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) and rustic campfire circles.

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

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​​School Break 1-Day Nature Programs

Fun, Exploration and Adventure!​


Separate programs for grades 2nd-5th and 6th-9th​​​

​​UPCOMING DATES​

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

2025:  Jan 20 & Feb 17


TIME

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


DETAILS

Who says nature camps are only for summer? At the New Weis Center we believe that the seasonal transition into winter offers our campers a fun opportunity to learn about a familiar environment through a different (and awesome) perspective! And the colder weather means lots of cozy campfires, toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate!

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2nd-5th Grade:

  • Owls! Explore the fascinating world of an all-time winter favorite... OWLS! We will learn all about these nocturnal (and crepuscular) creatures, including their anatomy, habitats, and behaviors. Dissect an owl pellet, search for traces amongst the evergreens, and learn some common owl calls. It'll be a hoot!
  • Hibernating Creatures: Hibernation is an integral part of winter for many of our local heterothermic species. We will simulate the behaviors of hibernating creatures to engage campers in the stages of hibernation and discover dynamics of the three stages of hibernation: preparation, entrance, and torpor. We also put a cold weather twist on some of our favorite summer camp activities to capture the wonders of winter. 
  • Snow & Ice: Let's explore the winter landscape and examine the different phases of water and the unique configuration of snowflakes through some cool experiments and crafts.


​6th-9th Grade:

Winter Detectives: Become a winter ecology detective as we explore the grounds of The New Weis Center and investigate biodiversity on our private trails, to see how flora and fauna adjust to their winter environment. We'll venture through unique geologic terrain to identify different rocks/minerals, and take a deep dive into the role and resilience of ancient bryophytes (mosses) and lichen. Games and activities will include hiking, designing an ant-sized forest, and taking part in a winter ecology bioblitz!


​​​​​​STAFF

  • Staffed by our experienced team of Educators and Naturalists
  • Lead staff are Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED 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​​