-12 years old near Princeton

Oak Crest Day Camp offers a structured senior program for campers ages 10 to 12, designed for children entering 5th and 6th grades who are ready for greater independence and new challenges. A highlight of the schedule is Senior Late Nights, where campers remain at camp into the evening for extended swim sessions, group games, and special on-site events. Dinner is provided, and the night concludes with campfire activities, including roasted S’mores. These evenings are supervised and organized to encourage social interaction and teamwork.

Senior campers also participate in day trips to destinations such as Dorney Park. These outings are tailored to older campers, providing opportunities to explore beyond camp, experience new activities, and strengthen friendships.

Another key feature is the Choice Program, allowing campers to select activities that match their interests. Whether they choose sports, creative arts, or collaborative projects, this program supports exploration while building decision-making skills.

For families near Princeton, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp’s senior program offers a balance of structured activities, personal choice, and age-appropriate experiences that help pre-teens develop independence and enjoy their summer.

Senior Athletics

5th Grade Summer Camp Princeton

Senior campers ages 10 to 12 can take part in a dedicated sports program that builds athletic skills through regular practice and structured coaching. Each week, participants rotate through team and individual sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse, basketball, pickleball, hockey, archery, BMX biking, and skateboarding. Activities take place on age-appropriate fields, courts, and tracks, with equipment suited to the needs of this age group.

Trained coaches lead every session, focusing on the fundamentals of each sport—passing, shooting, movement, and understanding rules—while prioritizing safety and proper technique. The program supports all ability levels, allowing beginners to learn the basics and experienced athletes to refine their skills over the summer.

Weekly League Play gives campers the chance to compete in games like soccer, football, handball, and dodgeball. Teams are organized to balance skill levels, and staff officiate every game to promote fair play. Beyond competition, League Play teaches teamwork, rule-following, and strategic thinking in a structured setting.

For families near Princeton, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers a program where older campers stay active, strengthen sports abilities, and gain confidence through consistent participation and positive peer interaction.

Creative Arts

6th Grade Summer Camp Princeton

Campers ages 10 to 12 in the senior program can explore a wide range of creative and skill-based activities each week through a rotating schedule. Options include Ceramics, Cooking, Science, Nature Exploration, Survival Skills, Drama, Dance, Music, Computers, Digital Photography, and Jewelry Making. All sessions are held in air-conditioned classrooms, creating an environment suited for hands-on work and focused instruction.

Each activity is led by a specialist who provides step-by-step guidance while encouraging individual creativity. In ceramics, campers shape and glaze their own pottery pieces. Cooking classes teach basic food preparation skills and simple recipes. Nature and survival skills sessions focus on plant identification, outdoor safety, and basic techniques for navigating the outdoors. Technology-based workshops, such as computers and digital photography, introduce campers to tools for creating and editing projects they can share with family or display at camp.

Senior girl groups have the opportunity to participate in Showcrest, the annual week-six dance and drama performance. Rehearsals take place during scheduled activity periods, and the final show is presented at a nearby venue equipped with professional lighting and sound. This experience allows participants to learn performance skills, work as part of a cast, and present their work to an audience of family and peers.

For families near Princeton, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers a structured program that allows older campers to develop skills, explore new interests, and gain experience in both creative arts and performance-based activities.

Learn to Swim

Middle School Summer Camp Princeton

The Climbing Tower and High Ropes courses give senior participants ages 10 to 12 the opportunity to take on physical challenges in a controlled, supervised setting. The Climbing Tower includes two rock walls with varying levels of difficulty, a Giant Swing, a 200-yard Zipline, a Giant Cargo Net, and Jacob’s Ladder. Progression through each element is based on individual readiness, with staff offering support and guidance throughout the experience.

The High Ropes course adds more rock climbing areas and elevated challenges that require balance, concentration, and persistence. Its Confidence Course introduces mid-air obstacles designed to build trust, problem-solving skills, and coordination, all completed while secured in safety harnesses.

Every activity is led by trained, certified staff, and all equipment is inspected daily. Both courses are also certified annually by their original builders to ensure compliance with current safety standards.

For families near Princeton, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers a safe, structured way for older campers to test their abilities, gain resilience, and work toward personal goals through progressive climbing and ropes activities.

Ropes Courses

10 Year Old Day Care Summer Camp Princeton

Weekly Choice sessions give senior participants ages 10 to 12 the ability to select activities that match their personal interests. Each week, options span sports, creative arts, performance, and specialty skill areas. This structure allows them to design part of their schedule, explore new opportunities, and focus on activities they enjoy most.

Selections may include team sports, individual skill stations, and creative outlets such as music, painting, and crafts. Longer-term commitments are also available, including joining a drama production or learning choreography for a group dance. These ongoing projects lead to Showcrest, a week-six performance that combines both drama and dance. Participants rehearse during their Choice periods and perform onstage at a local venue equipped with professional lighting and sound.

For families near Princeton, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers Choice sessions that allow older campers to customize their camp experience, commit to specific goals, and take part in structured activities that develop skills and follow-through.

Choice

Group challenges for senior participants ages 10 to 12 are structured to develop teamwork, communication, and cooperation. Activities are designed to help campers solve problems together, make joint decisions, and work toward shared objectives. Examples include field games, relay races, cooperative obstacle courses, and strategy-based team tasks.

Trained counselors lead each session, demonstrating respectful communication and coaching campers on how to listen, share ideas, and provide constructive feedback. The focus is on participation and effort, ensuring every camper plays an active role and feels included in the group.

A no-bullying policy is in place, with staff monitoring interactions, promoting inclusion, and stepping in when necessary. The goal is to create an environment where campers can safely develop friendships, learn to manage group responsibilities, and practice clear communication skills.

For families near Princeton, NJ, Oak Crest Day Camp offers a supervised program that gives older campers the tools to work effectively as part of a team while building positive peer relationships.