EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Education
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
- NEW! Afterschool weekday kids nature based programs from our partner at Eclectic Kids and Tinkergarten, plus a new farmyard animal discovery program from Totes Goats.
- Public programs: include guided nature walks and talks by Weis staff and guest experts, historical and culture programs, as well as special presentations and events.
- Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis of Earth Living Skills. Topics include firebuilding, shelter making, bird languages, basketry, local plants, awareness & movement, and coal burning bowls
- Group programs: include field trips for schools, homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps run during the summer and winter/spring school breaks. Before and after-care options are available for working parents.
- Comming soon: new certificate program for high school students considering studying environmental related majors in college, or pursuing "green" careers: Weis Environmental Pathfinder (WEP).
Arts
Performing Arts
Iron Mountain Stage Company, a local non-profit theater 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 occasional public workshops.
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. Coffee, tea and snacks are available. Details and performance guidelines.
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.
Highlands Obstacle Adventure course! Classes conducted by Tobin Osusky of Temple Qinesis. Trail run and obstacle course, with mountaintop yoga and mindfulness! Every Sunday at 1:00pm.
NEW weekday afterschool hiking program for ages 10-12! Mondays and Fridays at 4:00pm in October. More info
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Ongoing
Wednesdays thru Oct 24, 9:30-10:45: Tinkergarten! Outdoor class for ages 18mo-5yrs. Learning through play on our beautiful property. Pro-rated price for partial session signups.
Ages 3-12 (separate age groups). Daytime/afterschool program taught by Giselle Cuevas. Details, Times and Registration
Fall 2018, 4:00-5:30pm: Farmyard Ambassadors Animal Discovery program. Children ages 6-12 will have a blast learning fun facts about the animals we find on our local farms in this exciting new program! Guided by the experienced team from Totes Goats, children will handle some of their animal family, including a lamb, goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, guinea pigs, and a pig. The fun continues with some animal games, like an egg relay race and goat jumping relay. Learning through fun and laughter guarantees your child will leave with a smile - and some new farmyard friends! Sign up for one class - or several.
> $18 per person, REGISTER NOW!
Sundays, year-round, 1:00-3:00pm: Highlands Obstacle Adventure
Trail run and obstacle course, with mountaintop meditation, yoga/stretching, and finishing with organic snacks and juice! Instructor: Tobin Osusky is a Spartan SGX Certified Coach, Level 1 Crossfit Trainer and Bachelor of Kinesiology. This trail hike and obstacle run will weaving up the mountain while teaching participants about the land, their bodies, how their muscles work, their metabolism and connection to breath. Helping participants overcome obstacles on the trail will symbolically teach how to overcome hurdles in life, while maintaining a calm, confident spirit. After a short yoga and meditation session atop the mountain, we will learn the dynamics of carefully and mindfully descending. Class will finish with a cool down session. Note: the course will be adapted to fit your activity level.
> $30 per person; REGISTER NOW!
Mondays & Fridays in October, 4:00-6:00pm: Kids Afterschool Hiking!
Fall is the perfect time for children ages 10-12 to explore the woods, streams and mountains and of our beautiful property and the adjacent Norvin Green State Forest. We'll discover the wonders of the woods, enjoy the awesome views, and see some of the cool features unique to the area. Basic hiking safety will be discussed before we set out, including how to avoid getting lost - and what to do if it happens. Drop off at 3:45, hikes start by 4:00, pick up at 6:00.
> $5 per child/per hike. Details, Dates & Registration
October
Oct 20, 4:00-6:00pm: Primitive Skills - Introduction to Bird Languages
Imagine what it would be like to have such a deep knowledge of that natural world, that even the slightest flutter of a bird's wing, or the softest bird call in the distance could tell you a world of information. Or maybe you're someone who is tired of only catching a fleeting glimpse of animals scurrying away from you, long before you notice them. Birds are like the security systems of the forest, and they will always alert you to a sneaking fox, or a nearby roosting owl. Deciphering Bird Language is the gateway to this special world that is right under our noses. Come embark on a long-term, life changing journey as we dive in to learn the language of the birds. Ages 10+; outdoors class; minimal physical activity.
> $40 per person, $5 discount for current Weis members. REGISTER NOW
Oct 20 & 27, 9:00-5:00pm: 2-day Wilderness First Aid certification
Do you know what to do if there’s an accident or illness when you are hiking, camping or in the woods on an outdoors adventure? Learn what to do in this 2-day class, which is ideal for hikers, mountain bikers, Scout leaders and outdoor adventure lovers. Includes classroom instruction and outdoor hands-on scenarios. Program is adapted from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon’s (AAOS) 16-hr WFA curriculum; book is included. Certificate is issued by Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI). Instructor: Richard Savino, from NJ Search & Rescue.
Note: current CPR certification is required to receive your WFA certification card; if you would like suggestions for where to take a CPR class, please contact us. If you take the CPR class after the WFA course, you can still receive your WFA certification once you provide proof of completion to the instructor.
Class schedule, topics covered and more info: PDF flyer
> $160 per person, $130 for current Weis members. REGISTER NOW!
Oct 21, 4:00-5:00pm: Goat Yoga!
1 hour of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class will be held outdoors in our picnic grove in nice weather.
> $30 per person. REGISTER NOW!
Oct 28, 11:00-1:00pm: Primitive Skills - Forest Movement & Awareness
When we move through a town or city, we move at a certain pace, we pay attention to certain things, and we dress to match our environment. However, when we move in the forest, we need to make some serious adjustments - especially if we want to observe or study wildlife. By learning how to move silently through the landscape, you will feel more at home and relaxed anytime you venture outdoors. This class also focuses on slowing down our body and mind, and opening up our other senses to connect with things that are usually overlooked. Ages 10+; outdoors class; requires physical activity.
> Fee: $30 per person; $5 discount for current Weis members. REGISTER NOW
Oct 28, 3:00-5:00pm: Music at Midvale - Acoustic Open Mic!
Come to play - or just to listen to great music (originals and covers). The last Sunday of each month. Light refreshments will be available.
> $5 per person. No registration required; sign up to perform at the door between 2:30-3:00pm.
November-December
Nov 4, 11:00am-2:30pm: Primitive Skills: Advanced Fire Making-Bow Drill
Make Your Own Bow Drill Kit! The bow drill is one of the most reliable ways to create fire by friction. In this program, participants who have worked with the bow drill fire making method in the past, will now be making their own personal bow drill kits, from start to finish. We will be going into detailed description of each individual part, which materials to work with/avoid, as well as perfecting the technical aspects of the bow drill technique. Includes the use of knives/tools; all materials will be included, and the kits will be yours to take home and continue working with. Ages: 16+; program is rain or shine; if it rains we will move under cover (pavilion); limited physical activity; prerequisite: Fire 1 or equivalent hands-on experience
> Fee: $45 per person; $5 discount for current Weis members. REGISTER NOW
Nov 18, 12:00-1:00pm: Goat Yoga!
1 hour of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class will be held in our cozy, rustic main room.
> $30 per person. REGISTER NOW!
Nov 25, 10:00am-1:30pm: Primitive Skills: Basketry-Basic Splintwork
Basketry is the art of working with flexible organic materials - bark, sapling, fibers, splints, etc. - and interweaving them into usable containers of various sizes. Baskets were an essential tool for our ancestors, and still are highly valued today. Whether your looking to make a collection basket, a long-term pack basket, or a simple container for household goods, this technique is for you! In this program, we'll dive into one of the most basic styles of basic weaving: splintwork. We will spend our time weaving a small, model-sized basket to teach you the basic principles. After that, there is no limit to what is possible with this simple technique! Ages: 12+; no physical activity; program is rain or shine, if it rains we will move under cover or indoors.
> Fee: $50 (includes all materials); $5 discount for current Weis members. REGISTER NOW
Nov 25, 3:00-5:00pm: Music at Midvale: Acoustic Open Mic
Come to play - or just to listen to great music (originals and covers). The last Sunday of each month. Light refreshments will be available.
> $5 per person. No registration required; sign up to perform at the door between 2:30-3:00pm.
Nov 30-Dec 9: Savannah Sipping Society - Iron Mtn Stage Co. More info
Dec 14, 6:00-7:00pm: Goat Yoga - Totes Goats
1 hour of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class will be held in our cozy, rustic main room.
> $30 per person. REGISTER NOW!
Dec 16: "A Holiday Mix" show - Iron Mountain Stage Co