04/17/2026
๐๐ค From the Riviera to the City of Light ๐ซ๐ท
Our final group of Winterim travelers spent spring break exploring the beauty, history, and culture of France โ and what an unforgettable journey it was! โจ
Students began in the stunning region of Provence, traveling from Nice along the Mediterranean to Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh lived and worked, and Avignon, home to the historic Popeโs Palace and Roman ruins. Along the way, they experienced breathtaking landmarks like the Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in Europe, and the charming countryside that has inspired artists for centuries. ๐จ
The adventure continued north via the TGV (high-speed train) to Paris, where students explored iconic landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, and visited world-renowned museums like the Louvre and the Musรฉe dโOrsay.
From south to north, this trip was filled with discovery, beauty, and learning โ an incredible way to experience Godโs world beyond the classroom. ๐ฆ
โจ
01/31/2026
Welcome back to the States, GRCHS students! ๐โ
A few of our New 2 You students have just returned from traveling over Winterim, a unique 2-week opportunity at Grand Rapids Christian Schools for students to travel, have an internship, or take fun classes.
Cora and Bea traveled to Italy, while Glory went to the Dominican Republic. ๐
Other GRCHS traveled all the way to Costa Rica, France, Jamaica, Peru, New York City, Turkey, and more! How exciting of an opportunity!
01/29/2026
โณโ๏ธ๐๐ค One of our Winterim courses helped students get ready to hit the course with confidence! ๐๐คโ๏ธโณ
In Tee to Green: Golf Lessons for All Levels, students got a jump-start on golf season with hands-on instruction focused on improving their swing. Through training that built balance, speed, mobility, and control, they learned how to use their core and legs to generate stronger, more consistent results.
Whether students were brand new to the game or looking to sharpen their skills, this Winterim experience helped everyone growโfrom subpar to under-par! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐๐ค
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01/28/2026
๐๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐ค One of our Winterim courses helped students see Grand Rapids with fresh eyes! ๐๐คโ๏ธ๐๏ธ
In Past Meets Present: Exploring Grand Rapids, students stepped into the story of our city through two weeks of field trips, hands-on activities, and guided discussions. From museums and heritage sites to historic neighborhoods and architectural gems, they traced Grand Rapidsโ journeyโfrom its early roots to its rise as the Furniture Capital of the World.
This course connected local history to the culture and character of the Grand Rapids we know today, helping students better understand the community they live in and the stories that shaped it. ๐๐ค
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01/27/2026
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐ค One of our Winterim courses turned students into real-life detectivesโฆ of their own history! ๐๐คโ๏ธ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
In Family History Detectives, students uncovered the mysteries of their past by exploring genealogy and learning how to follow clues through records, archives, old photographs, and family interviews. Using tools like Ancestry.com and online databases, they pieced together stories, built mini family trees, and discovered fascinating people and moments that helped shape who they are today.
Everyone has a storyโand this Winterim course helped students learn how to find it. ๐๐ค
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01/26/2026
๐โ๏ธ๐๐ค One of our Winterim courses brought competition to life in a powerful way! ๐๐คโ๏ธ๐
In The Amazing Race, students didnโt just competeโthey explored what competition really means and how it can shape us for better or worse. Through races, challenges, and team competitions, students experienced both the highs of victory and the lessons that come with defeat.
Along the way, the class connected competition to Scriptureโseeing how stories throughout the Old Testament reveal the power of rivalry, motivation, and perseverance. This Winterim experience challenged students to think deeply about healthy vs. unhealthy competition and what it looks like to compete with character. ๐๐ค
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01/22/2026
๐จโ๏ธ๐๐ค One of our Winterim courses was bursting with creativity and color! ๐๐คโ๏ธ๐จ
In Watercolor Workshop, students grew their skills and confidence through watercolor painting, illustration, abstraction, and color theoryโall while learning to paint their world fearlessly. From exploring urban sketching and bookmaking to practicing new techniques, this class offered a space for imaginative students to create, experiment, and grow.
One highlight: urban sketching trips that took students out into our community to apply their watercolor and drawing skills in real-life settings. All it took was a willing spirit and a desire to learn! ๐๐ค
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01/22/2026
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐ค One of our Winterim courses brought the mystery to lifeโliterally! ๐๐คโ๏ธ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
In WHODUNIT: A Murder Mystery Class, students stepped into the role of detective as they explored what makes a great mystery. From analyzing fan favorites like Knives Out, Clue, and the true crime podcast Serial, to attending a murder mystery party and tackling an escape room, this class was packed with clues, twists, and plenty of suspense.
To top it all off, students even designed their own murder mystery gameโputting their analytical thinking and storytelling skills to the test. Case closedโฆ until the next Winterim adventure! ๐โจ
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01/21/2026
๐ซ๐ทโ๏ธ๐๐ค One of our courses took students on a journey across Franceโno passport required! ๐๐คโ๏ธ๐ซ๐ท
In France South to North: A Winterim Travel Companion, students explored what it means to be a thoughtful, prepared traveler. From learning cultural codes and essential vocabulary to discovering what makes each region unique (and yesโฆ sampling some delicious food!), this class traveled from the south of France all the way to Paris.
Spring in Paris really is what they write songs aboutโand this Winterim course helped students get ready to experience it with confidence and curiosity! ๐ฅ๐ผโจ
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01/21/2026
๐โโ๏ธโ๏ธ Winterim is about serving others in meaningful ways! โ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ
In our Cosmetology Winterim course, students explored how the beauty industry is so much more than hair and styleโitโs about building relationships, listening well, and helping others feel seen, valued, and cared for. Through every conversation and every act of service, students learned how cosmetology can be a powerful way to speak kindness and confidence into someoneโs life and be the hands and feet of Jesus. ๐๐ค
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