WINTERIM 2 025 Course Offerings
Please Note: Course costs are approximate at this time. The complete Winterim Catalog will be published on the Veracross Portal in early November and will have accurate course prices, as well as more program details and overall Winterim policies and information. Students will pick their top 5 choices of course after the Thanksgiving break.
A MARCH ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS, BORDER TO BORDER
Approximate cost: $500
Have you ever dreamed of walking across an entire state? This Winterim, embark on an adventure as we hike the Midstate Trail from the Rhode Island border all the way to New Hampshire, traversing the heart of Massachusetts in a series of day hikes. Along the way, you'll learn essential backpacking and backcountry navigation skills, delve into the history and traditions of thru-hiking, and master trail etiquette and safety. You’ll savor delicious trail meals you prepare yourself and deepen your understanding of the ecology, geology, and local history of the landscapes we cross. You'll also learn to handle whatever weather New England throws your way!
ADVENTURES IN ART AND GLASS WORKS
Approximate cost: $600
In this Winterim course, students will learn how to design, cut, and assemble stained glass, as well as how to use a kiln to create fused-glass artwork. Working at the Periwinkle Art & Glassworks studio with professional glassworkers, we will also have the opportunity hear from guest artists about the art of glassblowing. Field trips to local art museums and churches (to view stained glass) will complement our work in the studio!
BUILDING THE LIGHT CANOE
Approximate cost: $800
You will transform a “stack” of simple building materials into a sleek, one-person watercraft. You will both learn and employ the “stitch and glue” monocoque method of boatbuilding and a set of finishing skills. The boat you make and the skills you learn will endure a lifetime.
CAN YOU DIG IT? ARCHEOLOGY IN ITALY
Approximate cost: $3,500
Train to be like Indiana Jones! Students will work on an archaeological excavation at the site of Tolfaccia, located about an hour and a half northwest of Rome. They will continue to excavate the rooms of a house that was destroyed in the 13th century; this will be Lawrence Academy’s fifth Winterim working at this site. Students will learn the skills of an archaeologist, discover various artifacts, and learn how to properly care for such artifacts. We will learn the history of the local region by visiting the museums of Allumiere and Tarquinia, and the trip will conclude with trips to Rome in order to examine the archaeological record of the ancient city.
CAPTURING AMERICA’S BEAUTY: PHOTOGRAPHING AMERICA’S GEOLOGICAL WONDERS
Approximate cost: $3,500
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Arizona and Utah, where geology, ecology, and photography come together for an unforgettable Winterim experience. Explore iconic national parks like Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the Grand Canyon, while mastering techniques for photographing vast landscapes, intricate rock formations, and desert flora and fauna.
CHINESE EXPRESSIONS
Approximate cost: $550
Students will dance, play games, create art, and sample delicious foods –all in the name of learning about Chinese culture. By sampling a variety of enticing activities designed to captivate and challenge, students will gain exposure to both Chinese culture and language.
CLAY AND KILN
Approximate cost: $400
Did you love working with Play Doh and were devastated when your creations dried up and cracked apart? Are you curious about pottery and the art of creating functional pots and sculptures with your own hands? Then pottery making is the perfect course for you to perfect your skills! This class will cover many pottery making techniques, including wheel throwing and hand-building techniques of pinch, coil, and slab. Utilizing these techniques, we will form the clay into cups, bowls, and other unique objects. Surface decoration will be explored through sculpting, imprinting objects to create textures, painting colored slips, and relief carving. We will glaze and fire our pottery, making it food-safe and durable.
DIMELO: OUR STORY
Approximate cost: $275
Dímelo .. Share your story! Create. Empower. Inspire.
Bring the stories of children to life. Join us as we interview kids from different schools and communities and write a book where they are the protagonist. One pen. Endless possibilities! The writing adventure awaits!
KIDS AND COMMUNITY: SERVICE LEARNING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Approximate cost: $3,500
In this Winterim, participants will spend the majority of their time working with the Dominican girls at the Mariposa Foundation, leading them in their annual “Olympic-style” athletic competitions! LA students will also complete work projects such as gardening and clean-up. We will immerse ourselves in the Dominican community, culture, food, music, and traditions and explore the Dominican North Coast, where we will eat local food, visit towns and beaches, and hike up to waterfalls to swim.
EMPOWERING CHILDHOOD RESILIENCE
Approximate cost: $150
In this program, LA students will work in Infant-2nd grade classrooms working with the young students and lead teachers at the Head Start Program in Lowell and the Carroll School in Lincoln (either dividing the days or rotating students daily). They will be engaged in daily activities in the classrooms, playground routines, and learn how to develop daily plans for classes and activities.
EPIC EATS
Approximate cost: $1,300
Students will develop a love of culinary learning, through appreciation of both food and skills. We will push ourselves outside of our comfort zones through experimenting with new foods and different cooking styles. Each day, we will produce a meal to enjoy for lunch as well as a treat to be taken home at the end of the day. At the end of our session, students will receive a cookbook full of recipes from the program.
FAMILY TREE
Approximate cost: $350
Learn about your family history and piece together your story in the context of history. You will be able to work with a professional genealogist and travel to research facilities. We will help you uncover clues to your family’s past. You will gain an understanding of the relationship between genealogy and history. In the end you will produce a short digital documentary that will serve as an artifact for generations to come.
FILM BUILDING
Approximate cost: $600
Filmbuilding organizes filmmaking experiences that allow students to connect and learn from one another in fun and transformative ways. This course offers opportunities for students to co-create short films using a unique, discovery-based process. Students explore meaningful themes and each other’s perspectives as they develop, film, and edit their projects. The finished films are screened to a live audience and may be sent to film festivals for further engagement.
FIRE AND ICE: CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN ICELAND
Approximate cost: $3,500
Join us at the top of the world to experience sustainable living and walk on the ever-changing landscape affected by climate change. We’ll begin each day at our base camp (with clean and modern lodging and facilities), then drive to our various destinations to explore, learn and keep a scientific notebook of our findings and wonderings to share with the group. We will spend two nights and one full day in Reykjavik, the capital city, before returning home.
FULL CIRCLE FISHING
Approximate cost: $3,250
Students will start by building two custom spinning rods for fishing for everything from trout to striped bass in the first week. Then, we will learn the foundation of fishing skills needed, from casting to knots. In the second week, we will travel to Crystal River, FL to test our equipment and skills. Students will work with some of the most experienced guides in the state to gain inside knowledge on fishing and growing their passion. Students will also explore how a sustainable fishery works in conjunction with commercial, sports, and the environment for the greater good of everyone.
GIVE KIDS THE WORLD
Approximate cost: $2,900
At Give Kids the World, you will create happy memories for children with critical illnesses and their families. You will live in a safe and large house in a resort community nearby and work as a team to prepare meals and perform cleanup tasks at the house. In addition to spending the majority of your time volunteering, you will have the opportunity to experience some of Central Florida’s attractions.
HANDS ON LEARNING (AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE AT LA)
Approximate cost: $275
Students will be led by an experienced ASL instructor as they develop the ability to communicate in sign and appreciate deaf culture. Classroom instruction will combine with hands on activities and field trips to provide the students moments of mental Velcro to assist in their learning and retention of ASL. While this is predominantly a beginner level course, the activities will be structured such that novice to intermediate level students with prior experience in ASL can also participate and further their knowledge of the subject matter.
HOME ON THE RANGE
Approximate cost: $2,800
Home on the Range will take our students to West Texas, where we experience ranch life as well as what it means to live on and with the land. Most days, we will ride horses, developing skill and confidence in riding, and engage in ranch work from building fences to helping at a cattle ranch. We also explore Big Bend National Park, the Alamo, and other historic and ecological sites to better understand the history of and our responsibility to the land.
LA GIRLS LEAD
Approximate cost: $375
LA Girls Lead will explore the social constructs of gender representation and stereotypes in our society. Students will participate in a series of leadership and self-advocacy trainings based on Girls’ Leadership’s Girl Meets Word program and the One Foundation. Students will also engage in the Ladies Luncheon Series: Reimagined, where they will meet extraordinary women leading their fields of work. We look at the history of women’s leadership in the country and visit Seneca Falls, New York, the home of the first women’s rights convention. Our culminating project will be the launch of a social media campaign or podcast series titled #LAGIRLSLEAD.
LEADING MEN: CHAMPIONING HEALTHY MASCULINITY IN THE LA COMMUNITY
Approximate cost: $400
This is an opportunity for you to help redefine what it means to be a man at LA. You will develop strong leadership and communication skills through a series of team-building activities, opportunities to facilitate dialogues, and lead group discussions.
PAPER AND PAGE: THE ART OF THE BOOK
Approximate cost: $250
This course will focus on papermaking and bookbinding, both as a practical craft and an artistic medium. We will use found materials to create our own unique paper and then use that paper in a variety of origami-based folding structures and traditional binding techniques to create both functional and creative pieces. Students will finish the course with a varied body of work as well as the skills and techniques to develop on their own.
QUILTING IS SEW EASY
Approximate cost: $550
You will be making beautiful quilts that reflect your creative ideas. During the course, you will produce two major quilting projects. As a service to your community, you will be producing a wheelchair-sized quilt for a resident of the Seven Hills Pediatric Center. In addition, you will design a lap-sized quilt, which you will complete and take home.
RUSTIC BEAUTIES
Approximate cost: $650
In Rustic Beauties, students will immerse themselves in the art of woodworking, designing and building both an Adirondack chair and a second project of their choice. This hands-on course combines physical work with creative expression, guiding students as they transform raw materials into beautifully crafted furniture pieces. Under the instruction of experienced faculty and a professional furniture maker, students will learn foundational woodworking skills while developing their own artistic style. Each student will gain a sense of achievement as they see their hard work materialize into tangible, functional creations.
SEAS THE DAY
Approximate cost: $3,500
Students will be studying and training to receive their first level IYT (International Yach Training) certification. This certificate shows that they can perform skills offshore, sail during daylight hours, and in moderate wind/sea conditions. This will all be happening as we sail between St. Martin, St. Eustatius, Tintamarre, and Saba – all beautiful Islands in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean!
SPARTAN SCUBA: CORALS, COVES AND CONSERVATION
Approximate cost: $3,500
Learn to SCUBA dive and experience the marine world like you have never before. Travel with us to the beautiful island of Curacao to some of the best shore dives on the planet. You will become a certified PADI diver through this program, all while learning about the importance of marine science and conservation.
SPORTS JOURNALISM
Approximate cost: $1,500
In this course you will experience the life of the sportswriter and immerse yourself in sports journalism and media for the duration of Winterim. Journalists will cover events and write game articles, interview athletes and professionals from various occupations within the sports world, develop feature articles to show their “takes” on the sports world and dabble in podcasting. Journalists will split their time locally, following the local and regional scene, and the group will head to NYC for a few days to cover the Big East Basketball Tournament.
THE ART OF AWARENESS
Approximate cost: $800
This course encourages students to develop mindfulness and sharpen their awareness through photography and watercolor painting. Inspired by the teachings of artists like John Singer Sargent, Mary Oliver, and Paul Cézanne, students will learn to observe and reflect on the world around them. By connecting art with mindfulness, they will cultivate skills in attention, patience, and empathy. The course aims to help students respond thoughtfully to their surroundings and life’s experiences.
THE SYSTEM
Approximate cost: $1,400
Over the course of the Winterim, students will travel to Boston and Washington, DC where they will visit the local, state, and federal courts, legislative houses, law enforcement agencies, and jails that make up “the system” within which we live our daily lives. Students will meet the real people who work in these institutions and learn how they work to solve the various problems that we face as a society. By the end of the term, students will see that the real system is even more complicated and interesting than anything depicted in film or television.
UP CYCLE
Approximate cost: $250
In UP-Cycle, you will learn about bike commuting by speaking with experts and officials and by riding on Massachusetts bike routes. You will explore the history of cycling and cycling infrastructure all over the world, and you will learn about bike types, sizes, safety features, technological advancements, and basic bike maintenance. You’ll leave this course with the ability to traverse any college campus safely and efficiently without needing a car.
WANDERING AND WONDERING IRELAND: STORYTELLING AND DRAWING
Approximate cost: $3,500
As we traverse the lush green hills, ancient ruins, and vibrant towns of the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll engage in various creative activities — drawing, storytelling, and inquiry — designed to awaken your imagination and deepen your connection to the environment around you. With guided prompts and techniques, you’ll have the opportunity to capture the place, your thoughts and experiences, creating a personal narrative that reflects your unique perspective on this magical place. From the remote countryside towns like Doolin to the serene beauty of the Aran Islands, each location will serve as a backdrop for artistic exploration and cultural understanding. Expect to be inspired by Ireland’s folklore, history, and natural wonders as we uncover the stories that shape this remarkable land.
WINDRUSH FARM: HORSES HELPING PEOPLE
Approximate cost: $800
This course will explore and expose students to horsemanship and therapeutic horseback riding through interactions with the horses, participants, and instructors at Windrush Farm. Therapeutic horseback riding is a program in which clients with differing abilities and challenges participate in horse-related activities as a means of therapy.
WOMEN IN SPORTS: A HISTORICAL DEEP-DIVE INTO WOMEN’S INVOLVEMENT IN SPORTS
Approximate cost: $200
In the "Women in Sports" Winterim, students will explore the transformative impact of Title IX and the female athletes who have shaped sports history, while documenting their learning through daily vlogs. Each student will focus on a specific athlete, team, or aspect of Title IX, using their vlogs to reflect on their research and insights. Throughout the course, students will have the unique opportunity to speak with trailblazers in women’s sports, gaining firsthand perspectives on the challenges and progress in the field. A highlight of the experience includes traveling to Connecticut to attend a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game, followed by a visit to the Women’s Sports Foundation in New York City. Founded by Billie Jean King, the foundation leads advocacy programs that empower and support women and girls in sports.
YOU’RE SEW TALENTED: DESIGN YOUR OWN SUSTAINABLE FASHION LINE
Approximate cost: $400
Students will transform thrifted garments and fabric remnants into styled clothing items and a reusable shopping tote.
Students will learn how to use a sewing machine, sewing skills such as taping, altering, and reshaping garments, invisible zipper insertion, and how to sew on latches as shown and be guided by an expert seamster.