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
Scroll down for details about the Weis Wicked Walk!
Fall is coming, and with it comes a fun outdoor tradition at Weis: PUMPKIN CHUNKIN! Choose a pumpkin to carve or decorate, then launch it across the field with our mighty trebuchet and see how far it flies. Pumpkin Chunkin can be scheduled as a private program for scout troops or any other group or club, OR individuals and smaller groups can register for a public program via Eventbrite.
- Program length is 1 1/2 - 2 hours, depending on the number of participants
- We supply the pumpkins to carve, decorate and launch (1 per person), tools for carving, and markers for decorating
- Great idea for a fall birthday party!
- Additional pumpkins (approx 6" round sugar pumpkins) are available at the event for $5 each. This also applies to any participant who doesn't want to launch their carved/decorated pumpkin, and would prefer to have an additional pumpkin just for launching.
Public programs:
Public sessions are open to all individuals, small groups (under 10 people), families and friends!
- DATES: Sun, 10/5, 10am-12pm & Sat, 10/11, 1-3pm
- $18 per person
Private programs:
Great idea for scouts, clubs, friends & family, birthday parties and other groups!
- May be scheduled on weekdays or weekends between Oct 4-Oct 30
- Minimum fee to schedule a group program is $225 (up to 10 participants); $18 for each additional participant over 10
- Program works best with medium-large groups. We encourage small scout troops (under 10) to partner together, or to register for a public program (see above)
- Since we can accommodate up to 40 participants, small troops or groups troops may be scheduled with other small troops/groups or non-scout participants. Depending on your group size, we may be able to arrange a separate carving/decorating area and trebuchet upon request.
- No charge for teachers, group chaperones or scout troop leaders (not participating)
- To schedule, contact us at: 973-835-2160 or staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org
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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▶ Sat, Oct 18, 10-11:15am: Forest Bathing - Walking Meditation & Reflection
Walking meditation is a mindful technique focused on being aware of each step. Originating from Buddhism, Taoism, and yoga, it has long complemented other practices to enhance awareness and promote inner clarity. Walking meditation offers a gentle approach to mindfulness, connecting breath, movement, and bodily sensations. Participants walk slowly and intentionally, focusing on each step and inhalation to cultivate awareness in the present moment. This practice encourages participants to tune into their senses, noticing the feel of the earth beneath their feet, the sights around them, and the sounds in their environment. Through this sensory experience, individuals become grounded in their surroundings and nurture a sense of peace and belonging. By directing attention to these sensory details, walking meditation deepens self-awareness and reveals greater insight into one's thoughts and feelings. A portion of our time together will be dedicated to personal reflection and journaling.
- Shoes are required
- Bring water, a journal, and a pen/pencil
- This is a gentle walk at an easy pace with frequent stops
- Led by: Educator Crystal Eshanov
- Open to ages 18 and up
▶ Sun, Oct 26, 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
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ 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
> REGISTER NOW!
▶ 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, 11am-2pm: Scout Prerequisites Sign-Off Day
Scouts who did not complete the pre-requisites ahead of a scheduled class and received an "incomplete" at one of our previous merit badge classes, may sign up, bring their proofs of completion, and have one of our Merit Badge counselors sign off to actually complete their Merit Badge.
- Scouts can arrive anytime between 11am - 2pm
> REGISTRATION OPENS SOON
Wicked Walk at Weis!
DATES: Fri, Oct 17 & Sat, Oct 18
Get ready to visit our haunted cabins and make your way through a spooky forest trail - if you dare! Anyone who is a fan of ghost hunting and goosebumps is invited. We'll finish with ghost stories around a campfire and s'mores. Guided passages on the Wicked Trail will begin at 6:30pm and run every 15 minutes, with the last tour setting off at 9:15. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, depending how long you linger at the campfire.
- Tours last approximately 90 minutes, depending how long you linger at the campfire! Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled start time.
- Tours starting at 9:00 and 9:15 are for Adults Only!
- Groups size for each tour is 8-10 people. If you are coming with a larger group we will split you into smaller groups (up to 10) for the tour. All groups will meet up to enjoy the campfire and stories and refreshments (additional fee).
- Recommended for ages 6 to adult; under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
- Raindate is Sat, Oct 25. In case of rain on either date, you will be notified and your tickets will automatically be transferred to Sat, Oct 25 (same time). If you are unable to attend the raindate, you may request a refund (minus Eventbrite fees).
- Cancellation refunds (minus Eventbrite fees) are available with at least 7 days advance notice!
- $25 per person.