Each day features different fun activities and hands-on experiences to enhance your child’s enjoyment and understanding of the seasons and the world around them, and deepen their connection with nature in a safe and supportive environment. Active games, crafts and activities will focus on the changing seasons, local ecology, STEM and the senses, and will incorporate our beautiful natural surroundings, including private trails, a mountain stream, recreation field, gardens (raingarden, pollinator, sensory) and rustic campfire circles.
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
School Break 1-Day Fun-Day Nature Programs
Fun, Exploration and Adventure!
Upcoming Programs - 1st-5th Grade!
Day 1: Monday, December 29, 9am-3pm
Day 2: Tuesday, December 30, 9am-3pm
Sign your 1st-5th grader up for a day (or two) of winter fun at Weis. We'll identify the different weather conditions and the rocks/minerals natural to the area changed its terrain over time, observe the changing biodiversity on our private trails to see how animals prepare and adjust to colder winter conditions, and discover the role and resilience of mosses - which flourish during winter.
TIME
All school break programs are 9:00am-3:00pm, unless otherwise noted
DETAILS
Who says exploring nature is only for warm weather? At The New Weis Center we believe that each season offers a chance for kids to have fun in nature, and the opportunity to learn about a familiar environment through a different (and awesome) perspective!
ACTIVITIES
- Take a winter geology hike on our private trails
- Learn how botanists and foresters ID plants in winter
- Complete a Winter Scavenger Hunt & Bioblitz
- Winter Birding, we’ll be on the look out for migratory birds visiting us from Canada
- Use your creativity and imagination to design your own ant sized forest
STAFF
- Staffed by our experienced team of Educators and Naturalists
- Lead staff are Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED certified
- Staff to child ratio of 1:9 provides a safe and attentive environment
IMPORTANT INFO
- This is a drop-off program; we cannot accommodate early drop-off or late pick-ups. Please drive in through the outer gate and drop-off at the picnic grove where staff will greet you; this is also where pick up will be.
- Rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather we will move the fun indoors or under our covered pavilion.
- Make sure your child is dressed for the weather - including extra sock in cold weather.
- Please pack a reusable water bottle, snack and lunch. NO tree nut products please!
CODE OF CONDUCT
- All children are expected to follow our main rule: RESPECT! Respect each other; Respect the natural world; Respect the leader; Respect themselves.
- Fighting, physical contact (pushing, showing, kicking, etc.), name-calling, harassment and bullying are not permitted under any circumstances.
- Attendees must be willing and able to follow the leader's directions, stay with the group, and participate safely in activities.
- Parents: please make sure your child is aware of and agrees to abide by these rules!
DAILY PROGRAM FEE (per child)
$90 - Standard Rate
$85 - Siblings Rate (each sibling)
$80 - CURRENT New Weis Center Member Rate*
*Members at the $75 "Supporter" level and up receive program discounts". Memberships are tax-deductible and have many year round benefits. Not sure if you are a current member? Contact Us and we'll let you know - or JOIN/RENEW NOW!
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
- A $35 processing fee applies to ALL refunds
- Refunds (less the $35 fee) will only be issued for cancellation requests received 2 weeks prior to the program date, unless otherwise noted
- Last minute refunds due to major illness or family emergency will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
> We reserve the right to remove any child without refund due to unacceptable behavior, and to reschedule or change programs as needed.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
- Register online using the link on this page
- Submit your online payment using the links on this page