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Nature Based Homeschool Program

Ages 5-10  |  Tuesdays from 1:30-4:00pm​​

Spring Session: Apr 29-Jun 3 (6 weeks)

NOTE: If you're interested but can't start week 1, just indicate which week your child will start on the registration form and we'll send you an invoice for the prorated amount.

​Join us for an immersive homeschool session as we experience the change of seasons through a blend of mindfulness, scientific observation, and active outdoor fun! Students will observe, interact with, and appreciate the wonders of nature on our 152-acre property through forest exploration, hiking on our private trails, nature-inspired art crafts, and hands-on activities, experiments and games.


Programs are active and outdoors (weather permitting), using our forest, field, gardens (raingarden, pollinator, vegetable, sensory) and stream as both classrooms and playground. The program incorporates games and group activities that focus on teamwork and socializing, in addition to STEM lessons about forest ecology and seasonal topics.


SPRING 2025 SESSION:

Join us for an exciting springtime exploration of nature as the world awakens! As spring unfolds, the days grow longer, the air warms, and nature bursts with life. We will be discovering local plants and animals as well as the ecological changes that support them. Our journey will focus on the intricate connections between plants, insects, and the natural resources that sustain them, deepening our understanding of the world around us. Exploring these topics through a variety of science and art-based lessons, we will get up close and personal with the wonders of nature all around us!

Week One: Earth Day/Sustainability

  • Composting and Compost in a Bag
  • Make a Worm Jar
  • Worm Observation & Sustainability Bingo


Week Two: Vernal Pools and Amphibians

  • Explore vernal pools
  • Life cycle of frogs and amphibians
  • Search for frog eggs and listen for frog sounds


Week Three: Pollinators: Bees and Unusual Ones: Flies, Moths, Beetles, and More!

  • Make Bee Houses
  • Observe Pollinators in Our Garden
  • Write a Pollinator Story
  • Pollinator Scavenger Hunt


Week Four: Flowers and Seeds

  • Germination & Plant dissection
  • Wildflower Walk & ID
  • Invent-a-Plant


Week Five: Insects and Stream Study

  • Macroinvertebrates
  • Water Quality
  • Stream Exploration


Week Six: Weather and Water Cycle

  • Cloud in a Jar
  • Types of Clouds/Cloud Spotter Craft
  • Water Cycle Experiments

The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation  |  150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456  |  973-835-2160

Owned and operated by the Highlands Nature Friends, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

“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 many options for the homeschool community, including field trips that can be scheduled for your group, and weekly programs open to all homeschoolers from Sep-May. Many of our individual public programs, seasonal programs (like maple sugaring, natural wreath weaving and pumpkin chunkin) and scout programs can also be adapted and scheduled privately for your group, pod or co-op.


Homeschool groups are also welcome to rent our facilities - such as the recreation field, covered pavilion (with picnic tables) and firecircle - for their own classes and events, including campfires and overnights; membership is required for cabin or tent camping.​


Contact us for more information or to schedule a program, or call 973-835-2160

Payments and Donations


​​​STAFF

  • Led by our team of experienced educators/naturalists. Learn more about our team 
  • 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

  • Program runs rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, we will move activities to the covered pavilion (with heaters).
  • 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 are welcome to accompany the group for the first session to help your child(ren) feel comfortable.
  • Drive in through the outer gate and our staff will meet you at the kiosk next to the picnic grove.


PRICE for per 6-wk session (per student)

Note: Payment in full is due upon registration. Click the "Donate" button above to pay buy PayPal or Credit Card, or pay via Venmo @NewWeisCenter
1 Day per Week - TUESDAYS(6 classes)

$250 - Standard Rate
$235 - Siblings Rate (each sibling)
$220 - CURRENT New Weis Center Member Rate*

​​*Members at the "Supporter" level ($75 and up) are eligible for the discounted rate. 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.​


> We reserve the right to remove any child without refund due to unacceptable behavior, and to reschedule or change programs as needed.​​

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