ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1st-4th) "NATURE DISCOVERY" - Thursdays, January 7-February 25*
*NOTE: Due to the outdoor nature of the program, class times are as follows: Jan 7-28, 3:30-5:00pm; Feb 4-25, 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.
- $155 - Current New Weis Center Members ($75 "Supporter" level & up); $185 - Non-members
- REGISTER NOW!
MIDDLE SCHOOL (5th-8th) "ECO-ADVENTURE CHALLENGE" - Fridays, January 8-February 26*
*NOTE: Due to the outdoor nature of the program, class times are as follows: Jan 7-28, 3:30-5:00pm; Feb 4-25, 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.
- $155 - Current New Weis Center Members ($75 "Supporter" level & up); $185 - 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 14-16, depending on the program.
- 100% outdoors, with the exception of restroom breaks.
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols for restrooms.
- Masks must be worn and social distancing maintained at all times.
- Daily health and temperature checks conducted at drop-off.
STAFF
- Led by Senior Educator/Naturalist Sarah Crosby and trained adult Weis staff.
- All lead 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 8-week 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.
Start off the year with a new 8-WEEK SESSION of our outdoor after-school programs for elementary and middle schoolers. Each group will have different goals and themes, but all programs will be 100% outdoors and include a focus on physical activity, peer socialization, nature, seasonal ecology - and fun!
COVID-19 Update: Masks must be worn and social distancing maintained at all times.
After-school Programs - Winter 2021