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Nature Based Homeschool Program

Ages 5-10  |  Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 1:30-4:00pm​

Fall session 1: Sep 24-Oct 31  REGISTER NOW!

Fall session 2: Nov 5-Dec 12  REGISTRATION OPENS SOON​


​Join us for an immersive homeschool session as we experience the change of seasons through a blend of mindfulness and scientific observation. Through a combination of ongoing projects and new activities each week, we will observe, interact with, and appreciate the nature that surrounds us. We'll also explore the land through nature journaling and observing wildlife on forest hikes, nature-inspired art crafts, and hands-on activities.


Lessons are active and outdoors (weather permitting), using our forest, field, gardens (rain, pollinator, vegetable, sensory) and stream as both classrooms and playground. The program incorporates games and group activities that focus on teamwork and socializing, in addition to STEM lessons about forest ecology and seasonal topics! 


Activity Examples:​

  • We'll use nature as our inspiration for some fun and creative art projects, experiments and activities.
  • Let's take a hike! We will explore our private trails and hike to a ridge with a viewpoint, as we learn to "Leave no Trace".
  • Explore the Blue Mine Brook which flows through our property, and search for the tiny creatures (macroinvertebrates) that live there.
  • We'll forage for spruce and pine needles and mint to make our own seasonal tea.
  • Math is everywhere in nature - including the fibonacci sequence which we will explore.
  • We'll finish our classes with a sit spot and time to reflect and share.​​ 


Fall Session One Details (Sep 24-Oct 31):

Note: Tuesday & Thursday activities will be different
Week 1: Weather Changes, Autumn Equinox and Sunflowers

  • ​Making shadows and sundials 
  • Solar oven s'mores
  • Sunflower dissection and observation through a microscope
  • Sunflower seed spitting contest!

Week 2: Apples and Corn

  • Making our own applesauce
  • Apple art prints
  • Corn husk characters

Week 3: Pumpkins, Squash, Gourds and Fungi

  • Mushroom foray and spore prints
  • Gourd instruments
  • Mini-pumpkin bird feeders

Week 4: Leaves, acorns and pinecones

  • Why do leaves change color experiment
  • Pressed leaf bookmarks 
  • Painting with pinecones

Week 5: Hibernation and dens

  • Changes in fur and food​
  • Forest Game: Play “Could a ____ Live here?”
  • Let's build a bear den

Week 6: Spiders and bats

  • Webs and vibrations
  • Spider signs scavenger hunt
  • Bat echolocation

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

“Adventurous experiences out-of-doors are perceived to kindle the enthusiasm of the young, to develop their concern for others, for their community and for the environment. Such experiences provide the means of self-discovery, self-expression and enjoyment, which are at once both stimulating and fulfilling."

~ Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine

HOMESCHOOL

The New Weis Center offers many options for the homeschool community, including field trips that can be scheduled for your group, and weekly programs open to all homeschoolers from Sep-May. Many of our individual public programs, seasonal programs (like maple sugaring, natural wreath weaving and pumpkin chunkin) and scout programs may also be adapted and scheduled privately for your group, pod or co-op.


Homeschool groups are also welcome to rent our indoor and outdoor facilities - such as the recreation field, covered pavilion (with picnic tables) and campfire circle - for their own classes and events, including campfires and overnights; membership is required for cabin or tent camping.​


Contact us for more information or to schedule a program, or call 973-835-2160

Payments and Donations


​​​STAFF

  • Led by our team of experienced educators/naturalists. Learn more about our team 
  • Lead staff are CPR/AED and First Aid certified
  • Educator to student ratio of 1:9 or lower provides a safe and attentive environment


DETAILS

  • Program runs rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, we will move activities to the covered pavilion (with heaters) or inside to our classrooms.
  • Please do not send any snacks made with peanut butter or other tree nuts!
  • This is a DROP-OFF class. Parents/Guardians are welcome to remain onsite and wait in the main building (wi-fi available) or in one of our outdoor seating areas. In addition, you are welcome to accompany the group for the first session to help your child(ren) feel comfortable.
  • Please drive in through the outer gate and our staff will meet you at the kiosk next to the picnic grove.


PRICE for FALL Session 1 (per student, per 6-week session) - ​payment in full is due upon registration. Click the "Donate" button above to pay buy PayPal or Credit Card, or pay via Venmo @NewWeisCenter
1 Day per Week(either Tue OR Thu)

$250 - Standard Rate
$235 - Siblings Rate (each sibling)
$220 - CURRENT New Weis Center Member Rate*

2 Days per Week (Tue AND Thu)

$475.00 - Standard Rate
$445.00 - Siblings Rate (each sibling)
$415.00 - CURRENT New Weis Center Member Rate* 

​*Members at the "Supporter" level ($75 and up) are eligible for the discounted rate. Learn more about membership.


CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS​

  • A $35 processing fee applies to ALL refunds
  • Full refunds (less the $35 fee) will be issued for cancellation requests received at least two weeks before the first class.
  • 50% refund (less the $35 fee) will be issued for cancellation requests received with less than two weeks notice before the first class.
  • Due to high demand and small group size, we cannot offer partial refunds if you miss a week.​


> We reserve the right to remove any child without refund due to unacceptable behavior, and to reschedule or change programs as needed.​​

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