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.

Summer Camp - Details & Registration

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2022 Emerging Ecologists

These programs are just for 6th-9th graders!

CAMP ​PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Week-long STEM oriented programs for grades 6th-9th, that takes a deep dive into our local forest ecology in the NJ Highlands region. Our goal is to introduce young naturalists to learning about the environment through scientific field methods and hands-on exploration, while being active and immersed in the forest. 


OVERNIGHT CAMPOUTS
Each week-long program (1 week for spring break, 2 weeks for summer) 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. Thursday's camp starts at 9:00am as usual, but when the regular camp day concludes at 3:00pm we'll stay onsite and move right into our preparations and activities for our campout Thursday night, which includes:

  • Campfire cookout for Thursday night dinner (food provided), along with evening s'mores. On Friday, breakfast and lunch will be provided.
  • 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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STAFF

  • Camp Directors Sarah Crosby (Weis Sr. Educator/Naturalist) and Anne Siebecker (Weis Director/Trustee), 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 $16  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.

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

  • $25 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.​


COVID-19 GUIDELINES

  • We follow recommended state and local guidelines, subject to change
  • Effective March 7, 2022: MASKS are OPTIONAL (indoors & outdoors)




SUMMER CAMP DETAILS

We are excited to offer TWO weeks of Emerging Ecologists summer camp for 2022, each of which features an overnight campout on Thursday into Friday. During each week, students will be outdoors conducting experiments, collecting data and exploring new habitats - all while cultivating new relationships with their peers and growing towards independent young adults.

  • Baited moths overnight using a blacklight to observe these elusive creatures
  • Compared diversity in plant communities in different elevations of the forest
  • Collected soil organisms with student-created Berlese Funnels
  • Hiked to scenic vistas while learning navigation and preparedness skills
  • Swam in the Highlands Natural Pool, played team-building games, made s'mores over a campfire, and more!
  • ​Enjoyed a summer night campout, watching the starry sky, feeling the cool night breeze, and waking up in the fresh air. 


Week 1: July 25-29

Week 2: August 1-5

Signup for one or both weeks. Each week includes an overnight campout on Thursday night (details above). Camps are rain or shine; we'll take cover in the pavilion or move the fun inside in case of inclement weather.

​> REGISTER NOW!


PRICE - per person; Mon-Fri, includes overnight campout
   $420​​ - Standard Rate
   $390 - Siblings & multiple weeks
   $365 - 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!