EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Education
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
- Public programs: include guided nature walks and talks byWeis staffand guest experts, historical and culture programs, as well as special presentations and events.
- After-school nature programs for grades 1-12
- Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis of Earth Living Skills. Topics include firebuilding, shelter making, bird languages, basketry, local plants, awareness & movement.
- Group programs: include field trips for schools,homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps and during thesummerand winter and spring schoolbreaks.
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 performances. They present a spring and fall production, as well as a special holiday show and acting improv workshops several times a year.
Music
"Music at Midvale" Acoustic Open Mic! An afternoon of live music on the last Sunday afternoon each month. Signup to perform at the door starting at 2:30pm; music starts at 3:00 and ends at 5:00pm. Light refreshments are available. Details and performance guidelines.
"Music at Midvale" Concert Series.
Photography
- Exhibit of landscape and nature photographs, taken locally by Joann Lightbody, a lifelong Ringwood, NJ resident. Joann has captured the beauty of the area in her photos, which are on display in the main building.
- Enjoy an exhibit of beautiful and inspiring nature photography by talented local artists Vera Lazar, Tom Tarbutton, and Karin Ahmed! Main building.
Recreation
Goat Yoga! Classes conducted by Totes Goats LLC. An hour of Vinyasa yoga and time to ask questions and play with the adorable goats.
Public guided hikes may be offered throughout the year, and can be scheduled for private groups, party or special event. 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.
Swimming in the Highlands Natural Pool, which is adjacent to our property. Experience a mountain-stream fed 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!
Please include a note in the optional "Notes" field indicating what your payment is for (i.e. new membership, renewal, one-time donation, scout badge, facility rental, public program type, etc.)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please note: some programs require pre-registration and/or advance payment, please see details below
IN-PERSON PROGRAMS
▶ Sep 12, 6:00-7:30pm: Migration Celebration Guided Nature Walk
Join our Senior Educator/Naturalist for a forest and field nature walk as we observe butterflies, dragonflies and birds, and discover their fall migration behaviors. We’ll discuss ways to see the full migration and learn how these organisms survive this incredible journey.
- Open to ALL ages!
- The walk we be on our field and garden areas, and on our forest trails.
- Bring binoculars if you have them; we also have a limited supply available to borrow.
- In case of rain, you will be notified and the program will be rescheduled.
- Due to limited group size, registration is required.
FREE for current Members of The New Weis Center AND 2020 Members of The Highlands Natural Pool; free tickets are for members and immediate family (if they have a family membership) only; guests must register separately. $8 per person for non-members (kids 5 and under are free). Additional donations to our nonprofit organization are always appreciated!!!
> Registration is Required - REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sep 27, 3:00-5:00pm: Music at Midvale Acoustic Open Mic
Join us near the old farmhouse for an afternoon of acoustic all outdoors music (originals and covers). Social distancing required, masks must be worn when distancing can't be maintained. 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 between 2:30-3:00pm; music starts at 3:00. NO registration required.
▶ Sep 30, 4:00-8:00pm: Merit Badge Class: Communications
▶ Oct 3-4: Family Campout Weekend!
▶ Oct 11, 1:00: Birding for Beginners - with Don Torino, President of Bergen County Audubon Society
> Free; donations welcome. NO registration required.
▶ Oct 24, 11:00am-1:30pm: Primitive Cooking & Water Purification! Led by Joe Blevis of Earth Living Skills
Goat Yoga - classes will resume as soon as possible
45 minutes of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners.
VIRTUAL ONLINE PROGRAMS
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
None at this time
SCOUTS
▶ Virtual Girl Scout badges for troops are now available! The classes consist of two ~1 hour video sessions scheduled approx a week apart, with activities for scouts to do in between sessions. Interested leaders can contact us to schedule a class. $12/scout; minimum 10, maximum 20. We currently offer:
Daisy - Eco Learner Badge
Brownie - Household Elf Sustainability Badge
Junior - Animal Habitats Badge
COVID-19 Update: Social distancing will be maintained at all events; masks must be worn when distancing can't be maintained and when using the indoor restrooms