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
Support The New Weis Center by making a tax-deductible DONATION and receive special member benefits! Learn more
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-registration and advance payment is required for most programs. Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building.
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▶ Sun, Nov 2, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #5, #6, #7, & #8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available
- $35 per scout
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sat, Nov 8, 1-5pm: Pulp & Paper Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #6, #7E, & #8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available
- $35 per scout
▶ Sun, Nov 9, 10-11:30am: Forest Bathing-Sensory Walk
The practice of forest bathing means to immerse oneself in the forest and soak in the atmosphere through the senses. Today's walk at an easy pace will focus on connecting to nature through mindfulness, as we explore our senses and the present moment through short, guided, meditations and breathing exercises in the forest. Through this practice, we aim to deepen our connection to our mind, our body, and the life around us in nature. At the end of our walk, we'll sample a tea made from pine and spruce needles foraged on the Weis property, with some seasonal variations throughout the year. This tea is meant to show our gratitude and appreciation and is a way of tasting and taking in the land to further connect to it. Forest bathing has been shown to help decrease stress levels and anxiety, and helps improve the immune system and symptoms of depression, to name a few benefits. Come explore a new way of walking through the forest!
- Led by Lead Educator Lauren Lynch or Educator Chris Campbell
- Open to ages 13 and up
▶ Sat, Nov 16, 1-5:30pm: Plant Science Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #7, #8 option 3D, #8 option 3E. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available
- $35 per scout
▶ Sun, Nov 16, 9:30am-5:30pm: 'Harmony in the Highlands' Nature Retreat
Step away from the noise and into the stillness of nature! Join us for a restorative day of mindfulness, reflection, and peace at the New Weis Center. Surrounded by the natural beauty and serenity of the New Jersey Highlands on our beautiful 152 acres of forested land, this retreat is designed to help you reconnect - with nature, yourself, and the present moment. Throughout the day, you'll be guided through a thoughtful selection of healing and grounding experiences, including:
🌲 Forest Bathing Walk with Foraged Tea (Shinrin-yoku)
🎶 Himalayan Sound Healing with special guest Crystal Eshanov of Sage and Sound Holistic Wellness (Montclair, NJ)
🌀 Chakra Balancing & Aromatherapy
🖋 Nature Journaling & Intention Setting
🔥 Sunset Campfire Gathering
Whether you're looking to release stress, find clarity, or simply breathe deeper, this immersive retreat offers a space to slow down and realign. Come as you are... Leave feeling renewed!
▶ Sat, Nov 22, 1pm-2:15pm: DIY Pumpkin Birdfeeder
Build your own pumpkin bird feeder from scratch! Learn about fall bird migration and feeding patterns. Enjoy the wildlife and autumn scenery at Weis.
- Includes pumpkin, starter seed, & apple cider
>REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sun, Nov 23, 1pm-5pm: Landscape Architecture Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: #1 & #5. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available
- $35 per scout
▶ Sat, Dec 13, 1pm-5pm: Forestry Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: 5a, 5b OR 5c (SCOUTS CAN CHOOSE ANY OPTION for requirement 5) & 8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $35 per scout
▶ Sun, Dec 14, 1pm-5pm: Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge
Pre-requisites MUST be done beforehand; scout must bring proof of completion and we will review the requirements in class: Pre-requisites MUST be completed prior to the in-person class: 3a,3b,4a,5,7a,7b,7c, & 8. Refer to badge handbook or the "About this event" on our Eventbrite page for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform, closed toe shoes, AND bring a signed blue card (no exceptions)
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi is available.
- $35 per scout
EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
Education
- Public programs: guided nature walks and hikes, led byWeis staff, historical and culture programs, first aid classes and special events.
- Group programs: including field trips for schools, homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps during thesummerand school breaks.
Arts
Performing Arts
Iron Mountain Stage Company, a local non-profit theatre company that has been performing continuously since 1993, makes Weis their permanent home for rehearsals and some performances. They present a spring and fall production, as well as fun public acting improv workshops.
Music
May-Sep: "Music at Midvale" Acoustic Open Mic! Join us near the old farmhouse for an afternoon of acoustic, outdoors music (originals and covers). Please bring your own refreshments and a folding chair. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted on the property.
> $5 per person, additional donations welcome! Signup to perform from 2:30-3:00pm; music starts at 3:00. NO registration required. Details and performance guidelines
Recreation
Guided Nature Hikes - Led by our Educators & Naturalists. Public guided hikes are offered throughout the year, and can also be scheduled for private groups, party or special events. Hikes are led by a first aid certified staff member, and may focus on local history, flora, and fauna found along the trail.Learn more about hiking at Weis and in the adjacent Norvin Green State Forest.
Forest Bathing Walks - Led by our Lead Educator and Naturalist Lauren Lynch
Seasonal programs - Including Pumpkin Chunkin' (fall), Halloween Wicked Walk at Weis tours (fall), Natural Wreath Making (fall/winter), Maple Sugaring (Feb/Mar), and Solstice/Equinox celebrations. Details and registration
Swimming is available at our neighbors and partners the Highlands Natural Pool, which is adjacent to our property. Experience a mountain-stream fed, chemical-free Olympic size pool in a beautiful, forested setting. Snack bar on premises.
Scouting
We are happy to welcome ALL Scout groups to The New Weis Center. We offer many programs for Scouts, including badge classes, service projects, camping and firecircles, and hosting special events. Please check our Scouting page for all the details and upcoming events!