​After-school Programs - Fall 2020

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1st-4th) "NATURE DISCOVERY" - Thursdays, September 17-November 5, 3:30-5:30pm

  • The Nature Discovery program is designed to get students to discover all areas of the forest and feel comfortable playing, exploring, and learning there. Each week we will have nature games and fun activities that also foster curiosity and a lasting connection with nature.
  • Sample activities: exploring the brook, flipping logs, scavenger hunts, hiking, natural art, collecting insects, nature journaling.
  • $175 - Current New Weis Center Members ($75 "Supporter" level & up);  $205 - Non-members
  • REGISTER NOW!


MIDDLE SCHOOL (5th-8th) "ECO-ADVENTURE CHALLENGE" - Fridays, September 18-November 6, 3:30-5:30pm

  • Our Eco-Adventure Challenge program is all about outdoor challenges and teamwork! Students will be challenged with team-building games and projects, and work together to complete survival challenges, explore the forest, and have fun.
  • Sample activities: adventure challenge games, shelter building, group natural crafts, hiking and obstacle courses and nature journaling.
  • $175 - Current New Weis Center Members ($75 "Supporter" level & up);  $205 - Non-members​
  • SOLD OUT


​HIGH SCHOOL (9th-12th) "HIGHLANDS TREKKERS" - Mondays, September 21-November 9, 3:30-6:30pm

  • Our Highlands Trekkers will take to the trails with a new hike each week. As we go, we will learn about our forest and the local plant and animal species. Students will also learn the Do's and Don'ts of safe hiking and how to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles.
  • Each student will receive their own NY-NJ Trail Conference trail map set of the area, which will be used during our program, and then kept for their future hiking endeavors!
  • There may be one or two sessions where the drop-off location will differ from the regular parking lot. The location will be less than 10 minutes away from the center, and detailed directions will be provided in advance. 
  • Sample activities: how to read trail maps & trail markers, planning a hiking route, natural navigation, packing a bag, practical survival skills, and citizen science on the trail.
  • $190 - Current New Weis Center Members ($75 "Supporter" level & up);  $220 - Non-members​
  • ​REGISTER NOW!



Due to the high demand and small group size, we are only accepting registrations for full 8-week sessions.


*Membership at the "Supporter" ($75) level or above is required to take advantage of after-school program discounts.

Memberships are tax deductible with many year-round benefits. Not sure if you're a member? Contact Us or Join/Renew NOW!



​Our mission is to create a safe and supportive space for youth to build confidence and social skills, grow friendships and connect with nature.​ Programs will be held outdoors on our beautiful 152 acre property in the Highlands region of northern NJ. Our outdoor facilities include a picnic grove, recreation field, covered pavilion, fire circle, hiking trails, raingarden, butterfly garden and a brook.

Parents/Guardians are welcome to remain onsite and wait on the spacious back deck of our main building. Socially distant tables and chairs will be setup and free wi-fi is available! Or you may prefer to enjoy a hike in the adjacent Norvin Green State Forest.


​COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
We are following all recommended federal, state and local guidelines to help keep our participants and their families and friends safe. We have also implemented specific measures tailored to our site:

  • Small group size of 12-16, depending on the program. 
  • ​100% outdoors, with the exception of restroom breaks.
  • Restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected before each program.
  • Outdoor hand sanitizer, water and first aid station near the main building.
  • Masks required when social distancing cannot be maintained, when using the restrooms, or if we must move indoors due to extreme weather or an emergency.
  • Daily health and temperature checks conducted at drop-off.​​​​​​​​​



​STAFF

  • Led by Senior Educator/Naturalist Sarah Crosby and trained adult Weis staff.
  • All staff are CPR/AED and First Aid certified.
  • Educator to student ratio of 1:8 or lower provides a safe and attentive environment.



CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • A $25 processing fee applies to ALL refunds.
  • Due to the high demand and small group size, we cannot offer partial refunds if you miss a week. Full session refunds will only be available if we can fill your spot, with the exception noted below.
  • Exception: FULL refunds (no processing fee) will be given for cancellations due to COVID-19 related exposure or illness.
  • ​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.​

​

​​This FALL we are excited to offer 8-WEEK SESSIONS of outdoor after-school programs for 3 age groups: elementary, middle, and high school! Each group will have different goals and themes, but all of our programs will be 100% outdoors and include a focus on physical activity, peer socialization, nature, fall season ecology, and fun!

COVID-19 Update: Social distancing will be maintained at all events; masks must be worn when distancing can't be maintained and when using the indoor restrooms