The New Weis Center offers several options for the homeschool community, including field tripsthat can be scheduled for your group, and spring and fall multi-week sessions. In addition, many of ourindividual public programs andscout programs may be scheduled privately for your group, pod or co-op!

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

“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

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​​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

  • For ages 6-10
  • Each 4-week session meets on consecutive Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30pm
  • 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 to help your 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, per 4-week session) - ​payment is due upon registration
$125 - Standard Rate
$115 - Siblings Rate (each sibling)
$110 - 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.​


Fall 2023

Outdoor, nature based Homeschool program for ages 6-10

Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30pm​


This Fall we will be offering two 4-week sessions. Register for both for an 8-week experience, or choose the 4-week session that fits your schedule


Fall Session 1:  Sep 27, Oct 4, 11, 18

Fall Session 2:  Oct 25, Nov 1, 8, 15


Join us this fall for an immersive homeschool session as we experience the change of seasons and the land through a blend of mindfulness and scientific observation. Through a combination of ongoing projects and new activities each week, we will observe, interact with, and appreciate the nature that surrounds us. We will also explore the land through nature journaling and observing wildlife on forest hikes, nature-inspired art crafts, and hands-on activities.


Lessons are active and outdoors, using our forest, field, gardens (rain, 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! Some of our focus areas will include leaf chromatography, foraging, migration and adaptations, bird behavior, dendrology, plant communities, animal preparations for winter and more.


Activity Examples:

  • Into the gardens we go! We'll learn what happens during each season in the garden.
  • We'll use nature as our inspiration for some fun and creative art projects and activities.
  • It's Fall migration time! Let's check the bird feeders, learn which seeds are best for different types of birds, and do some birdwatching.
  • We'll forage for mint, spruce and pine needles to make our own tea
  • Let's take a hike! We will explore our private trails and hike to a ridge with an awesome viewpoint, as we learn to "Leave no Trace"
  • Search for signs of the changing seasons, including nests, caches and food sources. 
  • We'll finish our classes with a sit spot and time to reflect and share.

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