EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Programs for individuals and groups of all ages
Education
- 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 1-8
- Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis of Earth Living Skills. Topics include firebuilding, primitive cooking, shelter making, bird languages, basketry, local plants, awareness & movement.
- Group programs: including 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 fun public acting improv workshops.
Music
"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
"Music at Midvale" Concert Series! Our 2021 Series included performances by Rave Tesar, E'lissa Jones and Loretta Hagen. Artists profiles
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 inspiring nature photography by talented local artists Vera Lazar, Tom Tarbutton, and Karin Ahmed! Main building.
Recreation
Guided Nature Hikes - Led by our Sr. Educator & Naturalist Sarah Crosby. 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 Weis Educator Lauren Lynch.
Pumpkin Chunkin (Fall)
Swimming is available at our partners 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
Programs may require pre-registration and/or advance payment.
Parking for program attendees is available near the main brick building
▶ 2 dates: Sat, Dec 4 or Sun, Dec 12, 1:00-2:30pm: Natural Winter Wreath Weaving
Decorating for the season is always better with a DIY spirit - and natural materials! We’ll learn some methods for creating a wreath, collect our own materials, and get creative with our nature-inspired decorating. We'll take an easy walk to explore our local winter plants and gather materials, then return to the pavilion to create our masterpieces while sipping hot chocolate. Bring your family and friends!
- Ages 8 to adult
- Outdoor program; dress accordingly
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled
- $8 per person
> Dec 4 - REGISTER NOW!
> Dec 12 - REGISTER NOW!
▶ Sun, Dec 5, 1:00-2:30pm: Forest Bathing Walk
From the Japanese 'shinrin-yoku', 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 in the forest. 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 Educator Lauren Lynch.
- Ages 8 to adult
- Outdoor program; dress accordingly.
- In case of rain, snow, or temperatures below freezing, we will reschedule and you may choose the new date or a full refund.
- $8 per person
▶ Sun, Dec 12, 3:00-4:30pm: Teen Hike & Campfire
Sr. Educator Sarah Crosby will lead teens (and tweens) on a fun hike along the late fall forest, then we'll head back to have a cozy campfire to socialize and of course roast some marshmallows.
- Ages 11-16
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp, wear sturdy shoes/boots with good tread
- Drop-off at the picnic grove (drive in through outer gate, where a staff person will greet you)
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled
- $8 per person
▶ Sat, Dec 18, 1:00-2:30pm: Welcome, Winter Guided Hike
Come celebrate the start of winter with a walk in the woods at Weis! Along the way of this moderate hike, we will focus on the beauty that stands out in the winter woods, such as the leafless tree features, rock formations and minerals, evergreen plants, flocking bird species, and more!
- Ages 8 to adult
- Outdoor program; dress accordingly
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled
- $8 per person
▶ Mon, Dec 27 - Thu, Dec 30, 9:00-3:00pm: Winter Break Nature Camp
- Ages 7-12
- Signup for individual days - or all 4
- Discounts for members and siblings
▶ Jan 15: Teens & Tweens: Winter Survival! (ages 11-16)
▶ Jan 16: Winter Geology Hike (ages 6-adult)
▶ Jan 17: No-school 1-day Mini Nature Camp (ages 7-12)
▶ Jan 22: Scouts BSA Merit Badge - Geocaching
8/1/21 UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDELINES: Masks must be worn indoors.