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!
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.
Don’t miss out! SIGN UP to receive emails about upcoming programs and events
▶ Sun, Jun 8, 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 to 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 Weis Lead Educator Lauren Lynch
- Ages 13 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- $15 per person
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sat, Jun 14, 9am-12pm: Volunteer Day at Weis!
We welcome volunteers (scouts, community members, families, groups, clubs) to stop by and help with some much needed TLC in our gardens and grounds, including invasive species removal, spreading woodchips on pathways, mulching, pruning, litter pickup, gathering branches/sticks for campfires. No gardening experience necessary.
- Counts as community service and conservation hours for students and scouts
- Bring work gloves if you have them
- Suggested age: 8+; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Volunteer Days are scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month, May-Oct
> No registration required, but please let us know if you are bringing a group (5 or more)
▶ Fri, Jun 20, 1-3pm: Summer Solstice Celebration (ages 5-10)
Join Andrea from Wholesome Hearts for a Summer Solstice Celebration! Children will learns all about the reason for the season, experiment with sun prints, make fresh squeezed lemonade, have fun with shadows and explore the beauty around us. A light snack will be provided and all materials and supplies are included.
- Caregivers are welcome to drop-off or stay and observe.
- Minimum 6, maximum 15
- Sibling discount for each additional sibling
- $45 per child; $40 for additional siblings
▶ Sat, Jun 21, 1-5pm: Communication BSA Merit Badge
- Pre-requisites must be done beforehand and will be reviewed in class: #1a, #3 (write speech), #5, #6, #8, #9. Refer to badge handbook for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform and bring a signed blue card
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi available
- $35 per scout
▶ Sun, Jun 29, 3-5pm: Acoustic Open Mic
Is your special talent craving a relaxed, rustic venue? Join us in a beautiful wooded setting for an afternoon of live music. Come to play, or just to listen and enjoy! We'll gather outside near the old farmhouse (c.1800's) for an afternoon of acoustic music (originals and covers) in a variety of genres. Seating is available at picnic tables, or bring a folding chair if you prefer. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments, but note that smoking and alcohol are not permitted on the property. All ages welcome.
- Signup to perform between 2:30-3:00pm; live music is from 3:00pm-5:00pm
- $5 cover per person (performers and audience)
- Additional dates for 2025: Jul 27, Aug 31, Sep 28
- No registration required
▶ Sat, Jul 12, 1-5pm: Forestry BSA Merit Badge
Pre-requisites must be done beforehand and will be reviewed in class: #5 a, b or c; #8. Refer to badge handbook for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform and bring a signed blue card
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi available
- $35 per scout
▶ Jul 21-Aug 15: Summer Nature Camp for 2nd-5th grade! (four 5-day weeks)
> Learn more & register
▶ Jul 22-24, 9am-12:30pm: Mini Nature Camp for ages 4-6! (one 3-day session)
▶ Jul 29-Aug 7, Emerging Ecologists Nature Camp for 6th-9th! (two 3-day sessions)
> Learn more & register
▶ Sun, Jul 27, 1-5pm: Citizenship in the Nation BSA Merit Badge
Pre-requisites must be done beforehand and will be reviewed in class: #5, #6, #7 (choose 2), #8. Refer to badge handbook for details.
- Scouts must wear their uniform and bring a signed blue card
- Parents/troop leaders are welcome to wait onsite; free wifi available
- $35 per scout