Schedule of Events!
11:00am: Event Begins
Visit our photo displays in the picnic grove, stroll the gardens and grounds, and meet our Trustees & Staff, and check out our special fundraiser items - including centennial t-shirts and mugs and the 'Taste of the Highlands' cookbook!
- We invite everyone who has photos of Camp Midvale and Weis Ecology Center from decades past, to bring copies for today's photo display, and for us to add to our historical archive.
11:30-12:00: Opening Ceremony and 'Ringing of the Bell'
Jon Berry, President of the Highlands Nature Friends, will ring the bell (from the old Camp Midvale social hall) to open the festivities and introduce some of our Trustees, staff members and interns.
> No registration required
12:15-1:00: Guided Nature Hike: Transition Time in the Forest!
Led by our Sr. Educator & Naturalist Sarah Crosby. Join us for a short, easy-paced hike through our private trails, to see and learn about what happens in the forest as summer transitions into fall.
> Registration is required; REGISTER NOW!
1:15-2:00: Family Field Games
Led by our Educators and Environmental Interns. Gather your family and friends and join in on some friendly competition, with some silly, active and fun games in the field.
> Registration is required; REGISTER NOW!
2:15-3:15: The Nature Friends Camp Midvale: History Tour
Led by Karin Ahmed, VP of The Highlands Nature Friends, the 501(c)3 nonprofit that owns and operates The New Weis Center. This will be an easy stroll around the buildings grounds. Karin grew up next door to the Center, and has researched its history over the last century. She will talk about how the original Nature Friends group developed it as a place for recreation and education, the changes and transitions through the years, and our efforts to preserve and restore the historic buildings and grounds and re-establish the center as an important community resource.
> Registration is required; REGISTER NOW!
4:00-4:45: Midvale Memories - 'Old-timers' Gathering
We invite Camp Midvale old-timers to gather at the picnic pavilion to reconnect with old friends and share their photos and memories.
> No registration required
4:00-4:45: Intern & Staff Gathering - past and present
From the Weis Ecology Center years up through the present, student interns have been an important part of the history at our site. We invite ALL interns - past and present - to join us to catchup, share remembrances, swap stories and even do some networking!
> No registration required
5:00-5:45: Folk Dancing
We will gather outside near the picnic pavilion and play old folk dance records. All are welcome to join in. For old-timers, it will bring back our childhood memories of folk-dancing at Camp Midvale, and we'll find out how many of us remember the steps!
> No registration required
6:00-6:30: Closing Ceremony and 'Ringing of the Bell'
Everyone will get a chance to ring the old Camp Midvale bell from the social hall, to memorialize those who are no longer with us.
> No registration required
6:30-8:00: Campfire Circle
Join us as we relax around our rustic firecircle to share a few more memories before departing.
> No registration required
"It was a sanctuary for young and old, a real sense of community. The kids would have fun all day and were watched over by the elders. A more idyllic place, I could not imagine."
~John Matthes, grandson of early HNF member Adolf Matthes
Join us as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of when the Nature Friends established Camp Midvale at our site, with special gatherings, programs and activities throughout the day. All ages are welcome!
There is no charge for any of the programs, but donations are greatly appreciated.