​​School Break 1-Day Nature Programs

Fun, Exploration and Adventure!​


​Grades 2nd-5th & 6th-9th​​​

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Each day features different fun activities and hands-on experiences to enhance your child’s enjoyment and understanding of the seasons and the world around them, and deepen their connection with nature in a safe and supportive environment. Active games, crafts and activities will focus on the changing seasons, local ecology, STEM and the senses, and will incorporate our beautiful natural surroundings, including private trails, a mountain stream, recreation field, gardens (raingarden, pollinator, sensory)

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

​UPCOMING DATES​

2024:  2nd-5th: Dec 23 & 27, 30  |  6th-9th: Dec 27 & 30

TBD: Jan 20 & Feb 17, 2024


TIME

All school break programs are 9:00am-3:00pm, unless otherwise noted


DETAILS

2nd-5th Grade - Thu, Nov 7 and/or Fri, Nov 8: Preparing for Winter: Animals vs. Humans!

  • Thursday - we'll track animals and observe their behavior, explore some of their super-power adaptations, and play games to see how birds, mammals and insects prepare for winter.
  • Friday - it's all about how humans learned to survive in cold climates as we practice essential survival skills. We'll build insulated shelters, find out how to start fires with minimal materials, and learn about winter foraging.

6th-9th grade - Fri, Nov 8: Ecosystem Exploration!

Join us for an exploration of the forest ecosystem, as we explore and map the amazing biodiversity found in our local forests, explore some of the remarkable insect and plant adaptations, and take a deep dive into the role of pollinators. Games and activities will include: 

  • Have fun on an autumn observation hike on our private trails
  • Use you creativity and imagination as we play 'Design Your Own Insect' and "Pollination Fascination'
  • Take part in a mini pollinator bioblitz! 
  • Play a round (or two) of nature Jeopardy 


​​​​​​STAFF

  • Staffed by our experienced team of Educators and Naturalists
  • Lead staff are CPR/AED and First Aid certified
  • Staff to camper ratio of 1:9 provides a safe and attentive environment


IMPORTANT INFO

  • This is a drop-off program; we cannot accommodate early drop-off or late pick-ups. Please drive in through the outer gate and drop-off at the picnic grove where staff will greet you; this is also where pick up will be.
  • Rain or shine. In the case of rain, snow or temperatures below freezing, we will move the fun indoors or under our covered pavilion (with heaters).
  • Make sure your child is dressed for the weather - including extra socks - as the majority of camp will be outdoors (weather permitting, see above)
  • Please pack a reusable water bottle, snack and lunch. NO tree nut products please!


CODE OF CONDUCT

  • All children are expected to follow our main rule: RESPECT! Respect each other; Respect the natural world; Respect the leader; Respect themselves.
  • Fighting, physical contact (pushing, showing, kicking, etc.), name-calling, harassment and bullying are not permitted under any circumstances.
  • Attendees must be willing and able to follow the leader's directions, stay with the group, and participate safely in activities.
  • Parents: please make sure your child is aware of and agrees to abide by these rules!​

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1-DAY PROGRAM FEE (per child)

$90 - Standard Rate
$85 - Siblings Rate (each sibling)
$80 - CURRENT New Weis Center Member Rate*​


*Members at the $75 "Supporter" level and up receive camp and afterschool program discounts". Memberships are tax-deductible and have many year round benefits. Not sure if you are a current member? Contact Us and we'll let you know - or JOIN/RENEW NOW!


CAMP T-SHIRT (optional) - Choose the size on the registration form and include an additional $20 with your payment for each t-shirt. Shirts are short-sleeve "safety" green (yellow/lime color), with The New Weis Center's logo on the front and "Nature Camp" on the back in dark green lettering.


CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • A $35 processing fee applies to ALL refunds
  • Refunds (less the $35 fee) will only be issued for cancellation requests received 2 weeks prior to the program date, unless otherwise noted
  • Last minute refunds due to major illness or family emergency will be considered on a case-by-case basis.​

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


REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

  1. Register online using the link on this page
  2. Submit your online payment using the links on this page​​