Is camp right for your child this summer?

Please review the questions below to make sure your child is a good fit:

  • Does your teen/tween love being active and outdoors?
  • Does you child love nature and have a curious mind?
  • Is your child willing and able to follow new safety procedures?

2020 Highlands Junior NaturalistProgram


We are following guidelines from the American Camp Association, NJ Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control to help keep our participants and their families safe. We are also implementing specific measures tailored to our site, which will be followed all day, every day:

  • We will have just 10 participants for the whole 6-week session to reduce exposure.
  • Our counselor to kid ratio will be 5:1, to help ensure social distancing guidelines will be followed when possible.
  • We will be 100% outdoors, with the exception of restroom breaks or in case of emergency.
  • Masks and gloves will only be required in the restrooms.
  • ​Daily health checks at drop off (including temperature).
  • Each camper will have an assigned bathroom stall & sink they will share with no more than one other camper.
  • We will rotate outdoor spaces throughout the day to minimize being in contact with the same surfaces.
  • We will have a tented home base station to replace going indoors, where we will have extra water, hand sanitizer and first aid supplies, as well as a place to keep camper’s things.
  • Each child will have their own “Camp Pack” with all the supplies they will use for the week (stream net, bug box, magnifying glass, clipboard, etc). No one will share supplies, and they will be the only one using those supplies for the duration of the 6-week program.

Younger kids? Check out our weekly Summer Nature Camp for ages 7-12!

"The building blocks of self-esteem are belonging, learning, and contributing. Camps offer unique opportunities for children to succeed in these three vital areas and even beyond home and school."


Michael Popkin, Ph.D., family therapist & founder of Active Parenting

 6 Week Session - Starts July 14!

5 morning sessions: Tuesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm

1 evening session: August 4 will be 6:30-9:30pm (rescheduled to August 5 due to weather)

Ages 12-15


We are excited to introduce a NEW "Highlands Jr. Naturalist" program designed for teens and tweens, to guide them on a deep dive into the local ecology.


​NOTE: We are consulting and will follow all guidelines and procedures recommended by the American Camp Association, NJ Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, and we are confident that the small group size combined with additional safety and sanitation procedures will allow us to safely provide a wonderful camp experience.


The 6-week program will have just 10 participants, plus at least 2 adult counselors. Due to the small number we can accommodate each week, only full session signups will be accepted (no individual day signups).​ ​All activities will be held outdoors on our beautiful 152 acre property, and will be structured to maintain social distancing. Our outdoor facilities include a picnic grove, recreation field, covered pavilion, fire circle, hiking trails, raingarden, butterfly garden and a brook. Swimming is not included.


Our mission continues to be to create a safe and supportive space for teens and tweens to express themselves, build confidence and social skills, grow friendships - and learn some cool science along the way. Each day incorporates fun and immersive experiences and a variety of nature-focused activities and experiments. The featured daily activity will incorporate STEM concepts, and the local ecology, watershed and flora & fauna. Observation hikes enhance the experience. By engaging in in-depth outdoor learning, we strive to provide an unforgettable experience and a lifelong connection to the natural world around them.


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STAFF

  • Camp Directors Sarah Crosby (Weis Sr. Educator/Naturalist) and Anne Siebecker (Weis Director/Trustee) and trained adult Weis staff.
  • Certified by the State to meet all NJ Department of Health Youth Camp standards. Certificate #27106.
  • Counselors are CPR/AED and First Aid certified.
  • Low Counselor to Camper ratio 1:5 ratio provides a safe and attentive environment.


DETAILS

  • Ages 12-15
  • 6 Tuesdays starting July 14; 9:00am-12:00pm (August 5 which will be a night session, 6:30-9:30pm)
  • No early drop-offs or late pickups 
  • Must signup for full session, no individual day signups
  • ​​Enrollment is limited to 10 kids for the 6-week session


FEES & DATES

Price per child
   $270​​ - Standard Rate
   $250 - Current New Weis Center Members*

*Membership at the "Supporter" ($75) level or above is required to take advantage of camp discounts. Membership is a tax-deductible donation with year-round benefits, and is non-refundable. Not sure if you're a member? Contact Us or Join/Renew NOW!


REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Once we receive your registration and payment, we'll send an email within 1-week with the following:

  • Parent/Guardian handbook (what to bring, how to dress, directions for drop off and pick up, do's and don'ts, and other useful information).
  • Universal Health form
  • General waiver
  • Photo release
  • Additional 2020 COVID-19 health and safety policies and procedures

All forms must be completed and returned by July 6th.


​CANCELLATION & REFUNDS (tentative, may be adjusted)

  • A $25 processing fee applies to all refunds.
  • FULL refunds will be given for cancellations due to COVID-19 related exposure or illness, and the processing fee will be waived.
  • ​Refunds due to major illness and/or family emergency will be assessed 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.​