High School Interterm

How Pizza Explains the World
Josh Weaver and Tara Swartzendruber, Travel - Day Travel

Understand the history of Pizza as it intertwines with discovery of the Western Hemisphere, trade, migration, and Italian-American identity and culture. This class will include a pizza-making contest and will feature a local pizza tour of the iconic pizzerias of Elkhart County.

Rocket Science (aka Model Rockets)
Calvin Swartzendruber, Travel - No

Design, build, and launch your own model rockets! Each person will build and launch two rockets, one of them custom-designed using the RockSim computerized design software. These advanced rockets may carry payloads such as altimeters and cameras. The rockets you build are yours to keep, take with you, and launch again!

Horseback Adventure
Danielle Svonavec, Travel - Day Travel

We will spend time outdoors at several stables and farms including Crooked Creek Trails in Boone County and Oak Top Hill Horse Farm. We will take a guided trail ride and learn about how spending time with horses can improve our relationship with others and ourselves. There will also be opportunities to observe lots of baby animals and go fishing! We will also volunteer for at least part of a day at LoveWay, an organization in Middlebury that provides equine experiences to people with disabilities. If time permits we may take a tour of a nearby breeding facility and/or watch a horse themed movie!

Disc Golf
Brent Reinhardt, Travel - Day Travel

Students will learn to play disc golf. We will visit several courses over the 3 days. We will use school discs or you may bring your own. All skill levels are welcome. No previous experience is necessary. There will be a significant amount of walking. Consider this as decide whether to join the group. Students will provide their own lunches but we will make some fast food stops if you want to buy lunch rather than pack your own.

Museums Unlimited
Michael Yeakey, Travel - Day Travel

We will visit various kinds of museums in the area, from Menno Hof in Shipshewana to the Elkhart County Historical Museum in Bristol to the National New York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart to the Raclin-Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame. Come learn about the various influences on our world here in Northern Indiana!

Be Well
Michael Walker, Travel - No

Students will learn about different areas of wellness and their connection to each other, practice stress-busting techniques, and create an applicable plan to improve their holistic wellness.

Autumn Sketching
Christa Janzen, Travel - Day Travel

Autumn Sketching is a chance to try out painting, drawing and printmaking in one class. You will learn how to bind your own sketchbook on Day 1, then we will take a walk and draw and paint what we see outside. On Day 2 we will learn printmaking and print linocuts in our sketchbooks. On Day 3 we will enjoy the autumn weather by traveling either to Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart or the Meijer Sculpture Garden in Grand Rapids, MI to walk around and draw/paint what we see.

Kickin It
Edgar Silva, Travel - Day Travel

Students will spend the mornings at the Ghxst Martial Arts Studio, where they will learn and practice the basics of Songahm Taekwondo. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to develop discipline, focus, and confidence, all while having a great time. Some of the benefits of this class will include enhanced physical fitness, increased mental sharpness, boosted self-esteem, and personal growth. After a very physically and mentally demanding morning, we will shift gears in the afternoon and have the opportunity to watch the Karate Kid movie, play games, and finish with a cup of the traditional Mexican hot chocolate Abuelita, which students will prepare themselves.

Outdoor Adventure
Amy Thut, Travel - Day Travel

This Interterm will involve a variety of outdoor activities. Possibilities include kayaking on the Pigeon River, biking on the Pumpkinvine Trail, and canoeing on the Elkhart River. If the weather is cold or wet, we may do some outdoor hiking and/or indoor climbing as a backup plan. We will encourage and support each other as we experience these adventures together. Sign up to renew your mind, body, and spirit during the beautiful season of autumn.

Shedd Aquarium and Fish Keeping In Your Home
Brook Bennett, Travel - Yes (one trip to Chicago to visit Shedd’s Aquarium, returning to school in the evening)

Fish keeping can be one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies to dive into but also comes with unexpected challenges. In this interterm we will learn hands on all the details of how to set up a healthy mini aquarium for your own pet goldfish. On one of the days we will tour to Chicago to visit one of this country’s spectacular aquariums; the infamous Shedd Aquarium! At the end of this class you will be the proud owner of your own healthy and happy pet fish.