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
Support The New Weis Center by making a tax-deductible DONATION and receive special member benefits! Learn more
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-registration and advance payment is required for most programs. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building.
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▶ Sat, Aug 15, 10-11:30am: Moving Meditation & Mindfulness Walk
Walking meditation is a mindful technique focused on being aware of each step. Originating from Buddhism, Taoism, and yoga, it has long complemented other practices to enhance awareness and promote inner clarity. Walking meditation offers a gentle approach to mindfulness, connecting breath, movement, and bodily sensations. Participants walk slowly and intentionally, focusing on each step and inhalation to cultivate awareness in the present moment. This practice encourages participants to tune into their senses, noticing the feel of the earth beneath their feet, the sights around them, and the sounds in their environment. Through this sensory experience, individuals become grounded in their surroundings and nurture a sense of peace and belonging. By directing attention to these sensory details, walking meditation deepens self-awareness and reveals greater insight into one's thoughts and feelings.
- Led by Educator Crystal Eshanov
- Open to ages 18 and up; no dogs please
- Outdoor program; please dress accordingly. Shoes are required
- Pack water, a journal, and a pen/pencil
- $16 per person
▶ Mondays, Aug 17 & 24, 10am-1pm: Sprouts Summer Nature Series!
- Ages 6-10
▶ Sat, Aug 22, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #5, #6, #7 (scouts choose two), #8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sun, Aug 23, 9am-1pm: Communication Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #1a, #3 (write speech), #5, #6, #8, #9. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Thu, Aug 27, Mon, Sep 14, Thu, Sep 24, 10-11:30am: Nature Stories with Chris!
Join us as we gather for a fun and interactive nature storytime! We’ll sit together in our cozy "Strube Square" outdoor seating area to enjoy a story about the wonders of nature, read by Educator and Naturalist Chris. After the story, we’ll explore the surrounding area to discover and reinforce the theme, and finish with a simple nature-themed craft.
- This program is for all ages and is stroller-friendly
- Additional siblings may attend at a discounted rate, and children 2 and below are free
- All children must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian
- Fee: $15 (1 adult + 1 child); $19 (1 adult + 2-3 children)
▶ Mondays, 9am-12pm: Sep 7; Sep 21; Oct 12: School Break Adventure Days
For 1st-5th grade
▶ Sat, Sep 12 & Sat, Oct 10, 9am-12pm: Volunteer Day at Weis!
We welcome volunteers (scouts, community members, families, groups, clubs) to stop by and help with some much needed TLC in our gardens and grounds, including invasive species removal, spreading woodchips on pathways, mulching, pruning, litter pickup, gathering branches/sticks for campfires. No gardening experience necessary.
- Counts as community service and conservation hours for students and scouts
- Bring work gloves if you have them
- Suggested age: 8+; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Volunteer Days are scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month, May-Oct
> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)
▶ Sundays, 10-11:30am: Sep 13; Oct 11 & Nov 8: Forest Bathing Sensory Walk & Foraged Tea
The practice of forest bathing means to immerse oneself in the forest and soak in the atmosphere through the senses. Today's walk at an easy pace will focus on connecting to nature through mindfulness, as we explore our senses and the present moment through short, guided, meditations and breathing exercises in the forest. Through this practice, we aim to deepen our connection to our mind, our body, and the life around us in nature. At the end of our walk, we'll sample a tea made from pine and spruce needles foraged on the Weis property, with some seasonal variations throughout the year. This tea is meant to show our gratitude and appreciation and is a way of tasting and taking in the land to further connect to it. Forest bathing has been shown to help decrease stress levels and anxiety, and to improve the immune system and symptoms of depression, to name a few benefits. Come explore a new way of walking through the forest!
- Led by Weis Lead Educator Lauren Lynch or Educator Chris Campbell
- Ages 13 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- $15 per person
▶ Tuesday, Sep 15-Oct 20, 1:30-4pm: 6-week Fall Homeschool Nature Series
> Details & registration coming 8/15
▶ Sat, Sep 19, 1pm - Sun, Sep 20, 12pm: "Harmony in the Highlands" Autumn Overnight Nature Retreat
Join us for a restorative day of mindfulness, reflection, and peace followed by a fireside dinner and morning yoga outside. Stay overnight in our cute, rustic cabins or bring a tent and camp around the fire. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the New Jersey Highlands and 150 acres of forested land, this retreat is designed to help you reconnect—with nature, yourself, and the present moment.
Saturday: Throughout the day and into the evening, you'll be guided through a thoughtful selection of healing and grounding experiences, including:
🌳Forest Bathing
🍵Ethical Foraging
🎶 Reiki Meditation with a lovely Sound Bath with special guest Crystal Eshanov of Sage and Sound
🌀Aromatherapy Workshop
📔Nature Journaling
☯️Intention Setting
🔥Fireside Dinner
Sunday Morning:
🍳Continental Breakfast by the fire
🧘Morning Yoga
⭕Closing Circle
Whether you're looking to release stress, find clarity, or simply breathe deeper, this immersive retreat offers a space to slow down and realign.
▶ Sun, Sep 20, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #4c, #7a, #7b. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sun, Sep 27, 1-5pm: Forestry Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #5 a or b or c, #8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sat, Oct 3, 1-5pm: Landscape Architecture Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #1, #5. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sun, Oct 11, 1-5pm: Plant Science Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #7, #8 option 3d (bring photos or sample); #8 option 3e. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sat, Oct 17, 1-3pm; Sat, Oct 24, 10am-12pm & 1-3pm; Sun, Nov 1, 1-3pm: PUMPKIN CHUNKIN!
▶ Sun, Oct 18, 1-4pm: Geocaching Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #3 (five additional terms), #8d, #9. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Sun, Oct 25, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #3a, #4 a,b, #5, #7 a,b,c, #8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Guardians/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $40 per scout
▶ Thu, Nov 5 & Fri, Nov 6, 9am-3pm: School Break Adventure Days
For 1st-5th grade
▶ Coming in Dec: Winter Solstice Nature Retreat
For adults 18+
▶ Mon-Dec 28 - Wed, Dec 30: Winter Adventure Days
For 1st-5th grade, signup for individual or multiple days
Programs at The New Weis Center with our Partners at TrailBound Project
- Fri, Sep 11, 5pm-10pm (drop-in anytime): Dirt Time!
- Sat, Sep 26, 9am-5pm: Map & Compass Navigation
- Sun, Sep 27, 9am-1:30pm: Fire Making
- Sun, Sep 27, 2:30-4:30pm: Drinking Water Treatment
- Fri, Oct 2, 5pm-10pm (drop-in anytime): Dirt Time!
- Sat, Oct 31 & Sun, Nov 1, 9am-5pm: Wilderness First Aid Certification (must attend both days)
EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
Education
- Public programs: guided nature walks and hikes, led byWeis staff, historical and culture programs, first aid classes and special events.
- Group programs: including field tripsfor schools, homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps during thesummerand school breaks.
Arts
Performing Arts
Iron Mountain Stage Company, a local non-profit theatre company that has been performing continuously since 1993, makes Weis their permanent home for rehearsals and some performances. They present a spring and fall production, as well as fun public acting improv workshops.
Music
May-Sep: "Music at Midvale" Acoustic Open Mic! Join us near the old farmhouse for an afternoon of acoustic, outdoors music (originals and covers). Please bring your own refreshments and a folding chair. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted on the property.
> $5 per person, additional donations welcome! Signup to perform from 2:30-3:00pm; music starts at 3:00. NO registration required. Details andperformance guidelines
Recreation
Guided Nature Hikes - Led by our Educators & Naturalists. Public guided hikes are offered throughout the year, and can also be scheduled for private groups, party or special events. Hikes are led by a first aid certified staff member, and may focus on local history, flora, and fauna found along the trail.Learn more about hiking at Weis and in the adjacent Norvin Green State Forest.
Forest Bathing Walks - Led by our Lead Educator and Naturalist Lauren Lynch
Seasonal programs - Including Pumpkin Chunkin' (fall), Natural Wreath Making (fall/winter), Maple Sugaring (Feb/Mar), and Solstice/Equinox celebrations. Details and registration
Swimming is available at our neighbors and partners the Highlands Natural Pool, which is adjacent to our property. Experience a mountain-stream fed, chemical-free Olympic size pool in a beautiful, forested setting. Snack bar on premises.
Scouting
We are happy to welcome ALL Scout groups to The New Weis Center. We offer many programs for Scouts, including badge classes, service projects, camping and firecircles, and hosting special events. Please check our Scouting page for all the details and upcoming events!