2023 Emerging Ecologists Summer Camp

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Emerging Ecologists

Programs just for 6th-9th graders!

OVERVIEW

Our Emerging Ecologists programencompasses all of our outdoor events for teens and tweens in grades 6th-9th, including spring and summer camps, seasonal overnight campouts, and individual day weekend programs. The mission of these programs is to create a hands-on nature experience for youth to learn scientific methods and biological concepts, while cultivating an understanding of the natural world around them and their place in it.

Emerging Ecologist programs are designed to create an experience where students are immersed in nature, participating in physical activity, socializing with peers and making new friends outside of a school setting. Throughout all of the programs, students will be challenged with hands-on STEM activities and experiments, to give them a look into how biologists study in the field. Year-round programs provide an opportunity to observe changes in the forest through the seasons. Our primary focus will be on ecology, wildlife behavior, plant biology, geology, and other related fields. Activities will also include hiking, wilderness survival and outdoor skills, and team building activities. 

Goals of the Emerging Ecologists Program:

  • Creating a learning environment where individual questioning and experimentation is encouraged, to help students cultivate an understanding of the natural world around them through both group & self guided study.
  • Arming students with the skills and safety knowledge to explore the outdoors confidently, from hiking in their backyard to camping in the wilderness.
  • Providing a space where students can try new things and meet new people, while they grow and learn about themselves.​

CAMP ​PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Week-long STEM oriented program for grades 6th-9th, that takes a deep dive into the wilderness skills needed to enjoy outdoor adventures, along with other camp favorites.


OVERNIGHT CAMPOUT
This program features an overnight campout on Thursday into Friday. We will cook dinner over a campfire, learn the best ways to set up camp, take a night hike to learn about nocturnal organisms, and explore the forest after dark. Our Emerging Ecologists will have fun while learning outdoor skills to help prepare them for a lifetime of safely and confidently enjoying the outdoors.

  • Campfire cookout for Thursday night dinner (food provided), along with evening s'mores. Breakfast is included on Friday.
  • A limited supply of tents will be available for those who do not have one (or can't borrow one).
  • We will camp at our group campsite behind the main brick building, which has easy access to restrooms.
  • 2 Counselors will be present all night with the campers.
  • Further details about what to pack and what food will be served will be emailed prior to the start of the program!​​

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SUMMER CAMP DETAILS
Dates: Mon, Aug 7 - Fri, Aug 11

Camp is rain or shine; we'll take cover in the pavilion or move the fun inside in case of inclement weather
Daily Times & Details:

Mon-Wed:  drop-off at 9:00am, pickup at 3:00pm

Thu:  drop-off at 3:00pm, camp activities, dinner (food provided), overnight tent campout (2 adult counselors stay with the campers throughout the night). Note: parents should pack a lunch for Friday, which can be refrigerated if needed.

Fri:  breakfast (food provided), lunch (brought from home on Thursday), camp activities, pickup at 3:00pm


STAFF

  • Camp Directors Erica Garfinkle (Sr. Educator & Naturalist) and Lauren Lynch (Lead Educator & Naturalist), and adult Weis staff.
  • Certified by the State to meet all NJ Department of Health Youth Camp standards. Certificate #27106.
  • Lead Counselors are CPR/AED and First Aid certified.
  • Low Counselor to Camper ratio 1:10 ratio provides a safe and attentive environment.


​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 "Kiwi Green" with The New Weis Center's logo on the front and "Nature Education Programs" on the back in dark green lettering.

​​PRICE - per person; Mon-Fri, includes overnight campout and food for dinner Thursday and breakfast on Friday morning.
   $425​​ - Standard Rate
   $395 - Siblings & multiple weeks
   $370 - 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 in full, your registration is complete. We'll email you with additional info (i.e. where to drop off/pick up and what to bring and wear) prior to the start of the program.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • $35 processing fee applies to ALL refunds.
  • We cannot offer partial refunds if you miss a day.
  • Full refunds will be provided with 2 weeks notice. Requests for refunds with less than 2 weeks notice are only available if we can fill your spot.
  • ​Refunds due to major illness 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.​