2023 Spring Session
6-week session for ages 6-10
Tuesdays from March 21-April 25, 1:30-3:30pm
Join us this spring for an immersive homeschool session as we experience the change of seasons and the land through a blend of mindfulness and scientific observation. We will have an ongoing project to collect and analyze data in order to observe the changes in the chemical composition of the water in our vernal pools as Spring emerges. We will also explore the land through nature journaling and observing wildlife on forest hikes and through our trail cameras. With games, nature-inspired art crafts, and hands-on activities, we are excited to connect to the start of Spring in a fun, new, way!
Here is a sample plan for our 6-week session (specific activities and order may change):
Week 1: We'll start by setting up trail cameras, visiting our seasonal vernal pools and doing our first water test. As we explore our vernal pools we'll learn about what creatures live there, what starts its life cycle there, and talk about their importance in our ecosystem. We'll discuss how we can learn about our environment through observation and data collection. Other activities will include games, making field notebooks, and recording our data.
Week 2: Into the gardens we go! We'll learn what happens during each season in the garden, and how to extend the growing season with cold crops, winter seed sowing, and greenhouses; and we'll build a cold frame in our raised bed teaching garden! Afterwards, we'll check on the other garden areas to help get them ready to be planted, then play some fun garden-themed games.
Week 3: Nature art and project follow up will be our main focus this week. We'll re-test water and compare against our earlier results. We'll check the trail cams and the gardens, then take a short hike for inspiration for a cool art activity.
Week 4: Today is bird day! We'll check the feeders, learn which seeds are best for different types of birds, talk about spring migration, and do some bird watching. We'll explore the best birding spots around the property and investigate the different types of nests, then play a fun game that challenges us to build a nest best suited to the different birds in our local area.
Week 5: Trees, trees, trees! Today we'll explore our brand new "Tree Walk" trail, with 18 different species to find and learn about. We'll also search for animal game trails and check the trail cameras. As we learning how to identify and be with some of the tree species in the area, we'll try two new tree trail games.
Week 6: Let's take a hike! We will explore our private trails and hike to a ridge with an awesome viewpoint. Along the way we'll search for spring ephemerals and talk about their importance in the ecosystem, and observe the other signs of emerging spring life. We'll finish our spring session with a sit spot and some time for reflection on the journey we have witnessed!
“Adventurous experiences out-of-doors are perceived to kindle the enthusiasm of the young, to develop their concern for others, for their community and for the environment. Such experiences provide the means of self-discovery, self-expression and enjoyment, which are at once both stimulating and fulfilling."
~ Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine
HOMESCHOOL
The New Weis Center offers several options for the homeschool community, including field tripsthat can be scheduled for your group, and spring and fall 6-week sessions. In addition, many of ourindividual public programs andscout programs may be scheduled privately just for your group, pod or co-op!
Contact us to schedule a program, or call 973-835-2160
STAFF
- Led by Lead Educator Lauren Lynch and our team of educators/naturalists. Learn more
- Lead staff are CPR/AED and First Aid certified
- Educator to student ratio of 1:9 or lower provides a safe and attentive environment
DETAILS
- 6-week session meets every Tuesday from 1:30-3:30pm
- For ages 6-10
- Program runs rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, we will move activities to the covered pavilion or inside to our classrooms
- Please do not send any snacks made with peanut butter or other tree nuts!
- This is a DROP-OFF class. Parents/Guardians are welcome to remain onsite and wait in the main building (wi-fi available) or in one of our outdoor seating areas. In addition, you may choose to accompany the group for the first session (March 21) to help the child(ren) feel comfortable.
- Please drive in through the outer gate and our staff will meet you at the kiosk in the picnic grove
PRICE (per student)
$190 - Standard Rate
$175 - Siblings Rate (each sibling)
$165 - CURRENT New Weis Center Member Rate*
*Members at the "Supporter" level ($75 and up) are eligible for discounts on homeschool programs. Learn more about membership.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
- A $35 processing fee applies to ALL refunds
- Full refunds (less the $35 fee) will be issued for cancellation requests received at least two weeks before the first class.
- 50% refund (less the $35 fee) will be issued for cancellation requests received with less than two weeks notice before the first class.
- Due to high demand and small group size, we cannot offer partial refunds if you miss a week.
- Refunds due to major illness and/or family emergency will be considered on a case-by-case basis
COVID-19 GUIDELINES
- We follow recommended state and local guidelines, subject to change
- Effective March 7, 2022: MASKS are OPTIONAL (indoors & outdoors)
> We reserve the right to remove any child without refund due to unacceptable behavior, and to reschedule or change programs as needed.