TRAVEL

Come join us as we explore one of the largest countries of the world. With its vibrant people, diverse landscapes, and a sport that captures the attention of nations—this will be a trip of a lifetime! Activities will include exploring the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, riding a cogwheel train to the top of a mountain, standing at the foot of Christ the Redeemer, playing soccer on soft white beaches with locals, hiking, learning, and interacting with wildlife in the Amazon, and
enjoying a traditional Brazilian evening.  Additional highlights include participating in a cooking class in the Amazon, learning to dance the Samba, and swimming in the crystal blue waters of the South Atlantic. We hope you will join us on this adventure!

Join us for a fun-filled, jam-packed epic adventure on the shores of Costa Rica! Learn how to surf on the beautiful
beaches, practice yoga in the treetops, zipline through the rainforest, soak in natural hot springs, explore the world’s
largest open volcanic crater, witness a sea turtle arribada (100s of turtles laying eggs on a no-moon night), worship a
local church, hike, plant a tree, and more! Experience Pura Vida to the max!

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others, build new friendships and serve in an international setting? Would you like to explore a new culture and practice your Spanish skills? Then join us as we partner with Sociedad Lucas, a ministry in the Dominican Republic whose primary focus is sharing Christ’s love to children in their local community. God has a deep love for his people, and God calls us to share this love with everyone we meet. We will SERVE in a Christian school founded by Dr. Silvia Martinez, a native Dominican who has a passion to nurture the faith of children in her community. We will teach Bible and English lessons, play with the children and participate in sports programs, serve meals, and work on light construction projects. We will enjoy building relationships within the team and with our Dominican friends, and take time to physically and spiritually REST so we can pay attention to the work God is doing in our midst. Rest also includes exploration of the beautiful island: hikes to waterfalls, enjoying time at the beach, and a tour of the historic Colonial District. Lastly, we will GROW in our relationship with the Lord as we serve, worship, pray and spend daily time in scripture. It is our desire that our hearts will draw closer to God as we better understand his faithfulness, compassion and provision for his people. We will be inspired to love as God loves, and joyfully serve in Jesus’ name. Come join us in the Dominican Republic!

This tour is an amazing mix of ecosystem exploration and cultural experiences! We will explore ecosystems with towering volcanoes, steaming hot springs,  spectacular waterfalls, cloud forests, national parks, rainforests and more! In
addition, we will experience the cultural aspects of Ecuador with visits to Amazon villages, local markets, a coffee farm,
a local school, nature preserves, and an afternoon learning about life in the Amazon forest from a local family. From
tubing in the Amazon Rainforest with monkeys and tropical birds in the canopy above us to the thrill of whitewater
rafting, Ecuador offers the adventure of a lifetime!

The Florida: IMG Academy Sports Performance Training trip will take students down to IMG Sports Academy for three days of performance-based training and team-building skills training on their private Sports Performance campus. Students will take part in sports performance training, learn leadership and accountability, and participate in portions of the curriculum that IMG has created for student-athletes. Beyond all the hard work, we’ll also have time for fun. We’ll hit the beach, visit Disney, and hope to take in a professional basketball game. And when back in Grand Rapids, we’ll spend time thinking and learning about ways athletics can continue to be a part of our futures beyond GRCHS.

In Japan, the technology fueling tomorrow’s cities is on display today. Home to countless organizations specializing in robotics and engineering, this island country is at the forefront of innovation in sustainability and human mobility. From high-speed superconducting magnetic trains to Hybrid Assistive Limb technology, see how the future of cities is closer than you think in the experimental wonderland. Along with technology and innovation, we’ll be taking a closer look at Japanese culture by preparing our own traditional meal under the guidance of a Master Chef, participating in a traditional tea ceremony, and visiting an authentic village and temple. Come and explore with us how Japan is helping lead humanity from the traditional to the technological!

Come visit the City of Angels where the magic of movie, music, and television is made. We will enjoy the sunshine
and warmth of southern California while we think about how we are to live as followers of Jesus at the intersections of
culture. We will engage in conversations with Christian leaders in the movie, television, and art industries, tour movie
and television sets, visit major southern California sites, go to Universal Studios, and search for the stars. Along the way,
we will discern our own callings and roles that we play in the unfolding story of God’s work in the world.

Come experience the bright lights of Broadway. Join us in New York for the 1st week of Winterim where we will see
Broadway plays and musicals, participate in Broadway workshops led by professional Broadway artists, and tour famous New York landmarks including Radio City Musical Hall, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Broadway prop houses, the Garment District, and more. When we return home, we will take an active role in designing and building
the set for our Winter Play which will be announced during the Spring Theatre Gala in May. This trip welcomes everyone
who has a love for Broadway and New York City.

Which athletes are the fittest: swimmers, cyclists or runners? That question was the inspiration for the first Ironman
Triathlon race in Hawaii, and that is the question we pose to you today. Interested in competing? Start your journey to becoming an Ironman by coming to Florida to test your fitness in a sprint distance, olympic distance, or even half-
ironman distance triathlon. Learn from Ironman finishers, Mr. Stapert and Mr. DeKoster, who will guide you as you prepare for the Alpha Win Triathlon in Sarasota, Florida. This is not just a trip. This Winterim experience begins the day
you sign up and continues through the summer and fall as we prepare together building the skills and mindset needed
in open water swimming, time trial cycling, distance running, and, most importantly, eating to be a successful triathlete. Almost forgot to mention...we’ll be in warm, sunny Florida–beaches, pickleball, sunsets, watersports, and much more!

“South Africa: An African Adventure” will offer students the opportunity of a lifetime to tour one of the most popular
and beautiful tourist destinations in the world! The scenery of South Africa is varied and breathtaking, providing a
visual feast for visitors. Home to the famous “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), South Africa is
a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Students will have the opportunity to go on a Safari during their two days at Kruger National Park, offering an opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Johannesburg is a major world center, and Cape Town, featuring the stunning Table Mountain, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. South Africa has a complex and significant history, from the struggle against apartheid to the triumph of democracy. Students will explore that history at the Apartheid Museum and historical sites like Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. This African Adventure will allow students to experience the incredible beauty and diversity of God’s Creation, learn about the history of imperialism and apartheid, and see the impact of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Take the trip of a lifetime through the heart of Europe. This trip offers a profound fusion of history, art, and natural splendor across Europe’s enchanting locales. Begin in Switzerland and explore its iconic landmarks, serene mountain summits, and enchanting lakes. From the picturesque landscapes of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland to Northern Italy and the vibrant villages of Cinque Terre, each destination reveals unique charm and beauty. From Northern Italy, travel along the Mediterranean coast enjoying the breathtaking scenery and landmarks. Move from Monaco to the French
Riviera, exploring historic palaces, cathedrals, and the charming streets of Nice. As you journey through Provence,
archaeological wonders and historical gems await, providing a rich tapestry of experiences. End the trip in Barcelona,
walking down the iconic Las Ramblas and visiting famous landmarks including La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and
Montjuïc.