Let's Explore Nature!

Register your 4-6 year old for 3 days of summer fun and exploration at The New Weis Center. Here is a sample of the wonders we will explore:


> Things that Live in the Water: Salamanders, Insects, Frogs!

  • Frog lifecycle craft and frog egg slime 
  • Pond water experiment
  • Stream scavenger hunt

> Things that Grow in the Dirt: Plants, Flowers, Trees!

  • Nature smash painting
  • Color changing flowers experiment

> Things that Live in the Forest: Birds, Squirrels, Deer!

  • Forest sensory challenge
  • Make a mouse house 
  • Bird nest and feeder craft


Daily Flow

  • 9:00am: Drop-off and welcome circle
  • Interactive nature storytime
  • Let's make some music
  • Nature art
  • Mid-morning snacktime
  • Forest and field nature games
  • Lunchtime
  • Free play and exploration at the secret hamlet 
  • 12:30: Wrap-up and pick up​​

​​​JOIN US FOR A FUN 3-DAY NATURE EXPLORATION!

​

The program will be held primarily outdoors on our beautiful 152 acre property. Our facilities include a picnic grove, recreation field, covered pavilion, private trails, raingarden, butterfly garden, vegetable & herb garden, bird feeding station and a mountain brook which flows through our property - plus several outdoor classroom areas. ​


Our goal is to inspire children to be curious about the natural world and to develop their social-emotional skills as they grow and explore the forest. Small group size ensures we can change, adapt and flow with the collective interests of the group as the week goes on! We love to encourage the natural instincts and curiosity that children have while exploring nature, in a safe and supportive environment.​​

SUBMIT CAMP PAYMENT

2025 Summer "Mini Camp" Program!

For Ages 4-6​

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

"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

  • Program designer and primary educator: Chris Campbell. Chris is CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid certified.
  • Low Counselor to Camper ratio of 1:9 or less provides a safe and attentive environment for all campers.​


CODE OF CONDUCT

  • Attendees are entitled to a safe and supportive environment while participating. All children are expected to follow our main rule of RESPECT: respect each other, respect the natural world, respect the leader, and respect themselves.
  • Fighting, physical contact (pushing, shoving, kicking, etc.), name-calling, harassment and bullying are not permitted under any circumstances.
  • Children must be willing and able to follow the leader's directions, stay with the group, and participate safely in activities.

​

NOTES

  • Deadline to register: JULY 8th!
  • Individual day signup is not available.
  • Program is rain or shine; in inclement weather we'll take cover in the pavilion or move the fun inside to our large main room or classrooms.
  • Campers must be bathroom independent.
  • A minimum of 6 campers is required to run the program, so please pass the word!

​

2025 PROGRAM FEES & DATES (per child)

3 Days: Tue, Jul 22 - Thu, Jul 24

​   $165 - Standard rate

   $155 - Siblings rate

   $145 - Members rate*​


Payment in full is required to confirm your registration!

We will send an email at least 2 weeks prior to the start with additional details for the parent/guardian, including what your child should bring and wear, directions for drop off and pick up, and other useful information.


​*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!


​CAMP T-SHIRT (optional)
Please choose the size on the registration form and include an additional $20  with your payment if you would like a t-shirt. Shirts are short-sleeve "Safety Green" with The New Weis Center's logo on the front and "Nature Camp" on the back in dark green lettering.

​​

​CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

  • A $35 processing fee applies to ALL refunds.
  • We cannot offer partial refunds if you miss a day; refunds due to major illness or family emergency will be assessed on a case-by-case basis​
  • Refunds are not available after the registration deadline shown above.

​

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

​