Winterim

OES has partnered with EDU Africa, creating a custom course to Botswana, a stable Southern African nation defined by the Kalahari Desert and the vast Okavango Delta. The DELTA DISCOVERY: EXPLORING BOTSWANA'S BIODIVERSITY Winterim experience has been designed as a transformative learning journey utilizing the unique natural heritage of Botswana. This program aims to enrich students with practical knowledge regarding biodiversity and conservation efforts, specifically encouraging them to reflect on human-animal interaction and develop core skills in leadership and collaboration while exploring the complex interplay between species, habitats, and human impacts. Key highlights of the itinerary include explorations of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a visit to the CARACAL Centre in Kasane, an organization committed to conservation education and the rehabilitation of injured wildlife. The journey includes stays at unique wilderness lodging facilities, featuring activities such as guided bush walks, mokoro (traditional, dug-out canoe) excursions, a cultural evening and dance experience, a Ntwetwe Pans and Meercat Excursion, and game drives and boat cruises in Chobe National Park and onto Victoria Falls. Focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 15 (Life on Land), the program incorporates the SDG Leadership Challenge and utilizes three structured Transformative Assessments and reflection sessions throughout the trip to measure student transformation in areas such as intercultural competence, personal growth, and global citizenship.

Faculty Leaders: Robin O’Hara and Aline Garcia Rubio
Partner Organization: EDU Africa
Additional Resources: About EDU Africa, Affiliations
Cost: $4600
Dates: 3/11 (evening departure)-3/22 (afternoon arrival)
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

In another partnership with Ecology Project International (EPI), this research based field course brings students to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast to study sea turtle ecology and rainforest biodiversity firsthand. Students will travel by boat to the remote Pacuare Reserve—a protected area and active research station—where they will work alongside scientists to support ongoing conservation efforts and data collection for endangered species, mainly the iconic leatherback sea turtle. By participating in real-world data collection and nighttime patrols, students contribute directly to long-term ecological research and species protection. Outside the fieldwork, students explore the extraordinary biodiversity of the lowland tropical rainforest through guided hikes with EPI instructors and reserve staff and deepening their understanding of ecological systems, climate impacts, and species interdependence.

This course blends experiential science education with a strong conservation ethic, inspiring students to become informed stewards of the natural world. It’s an unforgettable opportunity where exploration, impact, and scientific discovery converge in one of the world’s most biodiverse environments.

Faculty Leaders: Liz Weiler and Asha Appel
Partner Organization: Ecology Project International (EPI)
Additional Resources: Policies, Packing List, Video, and More
Cost: $4200
Dates: 3/12-3/20
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

OES is embarking on a journey to learn all about WWII, starting in London, England, and ending in Paris, France. The trip begins with learning about Great Britain’s involvement in the war. This includes touring the streets of London, seeing the aircraft and tanks, walking the streets and offices where major war decisions were made, and learning about the top-secret codebreakers, spies, and mathematicians who cracked the German Enigma Code. The journey then crosses over to France to explore the famous battlefields of Normandy and learn about the campaign that eventually liberated mainland Europe from the Nazis. In Paris, students will learn more about life in occupied France and the freedom fighters, and visit famous tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and more. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in the battles, the undercover strategy, and the geopolitical events that took place between the Allies and Nazi power during WWII.

Faculty Leaders:  Josina Reaves and Rebecca Knight
Partner Organization: Education First (EF)
Additional Resources: Approach to Safety, EF Tours Video
Cost: $4900
Dates: 3/11-3/20
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

Step into the heart of the Andes for an unforgettable adventure on this Spanish language immersion program! From meeting llamas in Ollantaytambo to learning from local communities, to living with a Peruvian family for 3 days, every day brings new discoveries. Hike the legendary Machu Picchu, take part in a traditional shaman ceremony, and dive into Peru’s rich culture through hands-on projects. In this Winterim, you will experience the culture from the inside, share meals, make friends, and experience the vibrant traditions that make Peru so special. Throughout this experience, students will develop a deeper understanding of community-based development and the enduring spirit of Peru’s indigenous peoples. This is not just a trip: it’s a journey full of color, connection, and adventure! Ven con nosotras!

Faculty Leaders: Carmen Boyle and Maria McIvor
Partner Organization: World Leadership School
Additional Resources: Peru Video, WLS Welcome Video
Cost: $4500
Dates: 3/11-3/19
Number of Students: 15
Prerequisites: Open to all students in Spanish 3 or above and/or anyone with equivalent comprehension of the Spanish language.

In this international program, OES students will travel to Singapore for a Chinese language course based in Singapore’s Chinatown, providing students a chance to use their language skills to connect with the local Peranakan community, furthering their learning and strengthening their international understanding. In partnership with Real Asia, our faculty leaders will travel with students to explore the history and culture of the first wave of Han Chinese emigres from Mainland China to Singapore, called Peranakans. When we land in Singapore we will explore some of the “must-sees” of Singapore before heading to our homebase in Chinatown. There we have the exciting opportunity to join in celebrating the Five Footways Festival, an annual celebration of Peranakan culture. Students will use their language skills to engage in scavenger hunts, navigate the local subway system, and of course order and enjoy delicious food from Hawker Markets, a Singaporean mainstay of local cuisine. Students will engage in a calligraphy workshop, tile painting workshop, and cooking workshop to explore the intersection of language and culture. We will also visit local museums as well as Singapore’s Malay and Arab heritage districts to gain insight into the rich history and vibrant blend of native, Han, Malay and Indonesian cultures that have influenced modern Singapore. This course is open to students with a background in Chinese or who have taken year three or above.

Faculty Leaders: Maggie Glibride, Greg Drugan, and Eileen Lai
Partner Organization: Real Asia - Singapore
Additional Resources: Why Real Asia
Cost: $4900
Dates: 3/12-3/20
Number of Students: 15
Prerequisites: Open to all students in Chinese 3 or above and/or anyone with equivalent comprehension of the Chinese language.

Travel with us to Northern Minnesota to enjoy an experience unlike any other. We will spend four days on the lakes and trails of the Boundary Waters, driving two-person sleds with a team of four to five Inuit dogs each. Experienced guides will provide hands-on training on the first day, and then you will handle your own team of dogs, including feeding and harnessing them every morning. We will stay in a lakeside lodge each night. There will be a chance to try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, a polar plunge, and a Finnish sauna. We will also pay a visit to the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, to observe and learn about the native timber wolves. Get ready for an amazing experience, and prepare to fall in love with dogsledding!

Faculty Leaders: Maego Powers and Przemek Tokarski
Cost: $2200
Dates: 3/12-3/18
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

This immersive field-based course invites a cohort of twelve OES students to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi for an in-depth examination of an island undergoing continual cultural, ecological, and geological transformation. The group will reside in Puako, a small coastal community that will serve as a base for shared meals, discussions, and structured reflection between field excursions. Over the course of the week, students will engage with both the Kona (leeward, drier) and Hilo (windward, wetter) regions of the island. Through meetings with local experts—including cultural practitioners, community members, and scientists—participants will gain multiple perspectives on Native Hawaiian culture, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and the dynamic geologic processes that shape the archipelago. Field studies will include visits to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Kohala Coast, and additional coastal and upland sites. Students will investigate these environments through guided hikes, snorkeling, swimming, and observational activities that connect course concepts to lived experience. This course is designed for students interested in developing a deeper and more grounded understanding of an extraordinary island system experiencing ongoing cultural, ecological, and geological change.

*While you do not need to be an expert swimmer for this course, confidence in the water will be helpful. You may be asked to practice and train so that our time in the water can be efficient.

Faculty Leaders: Tom Handel and Peter Jewett
Cost: $2200
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: Confidence in the water will be helpful.

Come and join a fantastical wilderness experience, consisting of five days of backpacking and exploration in Joshua Tree National Park. This course is focused on building competency in outdoor living, desert ecology, and creative connections to nature.

Learn trail navigation off the beaten path and away from crowds, exploring the ecological dynamics of beautiful arid landscapes, practice observational methods such as field journaling and drawing, and gain foundational skills in astronomy through night sky observation. Throughout the course, local experts will drop in en route to offer possible workshops in areas such as stargazing, ecology, artistic practice, and traditional/primitive skills.

We will be moving through varying types of terrain, and students should anticipate variable weather conditions. Daily travel distances will range from approximately 3–9 miles, contingent on terrain and weather conditions. Although some level of backpacking experience is recommended, a curious mindset and willingness to learn, adapt, and engage thoughtfully is more important than intermediate/advanced level experience. Students will have the option to participate in solo time or silent reflection during a designated layover day.

After five days of exploring rocks, peaks, and canyons, we'll emerge back to civilization and celebrate with a restful and reflective night at an upscale Airbnb with a swimming pool in the nearby town of Joshua Tree. 

Faculty Leaders: Emily Stone and Walker Pruett
Cost: $1900
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 10
Prerequisites: None

We’re diving into the turquoise waters and ecosystems of South Florida in this year’s Winterim course, Keys to the Sea: Conservation and Exploration in Florida's Marine Habitats. This immersive experience will bring us to the Florida Keys, where we’ll spend four days doing ocean ecology with Marinelab, studying the complex marine ecology of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. We’ll learn firsthand about the delicate balance of these threatened ecosystems through snorkeling, guided exploration, and interactive labs. Then we will drive south, to the southernmost point in the continental US where we will get a behind-the-scenes look at how shipwreck museums preserve their treasures. Then it’s “anchors aweigh,” as we board a boat to cruise 70 miles west into the Gulf of Mexico to visit a totally unique National Park, the Dry Tortugas. We will spend the day exploring the crystal-clear warm waters that surround this pristine area. Then it’s back up one of America's most unique highways built with 42 bridges. We will end with a quick breakfast in Little Havana before flying back to Portland. Please note: Participants must be strong swimmers, be comfortable in open ocean and deep water, and have easily manageable motion/sea sickness.

Faculty Leaders: Tyler Hale and Meredith Primm
Cost: $2300
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: Participants must be strong swimmers.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Moab, Utah! Spend your days exploring the iconic red rock landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks while rock climbing, canyoneering, and hiking through some of the most stunning terrain in the country. For the first part of the course, we’ll camp on the beautiful Colorado Plateau and tackle three days of guided rock climbing with professional instructors from Windgate Adventures, learning techniques to safely climb some of Moab’s famous sandstone cliffs. We’ll spend two days hiking and navigating the awe-inspiring formations of Arches and Canyonlands and one thrilling day canyoneering, descending into hidden slot canyons while practicing rope skills and backcountry navigation. Along the way, you’ll explore the region’s geology, unique desert ecosystems, and rich Indigenous history, gaining insight into the contemporary issues facing local Native communities. This isn’t just an adventure—it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself physically, think critically about the natural world, and connect with the landscapes in a deeply immersive way. We’ll wrap up the week with a comfortable stay at a local Airbnb near Arches, giving you time to reflect on our experiences together. Open to all OES students, with no experience necessary!

Faculty Leaders: Shahd Al-Jawhari, Tommy Kane, and Mitra Abidi
Cost: $2000
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 11
Prerequisites: None

This Winterim course offers students who are passionate about music, dance, theater, comedy, and/or spoken word poetry the opportunity to explore their interests in the city where it all happens. We will attend a broad spectrum of performances, from cozy community-centered works to grand productions, across a variety of genres- jazz, ballet, theater, improv, and more. We will also tour historically significant arts venues for a literal peek behind the curtain of successful productions, and visit exhibits around the city dedicated to performing arts. Perhaps most excitingly, students will have the chance to spend a day in creative workshops with New York City students who share their interests.

Our home base will be a historic hotel on the quiet Upper West Side of Manhattan, a peaceful place to bookend our bustling days in the City. Expect lots of walking, journaling, exploration, and inspiration in one of the most artistically vibrant cities in the world!

Faculty Leaders: Willow McCormick and Matt Pigg
Cost: $2300
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

One of the best ways to enjoy winter and find solitude and fun in the Pacific Northwest is to go backcountry skiing. This course is designed to give you a taste of life in the backcountry and possibly start a lifelong pursuit of backcountry skiing and/or snowboarding. This course introduces students to the foundational skills, knowledge, and decision-making practices required for backcountry skiing and winter travel in mountainous environments. Emphasizing avalanche awareness, winter navigation, outdoor living skills, and group leadership, the course provides an immersive introduction to expeditionary travel in the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon. Prior experience in skiing or snowboarding is required, as participants will apply their existing on-snow competence in a backcountry setting.
The course begins with two days based in Portland. Our first day is on campus with an orientation to the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, preparation of group gear and food, and instruction in winter risk management, including avalanche safety principles and equipment use. On the second day, we will travel to Mt. Hood to practice movement techniques and familiarize themselves with backcountry ski gear (transceivers, shovels, probes, climbing skins) in a controlled environment.

The backcountry portion of the course begins with travel to the southwestern edge of the Wallowa Mountains and a night spent at an AirBnB in Baker City, OR. Entering the backcountry the next day, the group will get towed by snowmobile 8 miles to our trailhead and ski approximately 2 miles into our own private hut system with a full kitchen yurt and two wall tents with stoves and beds. These facilities provide a base for four days of field-based learning, daily ski tours, and hands-on application of avalanche assessment, route finding, and winter campcraft. The hut system minimizes pack weight while enabling students to focus on skill development and engagement with the winter landscape.

Throughout the expedition, participants will practice team-based decision-making, evaluate terrain and snowpack conditions, and develop an understanding of the ecological and geological context of the Wallowa Mountains in winter. On our last day we’ll leave the splendor of the wilderness and ski back to our vehicles, before we make the long drive back to OES by early evening. This course does not include backcountry skis. If you need to rent an AT backcountry ski set-up, we have a discounted rate at The Mountain Shop.

*This course also has a mandatory day of participation in a ski skills training and assessment at Timberline Lodge on Monday, January 26. Ski Passes and Transportation will be provided.

Faculty Leaders: Dennis Sullivan and Matt Bedrin
Cost: $1500
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 8
Prerequisites: Ski skills training and assessment.

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, spanning four Western states, and on land originally of the Nez Perce, Shoshone, Blackfeet and Crow Nations, Yellowstone National Park offers us an immersion in wildlife and land conservation. This trip provides students with a beginning backcountry experience with cabin stays, beautiful long hikes, and skill-building in this wintry wilderness. Through our partner organization, Yellowstone Forever, field educators will bring the study of geology and wildlife biology to life as we explore the interconnectedness of the complex ecosystem of the trophic cascades. Focusing on the famous Yellowstone wolfpacks and their saga of survival since being reintroduced to the park in 1995, we will also encounter a thriving bison population, elk, hibernating bears, coyotes, and more! The earth itself is a geological wonder, as we’ll learn on a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs. Together, we will read and discuss the book Thinking Like a Wolf by legendary conservationist Rick McIntyre (who we may get to meet!). We will document and reflect on our experience with daily journaling and conversation with plenty of time to relax and play, cook and share meals, and enjoy a fire under the stars.

Here’s a brief itinerary:

• Fly into Bozeman, MT and enjoy exploring Main Street with an overnight hotel stay.
• With gathered provisions we go deep into Yellowstone to our cabins at the Lamar Valley Ranch and begin daily field work with our Yellowstone Forever guide.
• After three nights, we re-up our provisions and transition to the Overlook Lodge, high above the park in the town of Gardiner, and enjoy our last day of learning in the field.
• As we close the trip, we will be led by Jair to explore this new area with hikes along the Yellowstone River and relax with an afternoon of hot springs soaking.

Note: Students will travel with a backcountry backpack and need to follow a detailed packing list to ensure all are prepared to be warm, dry, and active outdoors. (We have gear to loan, if needed!)

Faculty Leaders: Julie Sikkink, Elizabeth Johnson, and Jair Cuikshank
Cost: $2000
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 11
Prerequisites: None

During this course students will have opportunities to explore and reflect on introductions to paper sculpture, simple machines, sculpture techniques, materials, and practices. Students will make paper objects (animals) that move using simple devices. Then as the Winterim progresses students will have the option to move into more traditional sculptural materials, including paper mold making and casting, Italian paper clay, wire working, wood, etc. Students will also be introduced to artists and cultures throughout history that have produced similar types of art objects. Students will examine animals and their vital importance to nature, environmentalism, and climate activism. The students' experience will begin with a day trip to the Portland Zoo to see animals they will be making automata of in person! The students' experience will culminate in a professional art exhibition in the Upper School.

Faculty Leaders: Lici Fortier and Dustin Price
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 15
Prerequisites: None

This Winterim invites students to explore the world through its instruments. Using Backbeat Music Academy’s extensive collection of instruments from around the world, students will have hands-on time trying out each instrument while learning how the physics of sound, music theory, and musicology all work together to shape how instruments are built, played, and understood. From West African lutes and American drums to European strings and East Asian winds, we’ll examine how each instrument reflects the environment, history and the flow of people affected the course of music and the musical traditions of the people who created it while we learn how to play them. By the end of the week, students will have learned the skills needed to pick up an instrument they’ve never seen before and play a song on it. This course is open to students of all skill levels, even beginners! Total beginners will get a lot out of it, and those already with experience will be able to go even deeper.

Faculty Leaders: Layne Bradshaw and John Lamb
Cost: $100 per person
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 14
Prerequisites: None

Do you enjoy solving puzzles, cracking codes, or figuring out “whodunnit”? This Winterim invites you to think like a detective. Using Sherlock Holmes as our guide, we’ll explore how his legendary powers of deduction might work in real life. Is Holmes’ brilliance just a literary trick, or can we train ourselves to notice more, make smarter decisions, and solve the crime? We’ll put our minds to work with puzzles, crime scene mysteries, and board games. We’ll visit three escape rooms to test our skills under pressure. To cap it off, a former homicide detective will take us step by step through a real investigation, from the first clue to the final conclusion.

Faculty Leaders: CT Henry and Erika Jelinek
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 14
Prerequisites: None

This Winterim brings together two incredible activities that challenge you to focus deeply, refine your form to push your own limits, and support others as they do the same. We’ll spend time bouldering and rope climbing at a variety of local gyms, giving you the chance to try new routes, challenge yourself in different settings, and encourage your classmates as they take on their own climbs. For ceramics, we’ll work in a local studio with a professional ceramics teacher, developing steady, intentional technique as you shape and refine clay—and helping one another troubleshoot form and process along the way. Both experiences build the same habits: focused practice, personal challenge, and showing up for each other as we learn.

Faculty Leaders: Anna Fortner and Joshua Caditz
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

Portland is renowned as one of the great food cities in America, and what better way to know it than by eating at its best food carts and restaurants. Not only will you get to feast on amazing food, but you will also get first-hand accounts of how they got to where they are today. We will learn from a number of famous Portland-area chefs about their social justice causes and how these guided the mission of their restaurants and food carts. Our daily activities will center on watching thought-provoking films that center on these social justice issues, followed by engaging discussions, and then eating incredible meals at Portland’s best food venues. In addition to learning about food security from our guests and films, one afternoon will be spent serving at a local food bank to directly engage with the issues. Come join us for a week of sublime eating, watching, listening, and learning.

Faculty Leaders: Rachel Van Wickle and Thomas Lowery
Cost: $100 per person
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

Baking is a staple of some of the most important events we share with others; but it’s more than just following a recipe. At its best, it is an art form guided by the principles of chemistry. In this Winterim, students will move beyond basic baking to master the science and soul of the craft. We’ll explore a range of baking techniques, from quick breads and yeasted doughs to laminated pastries, working to improve the list of our own go-to baking options at home. In this course we’ll delve into the chemistry behind baking, examining the role of ingredients, the function of leavening agents, and the processes that transform simple mixtures into complex, delicious creations. Understanding these core chemistry principles will empower students to confidently tinker with recipes, allowing for creative iteration without risking total failure. Beyond the kitchen, we will visit local, innovative bakeries as well as local purveyors of key ingredients that come from our own Pacific Northwest. As the name of the course implies, we will also have a series of fun, tiered baking competitions sprinkled throughout. Most importantly, we will embrace the importance of sharing that is often at the heart of baking by donating our baked goods to community partners, ensuring our delicious creations bring joy to people in our local community.

Faculty Leaders: Peter Kimball and Autumn Apperson
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 15
Prerequisites: None

The Human Wellness Project is a week-long experiential exploration of what it means to live well. Through hands-on learning in movement, mindfulness, and human performance, students will engage with a wide range of practices, including functional fitness, running mechanics, yoga, Thai Chi, weightlifting, CrossFit, mobility, meditation, and recovery. Complementing the physical experiences, students will investigate key dimensions of holistic wellness, including nutrition, sleep, stress, mindset, goal setting, screen time, and the science of performance. Throughout the week, students will track one personal wellness goal of their choosing, exploring how daily habits influence both body and mind. Field experiences with local coaches, trainers, and specialists will offer opportunities to learn directly from experts. By the end of the Winterim, each student will have a personalized Wellness Portfolio that synthesizes their data, reflections, and insights. This Winterim is designed to help students develop a sustainable, informed, and empowering understanding of their own well-being—skills that they can carry beyond the classroom.

Faculty Leaders: Evan Britton and Nick Slenning
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

Lower School Interns offers Upper School students a chance to step into a genuine leadership and mentorship role within the Lower School. It’s not about “being a kid again;” it’s about becoming the kind of role model you once looked up to. As an intern, you’ll collaborate closely with teachers and specialists, stepping in with initiative, noticing what’s needed, and bringing real energy to the work. You’ll support instruction and daily routines, build meaningful connections with younger students, and serve as a steady source of guidance and encouragement. And you might find that the experience not only feels impactful and fun, but also grows your passion for working with kids.

Faculty Leaders: Stephanie Portman
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 18
Community Engagement Hours: 30

Join us for an immersive crash course on filmmaking, led by the experts at NW Film Camp, a PNW org committed to empowering young aspiring filmmakers. We’ll learn everything about the filmmaking process, from scriptwriting and building story structure, through cinematography and running the equipment to capture film, incorporating lighting and sound, direction and team collaboration, and on through the editing and post-production processes. Areas of possible focus for campers include: digital short films, narrative filmmaking, music video production, and mockumentary/ documentaries. We’ll be on-campus at OES for the duration of our camp, and our Winterim will culminate in a mini-film festival and competition during which we’ll show off our finished films! 

Faculty Leaders: Ed Cecere and Evan Hansen
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 15
Prerequisites: None

 Be a Student Leader at Northwest Outdoor Science School during Winterim from March 16-20 (Mon-Fri). March 12-13 will be on campus at OES in training for preparation of being with students the next week at a designated site. Student Leaders will teach fun, hands-on environmental science activities to sixth-grade students each day, and serve as their cabin leaders for the week. No experience is necessary – all training is provided, including a full day of on-site training the first day (March 16). You only need to enjoy children & the outdoors, and be willing to dedicate yourself in full for one week to create a life-changing experience for students. Visit the website for information on this program.

*You will need to be at Outdoor School from March 16-20 (Mon-Fri), at your assigned Outdoor School site until approximately 1:30 p.m. on March 20 and will be dropped off back in the Portland area that day at our bus location around 2:30-3:30 p.m., depending on what site you volunteer at. 30 Service Hours will be given for this course.

Faculty Leaders: Jason Henkle
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/13 and 3/16/3/20
Number of Students: 20
Prerequisites: Grades 10-12 only.

Ready to unplug, relax, and reconnect with your creative side? This Winterim course is a gentle, one-week journey of self-discovery, blending the joy of art with the nourishment of good food. Each day, we’ll explore the fluid, forgiving world of watercolors in a relaxed, pressure-free setting. You'll learn intuitive techniques to express yourself, perhaps even painting the vibrant, healthy foods we create. In our kitchen sessions, you will learn to prepare delicious and healthy ethnic snacks from scratch. We’ll focus on the simple pleasure of mindful creation and savoring new flavors. Tying it all together are daily guided meditations and mindfulness practices. This isn't a high-stakes course; it’s a dedicated space to breathe, play, and cultivate inner calm. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and nourished—from your palette to your palate. No prior art or cooking experience is necessary, only an open mind.

Faculty Leaders: Gowri Meda and Lacy Hall
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

A practical and cultural exploration of skating and surfing -- this is a hands-on course that introduces you to the worlds of surfing and skateboarding, combining lessons, creativity, and culture. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, this course offers something for everyone. In the week-long session, you'll experience both sports through a variety of activities, including trips to the beach, skate park sessions, creative projects, and more.

What You'll Do:

• Two Beach Day-Trips with Oregon Surf Adventures: Get out on the water and learn the basics of surfing during two fun-filled trips to local beaches. You'll receive professional instruction and have the chance to practice your skills in a safe, supportive environment.
• Skateboarding at Local Parks: Spend time at nearby skateparks learning key techniques, such as how to carve and perform basic tricks. Whether you're new to skateboarding or want to refine your skills, these guided sessions will help you gain confidence on your board.
• Build Your Own Skateboard and Mini-Surfboard: Tap into your creative side by designing and building your own skateboard and mini-surfboard. In this hands-on component, you’ll also create custom artwork to personalize your boards.
• Learn the History and Culture of Surfing and Skateboarding: Explore the origins and evolution of these two iconic sports. Discover the history, design, and cultural impact of surfing and skateboarding, and how these sports have influenced modern youth culture around the world.
• Classic Surf & Skate Movies: While working on your designs, watch movies to provide a fun way to learn about the people and moments that helped shape these sports.
• Community and Youth Outreach: Get involved with local skateboarding-focused outreach programs. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for skateboarding and help support the community.

This course is designed to be both fun and educational, giving you the chance to learn new skills, get creative, and experience the culture of surfing and skateboarding. Whether you're hoping to catch your first wave, improve your skating, or simply explore the history and design behind these sports, this course has something for you. No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!


Faculty Leaders: Cameron Jack and Eric Eley
Cost: $100 per person
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None

This course focuses on place-based writing, inviting students to write creative fiction and nonfiction by first immersing themselves in and appreciating the spaces and places that will inspire their words. Each day, we will visit a different local space, such as art and science museums, food cart pods, movie theaters, community organizations, and parks. We will explore those places through the lens of different writing prompts, and students will have plenty of time each day to sit and write after exploration of those places. Students will build their own writing community environment, which will involve reading & discussing writing models as well as sharing & workshopping their own fiction and nonfiction work, including an entire day dedicated to writing and sharing their writing (“writing marathon”). After Winterim, they will share some of their writing with the upper school community as a culminating experience.

Faculty Leaders: Lindsey Zanchettin and Nathalie Michiels
Cost: Free
Dates: 3/12-3/19
Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites: None