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Nature Based Homeschool Program

Ages 5-10  |  Tuesdays from 1:30-4:00pm​​

Winter Session #2: Feb 18-Mar 25 (6 weeks)

If you're interested but can't start week 1, just indicate which week your child will start on the registration form and we'll send you an invoice for the prorated amount.

​Join us for an immersive homeschool session as we experience the change of seasons through a blend of mindfulness, scientific observation, and active outdoor fun! Students will observe, interact with, and appreciate the wonders of nature on our 152-acre property through forest exploration, hiking on our private trails, nature-inspired art crafts, and hands-on activities, experiments and games.


Programs are active and outdoors (weather permitting), using our forest, field, gardens (raingarden, pollinator, vegetable, sensory) and stream as both classrooms and playground. The program incorporates games and group activities that focus on teamwork and socializing, in addition to STEM lessons about forest ecology and seasonal topics.


Winter Session #2​
Week 1: Animals in Winter 

  • Adaptations and camouflage
  • Animal tracks and natural antifreeze
  • Winter wildlife scavenger hunt

Week 2: Trees in Winter & Maple Sugaring

  • Bark and twig ID; marcescence  
  • Adopt a tree and bark rubbings
  • Winter tree tally
  • Evergreen sensory exploration

Week 3: Snow Science

  • Froz​en bubbles​
  • Salt experiments & making Epsom salt crystals
  • Snow painting

Week 4: Survival Skills

  • Foraging
  • Pine tea and soda
  • Fire making, fire starters, and fire safety 
  • Build your own first-aid kit

Week 5: Birds in Winter-Early Migrators

  • Build a bird nest STEM activity 
  • Bird feeders and fat balls
  • Make a nesting material holder
  • Winter bird count

Week 6: Early Signs of Spring

  • Plants, sunlight and seed germination 
  • Nature Wind Chimes​​
  • Sound Maps

The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation  |  150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456  |  973-835-2160

Owned and operated by the Highlands Nature Friends, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

“Adventurous experiences out-of-doors are perceived to kindle the enthusiasm of the young, to develop their concern for others, for their community and for the environment. Such experiences provide the means of self-discovery, self-expression and enjoyment, which are at once both stimulating and fulfilling."

~ Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine

HOMESCHOOL

The New Weis Center offers many options for the homeschool community, including field trips that can be scheduled for your group, and weekly programs open to all homeschoolers from Sep-May. Many of our individual public programs, seasonal programs (like maple sugaring, natural wreath weaving and pumpkin chunkin) and scout programs can also be adapted and scheduled privately for your group, pod or co-op.


Homeschool groups are also welcome to rent our facilities - such as the recreation field, covered pavilion (with picnic tables) and firecircle - for their own classes and events, including campfires and overnights; membership is required for cabin or tent camping.​


Contact us for more information or to schedule a program, or call 973-835-2160

Payments and Donations


​​​STAFF

  • Led by our team of experienced educators/naturalists. Learn more about our team 
  • Lead staff are CPR/AED and First Aid certified
  • Educator to student ratio of 1:9 or lower provides a safe and attentive environment


DETAILS

  • Program runs rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, we will move activities to the covered pavilion (with heaters).
  • Please do not send any snacks made with peanut butter or other tree nuts!
  • This is a DROP-OFF class. Parents/Guardians are welcome to remain onsite and wait in the main building (wi-fi available) or in one of our outdoor seating areas. In addition, you are welcome to accompany the group for the first session to help your child(ren) feel comfortable.
  • Drive in through the outer gate and our staff will meet you at the kiosk next to the picnic grove.


PRICE for per 6-wk session (per student)

Note: Payment in full is due upon registration. Click the "Donate" button above to pay buy PayPal or Credit Card, or pay via Venmo @NewWeisCenter
1 Day per Week - TUESDAYS(6 classes)

$250 - Standard Rate
$235 - Siblings Rate (each sibling)
$220 - CURRENT New Weis Center Member Rate*

​​*Members at the "Supporter" level ($75 and up) are eligible for the discounted rate. Learn more about membership.


CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS​

  • A $35 processing fee applies to ALL refunds
  • Full refunds (less the $35 fee) will be issued for cancellation requests received at least two weeks before the first class.
  • 50% refund (less the $35 fee) will be issued for cancellation requests received with less than two weeks notice before the first class.
  • Due to high demand and small group size, we cannot offer partial refunds if you miss a week.​


> We reserve the right to remove any child without refund due to unacceptable behavior, and to reschedule or change programs as needed.​​

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