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?
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:
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
STAFF
DETAILS
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!
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.
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS
> We reserve the right to remove any child without refund due to unacceptable behavior, and to reschedule or change programs as needed.