TRAVEL
Grand Rapids Christian opens up the world and all its wonder through the Travel component of Winterim.
In choosing one of the trips offered during Winterim, students are exposed to different cultures, immersed in exciting new environments, and possibly utilize and grow their fluency in foreign languages, amplifying learning beyond the four walls of a classroom.
Whether interest draws students toward international exploration, mission service or just something out of the ordinary, we hope they will join the adventure as the teachers passionately prepare to make these trips momentous and spirit-filled for each participant.
We were not there because they needed our help... we were there because they were willing to let us help.
Jasmine Brown
Jamaica Deaf Village, Winterim 2018
WINTERIM TRIP INFO
Winterim 2026 Trip Information
Winterim 2026 Application to Travel
Sign-up for these trips very soon to give you time to make necessary arrangements. To get you the best possible rates, the teachers have already been planning the details which will require early commitments in order to benefit from these lower costs.
- Winterim 2026 Trip Brochure
- Winterim 2026 Application to Travel will be available soon.
- Important Dates:
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February 20 - Trips Announced in Community Time
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February 26 - Trip Parent Meeting at 7pm (The Garage)
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March 5 - Trip Applications Due at 3pm
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March 21 - Trip Selection Form due by 8am
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March 31 - Enrollment Contracts Due
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Winterim 2026 Trip Options
- Andalucía: Una Maravilla
- Costa Rica: ¡Pura Vida!
- Dominican Republic: Serve, Rest, Grow
- Florida’s IMG Academy: Power & Play
- France: From the Riviera to the City of Light (Spring Break trip)
- Grand Canyon: Backpacking
- Greece: Mythic Voyage
- Honduras: Jubilee Impact
- India: Land of Cultures
- Italy: Landmarks of Faith, Food, and History
- Jamaica: Jamaica Deaf Village
- New York City & London: Broadway and the Bard
- Peru: Incan Adventure
- Scandinavia: A Warrior’s Will
- Turkey: Crossroads of the Continents
Andalucía: Una Maravilla
We’re going to Southern Spain to see the Moorish architecture, learn the Flamenco, peruse the Prado, relax in the parks, and take it all in. We’ll stay in southern Spain for the warmest temperatures, stay with host families and put our Spanish communication skills to the test! ¡Vámonos!
TRIP LEADERS:
Melissa Allen &
Liz Vrooman
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,200
Costa Rica: ¡Pura Vida!
Embark on the ultimate Costa Rican adventure, where stunning landscapes, thrilling activities, and incredible wildlife await! Start in La Fortuna, at the base of Arenal Volcano, with hikes, waterfall swims, and rainforest adventures. Then, head to Nosara, a tropical paradise where howler monkeys and nesting turtles greet you. Enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and horseback riding in this natural playground. Explore Costa Rica’s Blue Zone, where wellness and sustainability are a way of life, and experience the authentic vibe of Nosara with organic farms and daily surf lessons from WOW Surf Camp. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
TRIP LEADERS:
Jonathan Quist & Sarah Quist
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
12
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,700
Dominican Republic: Serve, Rest, Grow
Do you want to make a difference, build new friendships, and serve internationally? Would you like to explore a new culture and practice your Spanish? Join us as we partner with Sociedad Lucas in the Dominican Republic to share Christ’s love with the children in their community. We will SERVE in a Christian school, teaching Bible and English lessons, playing with children, participating in sports, serving meals, and working on light construction projects. We will REST so we can pay attention to the work God is doing in our midst. We will also explore the beautiful island, hike to waterfalls, spend a day at the beach, and tour the historic colonial district. We desire to GROW in our faith through daily worship, prayer, and time in scripture, drawing closer to God as we witness His love in action. Come joyfully SERVE with us in Jesus’ name in the Dominican Republic!
TRIP LEADER:
Frank Padilla
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
20
APPROXIMATE COST:
$2,800
Florida’s IMG Academy: Power & Play
Join us for an exciting Winterim trip to IMG Academy, Universal Studios, and a service opportunity in the local community! Students will engage in high-level athletic training at IMG, explore the innovative world of Universal Studios, and serve others through meaningful community service projects. Daily devotions and challenges will provide opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection, while team-building activities will strengthen connections with peers and the Grand Rapids Christian community. This trip promises to be an enriching experience that combines faith, learning, and fun!
TRIP LEADERS:
Daimond Dixon & Crystal Strickland
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
20
APPROXIMATE COST:
$2.000-$2,300
France: From the Riviera to the City of Light (Spring Break trip)
Experience the beauty and intrigue of France as you travel the country! We begin in what the French call Provence — the Riviera. Our journey will take us from Nice, on the Mediterranean, to Arles, where Vincent VanGogh lived and worked, to Avignon, famous for its Pope’s Palace and Roman ruins. From there, we will visit breathtaking structures that have stood for centuries, such as the Pont du Gard, the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe, and the charming countryside. World-famous artists flocked here to capture the light, and we’ll have the chance to see some of their inspiration and work. We take the TGV (fast train) north to Paris — the City of Light, where we’ll see monuments like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and visit some of the most famous museums of the world, such as the Louvre and the Orsay. Get ready to be amazed, south to north!
TRIP LEADER:
Robyn Potts
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,000-$4,200
Grand Canyon: Backpacking
Join us for a multi-day backpacking trip down into the Grand Canyon! These are the most beautiful miles of the Arizona Trail and we will be partnering with the Arizona Trail Association for a service project along other sections of this 850-mile National Scenic Trail! Come on this trip to learn backpacking or to refine your skills in one of the most beautiful places in our nation!
TRIP LEADER:
Kevin VanHarn
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
18
APPROXIMATE COST:
$1,500-$1,900
Greece: Mythic Voyage
Welcome to Greece—a country of historical heroes, mythological legends, and iconic landscapes.Your epic saga begins in Athens, a city as beautiful as it is old. Then, escape the city to Delphi, where Alexander the Great asked the oracle of Apollo who would be the fairest conqueror of them all (spoiler: it was him). Explore the undiscovered capital of northern Greece, marvel at the snow capped peaks of Mt. Olympus, and eat feta everywhere in between. This is Greece. This is history come to life.
TRIP LEADERS:
John Christians & Neil Karsten
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,300-$4,500
Honduras: Jubilee Impact
This winter, embark on an unforgettable journey to Jubilee Centers International in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where you’ll experience the joy of cultural immersion, meaningful service, and personal growth like never before. During this unique Winterim experience, you’ll partner with Jubilee’s incredible community to lead a summer camp-style program for local kids on their break from school. Through sports, music, and team activities, you’ll build relationships that transcend borders and leave a lasting impact on the lives of others—and your own!
TRIP LEADERS:
Raquel Bartaway & Shelly Hendricks
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
18
APPROXIMATE COST:
$2,000-$2,500
India: Land of Cultures
“India: Land of Cultures” offers the opportunity to journey into one of the most diverse countries in the world! Come along as we travel to Delhi to explore palaces and visit with locals in the marketplace, Jaipur to witness the beauty of the Pink City and take in an Indian wildlife safari, visit the city of Agra and Mother Teresa’s Charity Home to spend time with the children and adults who are still cared for by her ministry, see the Taj Mahal at dawn, and close your visit with a visit to a school in Delhi. You will come back with new perspectives, profound memories, and a renewed passion for God’s world and His people.
TRIP LEADERS:
Mark VanderWerf & Julie Watson
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,475
Italy: Landmarks of Faith, Food, and History
Embark on a transformative journey through Italy, where history, art, faith, and cuisine come alive. In this ten-day trip, students will explore iconic landmarks in Florence, Venice, Assisi, and Rome, from the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence to the ancient ruins of Rome and the spiritual heart of Vatican City. Along the way, students will savor Italy’s renowned cuisine while deepening their faith, building lasting memories, and reflecting on their growth as global citizens. This trip offers an immersive experience that connects education, culture, and Christian values and will continue to prepare students to see their place which is to serve and lead with integrity in the world.
TRIP LEADERS:
Larry Borst &
Nate Zietse
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,600-$4,700
Jamaica: Jamaica Deaf Village
Jamaica is a beautiful, mountainous island in the Caribbean Sea. Located in the middle of that island is the Jamaica Deaf Village, part of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf. The CCCD exists to “reach, teach, and nurture the Deaf of Jamaica so that they can experience the joy of knowing Jesus and serving within their community. The Jamaica Deaf Village (JDV) is a place where Deaf can live, work, and grow. “ During our week at JDV, we will work alongside people in the deaf community, visit a school for the deaf, engage with other people in Jamaican culture, and spend time together. The last two days will be spent at a resort in Montego Bay to relax and recoup.
TRIP LEADERS:
Amy Cadorniga & Brian Karsten
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$2,400-$2,600
New York City & London: Broadway and the Bard
Join Mrs. Mellitz and Ms. Zandstra in New York and London during Winterim 2026. Visit historical sites including Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. See TWO Broadway Shows & TWO West End Shows and participate in a workshop at the Globe Theatre. Our international tour will conclude with a visit to Oxford and Stratford where we will tour Shakespeare’s childhood home and the Shakespeare Tree Garden.
TRIP LEADERS:
Kate Mellitz &
Julie Zandstra
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,860-$5,000
Peru: Incan Adventure
Join us on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Peru, designed for the curious and adventurous! Start in Lima, the vibrant capital, touring landmarks like the Government Palace and the historic San Francisco Convent. Explore ancient mysteries at the Huaca Huallamarca archaeological site before flying to Cuzco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Discover incredible ruins like Sacsayhuaman Fortress and shop at the bustling Pisac Market. Ride a scenic train to Machu Picchu and experience the awe of this world-famous Inca city firsthand. Visit floating islands on Lake Titicaca, meet indigenous Uros families, and hike Taquile Island for stunning views. Wrap up your adventure exploring ancient temples and sharing unforgettable moments with friends. Experience history, culture, and nature like never before—Peru is calling!
TRIP LEADERS:
Paul Diekema &
Kara Kits
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,600
Scandinavia: A Warrior’s Will
Experience the best Scandinavia has to offer! Witness Oslo’s Viking heritage and vibrant harbor, sail to Copenhagen and walk its fairy-tale streets, tour Sweden’s sweet candy factories in Gränna, and visit Stockholm and its historic sunken warship. Grow in your Christian faith walk by creating an unforgettable adventure, exploring the magic, mystery, and majesty of Nordic culture.
TRIP LEADERS:
Austin Heeres &
Kirk Sundberg
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$4,500-$4,600
Turkey: Crossroads of the Continents
Begin in Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents, where the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque stand tall against the backdrop of a bustling city filled with colorful bazaars, aromatic spices, and delicious street food. From there, travel to the coastal city of Canakkale for a visit to Troy, where the legendary city of the Trojan War comes to life through its ancient ruins, including remnants of the famous walls and the mythical wooden Trojan horse. In Kusadasi, the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea welcome you before exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. This thriving ancient city, with its grand Temple of Artemis and the impressive Library of Celsus, also held one of the earliest Christian churches, to whom the Apostle Paul sent his letter we now read as the book of Ephesians. Continue to Pamukkale, and take a serene dip in the stunning white-terraced pools formed by mineral-rich hot springs. This diverse itinerary offers a truly immersive Turkish experience, blending ancient wonders, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant cities.
TRIP LEADERS:
Joe Brower &
Seth Davies
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF STUDENTS:
24
APPROXIMATE COST:
$3,500-$3,700