EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Education
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
- 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.
- Group programs: include field trips for schools,homeschoolers, rec departments and area camps.
- Nature focused day camps and nature programs 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!
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed some new VIRTUAL online programs, and have postponed or cancelled others that were scheduled to be held onsite at The New Weis Center. Please see updates below
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please note: some programs require pre-registration and/or advance payment, please see details below
NEW! VIRTUAL ONLINE PROGRAMS
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
▶ May 13 & 20, 7:00-8:30pm: Meet Your Backyard Birds!
This 2 session VIRTUAL class is designed with being at home in mind - there is no better time to get to know our backyard birds! Join us as we learn about the diversity of birds right outside our windows. We'll discuss how to identify common species, observe bird behavior, understand calls, log and describe bird sightings, create a bird friendly backyard, and more! All ages are welcome; $10 suggested minimum donation per household (additional donations support our nonprofit and are greatly appreciated!)
SCOUT BADGE CLASSES
▶ May 11, 14, 21, 4:00-5:30pm: Virtual BSA Merit Badge - Bird Study.
3 session online class with at home activities between sessions. Meets all Scout badge requirements except #3 and #4; #5 is partially covered. NO prerequisites; $20/scout.
> Registration REQUIRED
▶ May 26, 28, June 2, 4 or 5: Virtual BSA Merit Badge - Citizenship in the Community.
4 session online class with at home activities between sessions. 4th session is for presentations and will be scheduled on June 4th OR 5th. Meets all badge requirements except 8-hour volunteering. NO prerequisites; $20/scout.
▶ 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 25. We currently offer:
- Daisy - Eco Learner Badge
- Brownie - Household Elf Sustainability Badge
- Junior - Animal Habitats Badge
IN-PERSON PROGRAM UPDATES
ONGOING
Last Sunday of every month, 3:00-5:00pm: Music at Midvale Acoustic Open Mic. Next: TBD
When in-person sessions resume: Come to play - or just to listen to great music (originals and covers). Light refreshments will be available.
> $5 per person. NO registration required; sign up to perform at the door between 2:30-3:00pm; music starts at 3:00.
Sat, May 16, 1:00-2:00pm: Goat Yoga - CANCELLED; will be rescheduled as soon as possible
45 minutes of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class is held in our main building.
Sun, May 17, 4:00-6:00pm: "Music at Midvale" Concert Series presents: Ed Siefert and the Stimulus Package - POSTPONED
Sat, May 30: Nature Friends Centennial Celebration! - POSTPONED
Sun, Jun 14, time TBD: Geology Walk & Talk - Jess Jacobson, North Jersey Mineralogical Society - TENTATIVE
Sat, Jun 20, 9:00am-3:00pm: NY-NJ Trail Conference Invasive Species Strike Force Workshop - TENTATIVE
TBD: Summer Nature Camp for ages 6-14
Jul 25, 10:00am-2:00pm: BSA Merit Badge Class:Geocaching - TENTATIVE