2021 Highlands Junior NaturalistProgram

6 Week Session - July 15-August 19

Thursdays from 9:00am-3:00pm; 1 evening session August 12 from 3:00-9:00pm

Ages 12-16


Our "Highlands Junior Naturalist" program is designed to guide tweens and teens on a deep dive into the local ecology.


Year two of our Junior Naturalist program will take an even deeper dive into the forest with full-day, weekly sessions! We will take to the trails each week as we explore classic favorites as well as some untrodden secret spots. As we journey through the forest we will be learning, studying, and playing games and building connections. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive space for teens and tweens to express themselves, encourage curiosity, build confidence and social skills, grow friendships - and learn some cool science along the way.


Each day will incorporate fun and immersive experiences and a variety of nature-focused activities and experiments. By engaging in in-depth outdoor learning, we strive to provide an unforgettable experience and a lifelong connection to the natural world around them. ​Activities along the trail will range from data collecting and studies, to active games and crafts, to observation of our natural world. We will study many areas of ecology, such as botany, birds, stream & water science, animal tracking, insects & other arthropods, seasonal change, soil science, and geology. Additionally, our Junior Naturalists will learn the skills to become safe, confident, and independent outdoorspeople. This will include hands-on lessons in mapping, navigation, fire starting, preparedness, and related topics. 

​​The 6-week program will have a maximum 16 students plus at least 2 adult counselors, to ensure individual attention. ​All activities will be held outdoors on our beautiful 152, with outdoor facilities including a picnic grove, recreation field, covered pavilion, firecircle, hiking trails, raingarden, butterfly garden and a brook.


Is Jr. Naturalists a good fit for your child?​

  • Does your teen/tween enjoy being active and outdoors?
  • Does you child love nature and have a curious mind?
  • Is your child willing and able to follow COVID-19 safety procedures?


​COVID-19 Health & Safety Precautions
We follow recommended federal, state and local guidelines to help keep our participants and staff safe, and have implemented additional measures tailored to our site:

  • Small group size of 16​
  • Daily health and temperature checks conducted at drop-off
  • Masks MUST be worn; counselors will schedule masks breaks when appropriate. Social distancing will be maintained to the extent possible.
  • Program is held outdoors, except for restroom breaks
  • Increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols for restrooms​
  • HEPA filter air purifiers in the indoor classrooms if we need to take shelter (unexpected weather or emergency)
  • ​Tented outdoor station with 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!

Submit Your Payment

"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

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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 1:8 ratio provides a safe and attentive environment.


DETAILS

  • Ages 12-16
  • 6 Thursdays, July 15-August 19; 9:00am-3:00pm; note: there will be 1 night session on August 12 from 3:00-9:00pm
  • No early drop-offs or late pickups
  • ​​Enrollment is limited to 16 per day


FEES & DATES

Full 6-week session; price per child
   $510​​ - Standard Rate
   $480 - Sibling Rate (all siblings)

   $450 - 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!

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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Once we receive your registration and payment, your registration is complete. We'll send an email within additional information (i.e. where to drop off/pick up and what to bring and wear) approximately a week prior to the start of the program.

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​CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

  • $25 processing fee applies to refunds.
  • Full refunds (less the $25 fee) will be issued for cancellation requests received by June 14.
  • 50% refund (less the $25 fee) will be issued for cancellation requests received by June 28.
  • If your request to cancel is received after June 28, no refund will be given; a tax receipt will be issued to you indicating that the program fee was converted to a charitable donation.
  • ​Refunds due to major illness and/or family emergency will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • FULL refunds (less the $25 fee) will be given for cancellations due to COVID-19 related exposure or illness.

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> 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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