Interim Studies 2025 by Brewster Academy

INTERIM STUDIES 2025

2025 INTERIM STUDIES VIEWBOOK

THE WORLD IS OUR CLASSROOM

At Brewster, the world is our classroom and we learn because we do and reflect.

Guided by an overarching belief in the centrality of building the capacity of those in our care to feel empowered to improve the underlying conditions of humanity and leave our planet better than they found it, Brewster’s Immersive Programs are designed to elevate and stretch students’ evolving sense of place and self, offering dynamic experiences that both enrich and amplify existing learning as well as create unscripted contexts for students to grow towards a more expansive understanding of their complex and interconnected reality and inspire them to lead

lives of purpose. An integral part of Brewster’s slate of Immersive Programs each year, Interim Studies empowers students to discover and deepen new and existing passions; become critical, collaborative, and flexible thinkers; lean into the unexplored and unfamiliar; and tackle the most pressing challenges of the contemporary moment through the co-design of transformative, dedicated learning experiences that expand intellectual and cultural horizons, ignite ongoing curiosities, build civic fellowship, and galvanize purposeful, sustainable action.

THE WORLD IS OUR CLASSROOM

WHAT IS INTERIM STUDIES?

Interim Studies is a weeklong experiential learning period where students engage in a diverse array of authentic learning opportunities that spark their creativity; allow them to explore interests and passions; and help them grow towards the skills, knowledge, and dispositions they need to thrive in and shape a changing world. Honoring the stakes of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, it’s learning at its best—learning by experimenting, doing, and reflecting. Our Interim Studies offerings each year align with a number of curated thematics inspired by Brewster’s Portrait of a Graduate and Immersive Programs architecture. We strongly encourage students to vary their participation each year, so they can explore new, rich experiences that continuously challenge them and broaden their perspectives.

Interim Studies is an annual academic requirement for graduation. As part of the pass/fail assessment, students complete a structured reflection to help them derive meaning from their experience, articulating the degree to which the immersion has deepened their understanding and contributed to their personal and academic growth.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

At Brewster, we understand the essential role of place-based and world-facing learning experiences in fully activating and amplifying the impact of our broader academic program. During our Interim Studies period, we aim to curate and design immersive contexts and conditions that strike an intentional balance of joy, challenge, and growth to inspire those in our care to carry forward their learning and actively situate themselves at the intersection of what they love and how they can be useful to others. We’re excited to offer a diverse and relevant slate of experiences for 2025—there’s truly something for everyone!

INTERIM STUDIES 2025

WHEN IS IT?

March 3-7, 2025*

*Most Interim Studies experiences adhere to these dates, but some of our off-campus and global options do not. Please be sure to note the dates of the experiences you are considering as listed here in this Viewbook.

(Note: The deadline to submit your top three selections is November 8, 2024.)

HOW DOES SIGN UP WORK?

First, students and parents should review the lineup of experiences in the 2025 Interim Studies Viewbook. After discussing the options, parents must submit their student’s top three choices via the Parent Portal by November 8, 2024. We strongly encourage submitting selections as early as possible, as some experiences may fill up quickly. Most on-campus experiences will be capped at 14 students to maximize conditions for learning. Submitting choices after the deadline may result in the student losing placement in their preferred experience. While we aim to offer every student one of their top choices, experiences with limited space will be filled based on class seniority, followed by a lottery if needed.

THE WORLD IS OUR CLASSROOM

IS THERE TRAVEL INVOLVED?

Some experiences include overnight travel, while others take place primarily on campus and feature day trips.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Brewster strives to keep costs as low as possible to ensure equal opportunity and access. Some Interim Studies experiences are free, and most cost under $500. However, a few off-campus travel experiences have additional fees for flights, materials, lodging, meals, etc. Limited financial aid is available for students who indicate a need when making their top three selections and meet the need-based criteria. A 30% non-refundable deposit will be required for off-campus experiences. All requests for financial aid must be submitted with the program application by November 8, 2024.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All experiences will follow the same health and safety guidelines that we adhere to on campus and in the wider community. Our priority is to keep students and employees safe. As such, all experiences are subject to change or cancellation at any time if we determine they cannot be run safely as the launch date approaches. Any changes will be communicated as quickly as possible.

Additionally, students are expected to uphold Brewster’s Community Core Values and adhere to school policies and expectations during Interim Studies, regardless of local laws, norms, or customs.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?

November 8, 2024

Families should submit students’ top three choices and indicate need for financial aid via the Parent Portal by November 8, 2024. Please note that submitting choices after this deadline may result in the student not being placed in one of their top choices.

INTERIM STUDIES 2025

GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES

Transformative learning opportunities that allow students to examine global, local, and intercultural issues; appreciate the interconnectedness of all humanity; and advance ethical citizenship in all aspects of their lives.

BREWSTER IN CÁDIZ, SPAIN

(GRADE 9 EXPERIENCE)

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Cádiz enjoys a hallowed geographic location in southern Spain where it has stood witness to the dawn of Western civilization. It is a city at a cultural crossroads and infused with the rich traditions of the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Visigoths, and later the Moors. Today, one will notice a rich intersection of cultures and the distinct influences of each empire in every aspect of life. This immersive experience is designed specifically for our 9th-grade students and serves as a meaningful introduction to international travel. During students’ time in Cádiz, K2 Internacional School will serve as their home base and students will stay with host families associated with the school.

Cádiz is a compact city that is easily navigated by all visitors and the beautiful beaches, forests, and hills that surround the city will offer our students respite and an opportunity to appreciate nature. With a view toward continuing to stretch students’ evolving sense of self and place during their time in Spain, the immersion includes opportunities to grapple with the geographical, historical, and cultural particularities and dynamics of the broader region, including pondering the grandeur of the Mosque of Córdoba, the magnificence of the largest gothic cathedral in the world in Sevilla, and exploring the Alhambra in Granada. Throughout the 11-day immersion, students will participate in a variety of contexts that aim to guide them toward greater awareness and

understanding of this fascinating part of the world as well as the capacity to appreciate the diverse ways of being and living that make up the human experience.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

International Travel (Off-campus for the entire duration of the Interim Studies period)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will be able to apply, specify, compare, and negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; Students leverage the above in various processes, including visioning, assessment, and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

2. Students will develop an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humanity and learn to communicate and interact with cultural and multilingual competence in order to participate in diverse communities at home and around the world.

3. Students will recognize and explore the pluralistic nature of cultures. Students will investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and perspectives of other cultures. Students will look to cultural aspects for insight into language and its origins.

BREWSTER IN ARLES, FRANCE

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Available to eligible sophomores, juniors, seniors, and post graduates, our global experience in Arles offers French language students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in French culture while exploring Southern France. Situated alongside the Rhône River, at the edge of the Camargue Natural Park and at the heart of the Provence region, Arles is best known for its Roman monuments and its connection to modern and contemporary artists such as Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Lucien Clergue, and Christian Lacroix. With its cobblestone streets, cafés, and the animation surrounding the acclaimed international photography festival, les Rencontres, and world music festival, les Suds, each summer, Arles is an ideal location for studying the French language and experiencing a mix of Mediterranean cultures and histories. During their time in France, students will hone their language skills through daily classes with Arles à la carte, Brewster’s partner in Arles, as well as afternoon cultural activities and site visits in the target language. As part of the 13-day immersion, students will also participate in day trips and excursions within the broader region, including visits to the Palais des Papes in Avignon and the medieval village and castle of Les Baux de Provence. Students will return to Brewster with increased proficiency in the French language and a deepened understanding of self and place, grounded both in the connections made with a

host family and the broader city of Arles as well as the central questions and investigations that stand at the heart of the immersion.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

International Travel (Off-campus for the entire duration of the Interim Studies period)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

2. Students will learn to communicate effectively in French in order to function in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes and use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own.

3. Students will develop an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humanity and learn to communicate and interact with cultural and multilingual competence in order to participate in diverse communities at home and around the world.

THE BEAUTY OF MAHJONG

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

This interim study experience combines the captivating worlds of Mahjong and Mandarin language learning, providing students with a truly transformative educational experience. Throughout this experience, participants will not only master essential Mahjong terminology in Mandarin, thus enhancing their language skills, but they will also embark on an exploration of the game’s cultural significance. The intricate strategies inherent to Mahjong will actively stimulate students’ critical thinking, foster better decision-making, sharpen their problem-solving, and facilitate intellectual growth. Beyond the general stakes of gameplay, however, this immersion also opens a gateway to global awareness and interconnectedness. In foregrounding the rich global history and ubiquitous cultural and social significance of Mahjong through a day trip to Boston, the experience will allow students to begin to view the game as an avenue toward greater insights into the values and traditions of diverse linguistic and cultural communities in our broader region as well. What’s more, as students play Mahjong and communicate in Mandarin, they’ll engage in cross-cultural interactions, an essential aspect of global citizenship.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

2. Students will delve into the intricate strategies that underlie Mahjong’s gameplay, and learn the art of critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and the analysis of Mahjong tiles.

3. Students will develop a deep appreciation for the cultural nuances associated with Mahjong, understanding its significance in family gatherings and its impact on social dynamics.

BREWSTER GOES TO BIRMINGHAM 1963: GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES

A CIVIL RIGHTS JOURNEY

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Students participating in Brewster Goes to Birmingham 1963: A Civil Rights Journey will participate in a six-day, five-night interactive exploration of the birth and development of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. The experience will include travel to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama, all pivotal historical sites in the struggle for civil rights. To fully understand the background and accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement, students will examine the economic, social, political, cultural, and judicial institutions that crafted Jim Crow laws and set the nation on a course with destiny, beginning on a bus in Montgomery, then erupting in the streets of Birmingham and on a bridge in Selma. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the who, what, why, how, and where of the events that forced Black leaders to take the struggle for freedom and equality out of the church and into the streets for the entire world to witness. While on this journey, students will visit landmark sites dedicated to the preservation of the history and accomplishments of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. Participants will interact with the brave people who experienced in real time the violence and tumult of the Civil Rights Movement and played a role in creating a better world.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

Domestic Travel (Off-campus during the majority of the Interim Studies period)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

2. Students will better understand how our political, social, economic, and cultural institutions were changed as a result of the events that took place in Alabama.

3. Students will actively seek the voices and perspectives of others and demonstrate appreciation for intellectual and crosscultural diversity.

BLAST OFF TO ADVENTURE!

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Suit up for a mission to the International Space Station or train for a landing on the moon! Space Camp® in Huntsville, Alabama is the ultimate educational experience that illuminates realworld applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students work as a team and confront mission scenarios that require dynamic problem-solving and critical thinking—21st-century learning skills required in the workplace. Throughout the week, students are immersed in astronaut training techniques using equipment adapted from NASA’s astronaut program. They learn about space hardware, enjoy an educational water activity, use technology to design and build a futuristic Martian colony, construct and launch their own model rockets, and experience a spaceflight mission while learning about aerospace career opportunities. The curriculum includes an educational movie in the National Geographic Theater.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

Domestic Travel (Off-campus during the majority of the Interim Studies period)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will develop essential teamwork skills by working in groups to solve problems, conduct experiments, and complete missions, fostering communication and collaboration among peers.

2. Students will enhance their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through handson activities and experiments related to space exploration, such as rocket building and programming simulations.

3. Students will engage in challenges that require critical thinking and innovative problem-solving, allowing them to analyze situations and make decisions based on scientific reasoning and data interpretation.

SPACE CAMP

GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES

CULTURAL DISCOURSE THROUGH SONGWRITING

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Through iterative thinking and cultural discourse, students will collaborate to write songs that explore global, local, and intercultural issues. Activities will include lyric writing with collaboration, song and arrangement structure through collaboration, and strategic thinking/ planning for recording purposes. Students will either work in a hands-on studio locally, or we will arrange the equipment necessary to record their songs here on-site at Brewster. Students will spend the day in Boston or a local N.H. city, in which they will explore busking, concert halls, and local recording studios. As a finished product and end goal, students will record their work on digital media and have access to that for sharing and relating their work to an audience with the option to set up an online interactive presence.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will learn to demonstrate how different musical elements express musical meaning and create, select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.

2. Students are able to apply, specify, compare, and negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; Students leverage the above in various processes, including visioning, assessment, and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

3. Students are able to actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making and visioning as well as the consideration of multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES

BREWSTER GOES TO BEANTOWN GLOBAL

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Renowned for its excellence in higher education and rooted in the history of American independence, Boston’s landscape has been 200 years in the making. We will trace Boston’s development from a small but vigorous city to a sprawling metropolitan area, considering how the city’s communities and their residents evolved over time—and we will learn some American history along the way. The group will spend two nights in the city, with three full days of activities that will include visits to beautiful, historic buildings and meals at fabulous restaurants. Destinations will likely include the Freedom Trail and its 16 historic sites, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Boston Public Library, the West End Museum, and the neighborhood of Back Bay. We will seek to explore this beautiful and historic city while considering the many factors and interests that influenced its development. There will be lots of walking!

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

Domestic Travel (Off-campus during the majority of the Interim Studies period)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

2. Students will be able to analyze interconnections between the environment, economies, and societies; students employ the above to consider the impacts (trade-offs, feedback, and unintended consequences) of individual and collective actions.

3. Students will employ relational, social, and spatial capacities while learning to navigate a city, interact with its inhabitants, and patronize various institutions including restaurants, libraries, and museums.

PALATE JOURNEY: GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES

LEARNING TO COOK WORLD DISHES

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

This year’s crew will embark on an ambitious investigation into the art, science, and history of food around the globe. We will focus on staples of world cuisine and what they mean to the cultures they represent. As part of the immersion, students will be challenged to create international dishes from across the world. The artifacts of learning will themselves be consumed after judgment by a rotation of guest tasters (including local experts), who, armed with rubrics for taste, presentation, and authenticity, will decide that day’s star cook. They will delve into different cooking methods, from heatless cooking to pre-refrigeration preservation methods and more conventional cooking methods. At the close of the experience, students will concoct their own dishes to demonstrate their skill, ingenuity, and independence. In addition, students will tackle food history, methodology, and the problem-solving and innovation that has led to the creation of the dishes we will be experimenting with. They will explore the complex histories of the seemingly simple ingredients they work with and how they’ve shaped humanity’s understanding of the foods we consume. Ultimately, the experience seeks to draw connections with identity and culture by giving students a sense of where our food comes from and how it sustains us.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

2. Students will actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; Students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making and visioning as well as the consideration of multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

3. Students will be able to contextualize foodstuffs historically and understand the complex environmental, cultural, and economic dynamics that inform human practices and perspectives around the preparation and consumption of food.

GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES

THROUGH THE LENS:

THE ART OF CINEMATOGRAPHY

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Have you ever wanted to make your own movie, but didn’t have the tools, or know how to do it? Are you a movie buff and wish you could create something compelling? Do you want to learn? That is the purpose of this interim study. We will take a script, direct it, shoot it, and edit the video using industry-standard software. We will learn from experts and try our hand at powerful storytelling through film.

Over the course of the program students will learn the best practices of techniques used in cinematography. Working hands-on, students will learn about necessary shots, composition, and motion in a shot to provide context, mood, and storytelling in movie making. Students will leave with a full knowledge of using these techniques in movie making and then apply them in their own films they will produce and finish by the interim end.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,

AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students are able to actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making and visioning as well as the consideration of multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

2. Students will engage in the research, brainstorming, and design process to create original works of art using film as a medium.

3. Students will consider how their and others’ understanding of the world is affected by viewing artwork.

LIVING LATIN AND THE CLASSICAL WORLD

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

This immersion experience aims to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of Latin and create contexts for students to build confidence in reading, speaking, and understanding the language. In daily meetings that consist of a mix of language instruction, stories, drama, and roleplays, participants will read, discuss, and perform selections of Latin literature and engage with the rich tapestry of diverse products, practices, and perspectives that defined classical Rome. In addition to the daily seminar sessions, the experience promises a variety of programming designed to build students’ facility in communicating in and understanding Latin and explore topics relating to Roman history and culture, and virtual, interactive visits to important historical and literary sites in Rome. By expanding the scope of the immersion to include the consideration of the influence of the Latin language and Roman culture on the trajectory of human history and thought, students will not only build confidence in communicating in an additional language but develop a more nuanced understanding of the complex evolution of the human experience over time as well. The experience will conclude with the production of a Latin skit to be performed for the wider Brewster community in the Faith Theater.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making and visioning as well as the consideration of multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

3. Students recognize and explore the pluralistic nature of cultures. Learners use language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied. Students look to cultural aspects for insight into language and its origins.

INTERIM STUDIES 2025

EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND

Authentic experiences for students to stretch their evolving sense of place while exploring the identities, histories, perspectives, traditions, and resources that define our local communities and/or broader region.

LIVE, LAUGH, LAKE:

A

HANDS-ON EXPLORATION OF LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE’S BOATING HISTORY

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Indigenous inhabitants of the Lake Winnipesaukee region have been using boats to traverse the lake and its surrounding waterways for centuries. Horses once provided power for paddle wheel boats in the late 1700s, and the heyday of steampowered boats followed in the mid to late 1800s. In 1852, Harvard University’s rowing team raced alongside Yale University’s for a two-mile competition, America’s first intercollegiate sporting event, with Harvard taking the first intercollegiate victory over Yale. Since the 1920s, boating enthusiasts have been racing motorboats at breakneck speeds around buoyed courses across the lake. Lake Winnipesaukee has a very rich boating history that continues today through boat races, boat shows, boatbuilding, industry, and recreation. This experience offers students the opportunity to look into the history of boats on Lake Winnipesaukee through interactions with the local community including the New Hampshire Boat Museum, Lakes Region Wooden Boats, Wolfeboro Historical Society, and other local experts and stakeholders. Students will get hands-on experience in boat repair and maintenance using marine-grade tools and materials to refurbish boats sourced from the Brewster community. Students will leave this

course having nurtured their appreciation of Brewster Academy’s incredible location on Lake Winnipesaukee and gained the ability to fix and maintain the boats that keep us floating atop it.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will be able to apply, specify, compare, and negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; students leverage the above in various processes, including visioning, assessment, and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

2. Students will learn to approach a boat in disrepair and, while building new skills, formulate and execute a repair plan.

3. Students will develop an appreciation of the rich history of the area and how the lake has affected the greater community, including the local community, the boating community, and the rowing community.

WILD WINTER WATERSCAPES (W3)

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Experience thrilling winter adventure sports while studying the behavior of frozen water in the mountains, and witness first-hand the influences of climate change on winter recreation in New Hampshire. Students will be introduced to ice climbing, backcountry skiing/boarding, mountaineering, and winter camping in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Learn about how water freezes into vertical ice first-hand while climbing frozen waterfalls and columns under the direction of professional guides. Explore the Northeast’s highest mountains while learning how mountaineering and backcountry skiing rely upon weather, snow science, maps, and human physiology. The experience includes an introduction to belaying, two days of ice climbing, an overnight ascent of Mount Washington or a similar peak, an orientation to snow science, and a day of backcountry skiing/riding.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students are able to analyze various phenomena cutting across different domains and scales as well as the interconnections between the environment, economies, and societies, including the ways in which water plays an integral role in natural and human systems in its various forms.

2. Students are able to actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making and visioning as well as the consideration of multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

3. Students are able to apply, specify, compare, and negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; students leverage the above in various processes, including visioning, assessment, and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

EXPLORING NEW ENGLAND POTTERY

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Come learn the incredible skill and art of pottery! From beginner to advanced, this course will allow you to grow your knowledge of this beautiful art form. The experience is led by a master potter and supports each individual’s growth and success. You will learn about the important history of pottery and understand how it has developed over time. Through your own hands-on work and visiting local galleries, you will grow your understanding and appreciation for this art form that has been shown to improve mental and physical health.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students are able to apply, specify, compare, and negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; students leverage the above in various processes, including visioning, assessment, and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

2. Students will develop an appreciation of the history and traditions of making pottery in New England.

3. Students will analyze what is seen and felt in an artistic piece to develop criteria for their own creation.

LENSES ON NEW ENGLAND:

AN INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

This introductory photography immersion aims to empower students to explore and capture the world around them through the lens of a camera. It offers a blend of technical skill-building, creative expression, and experiential learning that takes advantage of unique geographical locations in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. Students will learn to see and document New England in pictures from multiple perspectives, developing a deeper understanding of their surroundings and thinking critically about the interconnectedness of people, places, and the environment. Daily trips to specific locations (urban, rural, nature, and cultural) will provide diverse photographic experiences while staying true to the objective of exploring and considering the aesthetic and geographical richness and diversity of our local region.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles of design and sharpen their ability to notice intricate details and patterns in their surroundings, fostering a deeper understanding of how small elements contribute to larger contexts.

3. Students will experiment with different photography techniques, learn from their mistakes, and iteratively improve their work, building confidence and resilience in their creative abilities.

WILDERNESS FIRST AID

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

What would you do if a friend got injured miles from any help? This course teaches you how to respond to real-life emergencies in the wilderness. Led by search and rescue experts, you’ll learn to treat injuries, manage outdoor hazards, and make smart decisions in challenging situations. While exploring the White Mountains—a place rich in history and renowned for outdoor recreation—you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for its unique landscape. Earning your Wilderness First Aid certification will not only prepare you for future adventures but also open up opportunities to volunteer on campus excursions and lead others safely in the outdoors.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will learn to design and implement systemic interventions, transformational actions, and transition strategies in response to challenges; students employ the above (now or in the future) to develop balanced solutions with respect to environmental, societal, and economic health.

2. Students will develop the propensity to be mindful of safety and risk while enjoying the natural environment around them.

3. Students are able to analyze various phenomena cutting across different domains and scales as well as the interconnections between the environment, economies, and societies; students employ the above to consider impacts (trade-offs, feedbacks, and unintended consequences) of individual and collective actions.

NEW ENGLAND

STEM EXPLORERS:

INNOVATE AND INSPIRE TO BUILD THE FUTURE

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Designed with Brewster’s STEM Scholars in mind, this week-long immersive experience aims to provide contexts and conditions for students eager to lead, create, and inspire. Over five days, participants will identify a possible area of impact and interrogate the root causes of a related complex problem or challenge to envision and advance transformative change. We will spend a few days focused on material preparation, and designing hands-on projects, from building robots to constructing innovative devices. For the remaining days, the mornings will be spent visiting various STEMrelated organizations around Wolfeboro, N.H., offering a unique opportunity to connect with professionals and explore how STEM is applied in real-world settings. In the afternoons, participants will work on their projects.

This program will conclude in a share out to foster community involvement, as students not only gain practical experience but also inspire the next generation of STEM enthusiasts.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply engineering principles to design, build, and improve systems, structures, or products.

2. Students are able to design and implement systemic interventions, transformational actions, and transition strategies in response to challenges; students employ the above (now or in the future) to develop balanced solutions with respect to environmental, societal, and economic health.

I SPEAK FOR THE TREES:

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

This immersive woodworking experience is designed for students who are eager to explore the rich traditions of New England craftsmanship. This hands-on course combines the art of woodworking with a virtual and inperson journey through the region’s storied history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Operating within a makerspace-style format, students will learn essential woodworking skills, including tool safety, wood selection and provenance, and basic joinery techniques. As we work, we’ll delve into the stories behind New England’s forests and coastal landscapes, discovering how local materials and historical techniques have shaped the region’s woodworking legacy. Guided by experienced instructors, students will gain confidence and creativity while fostering a deep appreciation for sustainable practices and craftsmanship.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will be able to apply, specify, compare, and negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; students leverage the above in various processes, including visioning, assessment, and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

2. Students will articulate a project, incorporating the elements & principles of design as related to various woodworking styles.

3. Students are empowered to analyze interconnections between the environment, economies, and societies; students employ the above to consider impacts (trade-offs, feedbacks, and unintended consequences) of individual and collective actions.

EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND

TRUE CRIME—BOSTON STYLE!

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Drawing on the popularity of “true-crime” stories in American media, students will immerse themselves in three “true-crime” events in Boston: the 1989 Charles Stuart Case, the 2018 Seth Ellis Case, and the 2022 Karen Read murder case. Through documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and day trips to Boston, students will investigate these three “true-crime” events and draw their own conclusions about who is guilty and who is to blame—the defendants? the Boston Police? the City of Boston?

The essential question of justice will be explored as students grapple with extremely emotionally charged criminal events and how they were handled by city authorities. What conclusions can be drawn from these events? Can justice be error-free? How do lawyers impact the outcome of cases? Does the number of exonerated individuals lower one’s opinion of American justice? Students will play the role of investigative reporter and listen to the Boston Globe Spotlight team in their 2023 HBO podcast, “Murder in Boston: The untold story of the Charles and Carol Stuart shooting,” to learn the foundation of the Charles Stuart Case. They will watch the documentary “Trial Four” to learn the basics of the Seth Ellis case and his ultimate exoneration. And they will learn of the recent hung jury in the Karen Read case and follow the possibility of a second trial in January 2025.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will be able to apply, specify, compare, and negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; students leverage the above in various processes, including visioning, assessment, and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

2. Students will be able to Identify rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information, analyze information, and make correct inferences or draw accurate conclusions.

3. Students will be able to determine the accuracy and relevance of information and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

INTERIM STUDIES 2025

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

Meaningful learning contexts for students to build environmental awareness and develop the propensity to act and live in ways that create a more sustainable future for all.

ZERO TO 90: SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

DRONE SKILLS, DESIGN, AND DEPLOYMENT

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

The demand for drone flight skills and design knowledge is rapidly growing. For photography, inspection, data collection, or just recreation, drones are appearing in more contexts every day. Students who develop skills and knowledge now may find a career awaiting them in the near future. To learn and test our skills, this experience will include the basics of indoor and outdoor flight, survey skills, unique challenges, problem-solving, and racing. Along with accelerating our abilities, students will learn about design, limitations, and practical applications in this unique field. As part of the experience, students will learn about flight regulations and, of course, flight skills to work safely and adeptly with this new technology.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will discover and explore the various uses of drone technology, including monitoring lake quality, wildlife preservation, forest fire detection, plant cultivation and land reclamation, beach safety, building inspections, and surveillance by police departments.

2. Students will gain an understanding of the wide range of applications of drones by local and state governments to foster and promote environmental protection and sustainability.

SAILING THE FLORIDA KEYS

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Home to numerous birds and abundant marine life, the Florida Keys owes its productivity to the confluence of water flowing out of the Everglades into inner Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Students will grow to understand the complex challenges this unique environment faces as climate change and a growing population place demands upon its resources. It is a goal for all participants to engage in a community service activity that connects them to the Keys. The backcountry of Florida Bay offers challenging shoal draft navigation and the opportunity to explore mangrove keys, tidal flats, and coral patch reefs. These warm, shallow waters provide an exciting cruising area for Outward Bound’s sailing boats and some of the best training grounds for developing advanced sailing skills. The Atlantic side offers excellent open-water sailing and snorkeling at the outer reefs. The course area extends to the Everglades, with beautiful sand beaches and a maze of rivers and bays to explore. This experience will foster skills of independence and interdependence as participants each work as crucial members of a team navigating daily challenges.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

Domestic Travel (Off-campus during the majority of the Interim Studies period)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will be able to analyze various phenomena cutting across different domains and scales as well as the interconnections between the environment, economies, and societies; students employ the above to consider impacts (trade-offs, feedbacks, and unintended consequences) of individual and collective actions.

2. Students will learn the science of sailing and the art of forming a finely tuned-crew.

3. Students will actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making and visioning as well as the consideration of multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

SYSTEMS OF SNOW & SUSTAINABILITY:

STAYING ALIVE IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

In a program led by Montana Alpine Guides, students will travel to Montana to complete a theoretical and practical Level 1 Avalanche course that is accredited by the American Avalanche Association. Students will learn about the complex interplay of factors that create avalanche conditions and think systemically and collaboratively about how to manage the risks of traveling in avalanche terrain. Students will also study with Leave No Trace (LNT) educators to learn about the impacts of climate change, tourism, and population growth on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Subsequently, students will apply their knowledge in the field during a two-day guided backcountry experience in Yellowstone National Park. Students need to be proficient and experienced skiers capable of comfortably skiing advanced and expert terrain, and they should be familiar with using AT gear and skinning (traveling uphill on skis). Due to the extensive physical demands of traveling and working in the backcountry, students need to be in good physical condition. Students are responsible for bringing or renting all gear.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

Domestic Travel (Off-campus during the majority of the Interim Studies period)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students are empowered to analyze interconnections between the environment, economies, and societies; students employ the above to consider impacts (trade-offs, feedbacks, and unintended consequences) of individual and collective actions.

2. Students are empowered to actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making as well as consider multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

INTERIM STUDIES 2025

ALONGSIDE COMMUNITIES

Opportunities for students to engage in social entrepreneurship and service alongside our local communities in ways that create lasting social, economic, political, and/or cultural value and affect positive change.

WHAT YOU LEARN TODAY MIGHT SAVE A LIFE TOMORROW

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Join us for an immersive experience that empowers you with essential life-saving skills! In our experience, you’ll become certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid, equipping you with the confidence to respond in critical situations. As part of the experience, students will have the opportunity to explore the facilities of local university athletic training rooms and gain insights into professional athletic care and emergency response protocols. We’ll also explore other healthcare settings to witness firsthand the vital role of medical professionals. In addition to hands-on training, you’ll collaborate with peers to develop comprehensive emergency plans tailored for life on campus and beyond. This program not only enhances your skill set but also fosters a culture of safety and preparedness in your community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students are able to analyze and evaluate data to anticipate how phenomena might evolve over time and develop rich depictions of what is likely to come; students are able to approach current problems with regard to how they will affect subsequent generations.

2. Students will develop an understanding of the need to triage and order emergency care and learn the process of creating protocols to manage risk and safety in emergency situations.

3. Students are able to actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving.

SHARING YOUR STORY ON THE TED-ED STAGE

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

For the past 40 years, TED Talks have captured the minds of audiences and taken the world, the internet, and the informational stage by storm. Here is your opportunity to take something you are passionate about and share your ideas and perspective with the world. You not only have hope and optimism but incredible ideas and solutions, perspectives that are sometimes missing from the conversations adults are having. In the words of TED-Ed organizers: “The world is waiting to be redefined by the biggest, smallest, boldest, quirkiest, bravest, most inspiring, and most brilliant ideas from young people around the world.” To cap off the experience, together with other students, you will organize a TED-Ed Event for the Brewster community and envision further opportunities to carry forward what you’ve learned and even take your talk global! Let’s use this time together to develop, create, design, and implement the best talks from Brewster students—and give you the confidence to do it! Find your voice, use your voice, and share your voice—the world is listening.

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will cultivate the propensity to provide a coherent view of the world and share their knowledge and perspective in a way that can help spark meaning and inspire action.

2. Students will be able to design and implement systemic interventions, transformational actions, and transition strategies in response to challenges; students employ the above (now or in the future) to develop balanced solutions with respect to environmental, societal, and economic health.

3. Students will be able to apply, specify, compare, and negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; students leverage the above in various processes, including visioning, assessment, and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

EXPLORING AND CREATING CHILDREN’S STORIES

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Designed for those interested in story-telling, writing, or other forms of creative expression, this immersion will provide opportunities for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of children’s literature, ultimately working to design and produce their own works of fiction. The experience will allow students to reflect on the importance of stories, revisiting favorites from childhood and reading contemporary tales as well. All the while, participants will address the role of children’s literature in the development of morals, ethics, and values in future generations. After engaging in analysis and reflection, students, either working in pairs or individually, will then create stories. Through producing narratives and corresponding artwork, students will convey a message or lesson that they find essential to share. Thus, at the end of the program, students will submit their own piece for production, thereby creating an artifact of their experience. While this program is mainly held on campus, we will engage with the local community by visiting Wolfeboro Public Library and utilizing Blacksmith Printing for the manufacturing of students’ books. Ultimately, students will seek to think critically and act creatively in their pursuit of a better and brighter future.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will be able to negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community. Students employ the above in various processes, including assessment and evaluation of current issues and goalsetting, toward envisioning a better future.

2. Students will analyze what is seen, felt, and/ or heard in an artistic piece to develop criteria for my own artistic choices.

ALONGSIDE COMMUNITIES

EMPOWER HER

GENDER EQUITY IN ATHLETICS

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Designed for female-identifying studentathletes at Brewster, this immersion focuses on mental health awareness, motivation, and celebrating women’s achievements in athletics. The experience will explore gender equity in the athletics space and the unique challenges faced by female athletes while equipping participants with the tools to foster resilience and a healthy mindset. Activities include engaging workshops on mental health in sports, panel discussions with successful female athletes and Brewster alumni, and goal-setting sessions to help participants articulate their aspirations. Students will also create a school-wide display honoring the achievements of female athletes, participate in leadership-building activities, and develop selfcare strategies tailored to female-identifying athletes. Each activity is crafted to promote personal growth and community engagement, ensuring that participants leave with not only the enhanced capacity to thrive individually but also collectively as they consider ways to embed themselves in a broader supportive network of peers and mentors. This immersive experience will empower young women to thrive both in sports and in life, celebrating the strength and resilience of female athletes.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will be able to negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; students employ the above in various processes, including assessment and evaluation of current issues and goalsetting, toward envisioning a better future.

2. Students will be able to design and implement interventions and transformative strategies in response to challenges; students employ the above (now or in the future) to develop balanced solutions with respect to environmental, societal, and economic health.

3. Students are empowered to actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making as well as consider multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

BECOMING A REAL ESTATE AGENT

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Dive into the dynamic world of real estate in this hands-on experiential course! Participants will spend time in a local real estate office, shadowing industry professionals and gaining insider knowledge. For one day, they will step into the shoes of a buyer: navigate listings, attend property viewings, and engage in negotiations. The next day, they will switch roles to become a seller, learning how to stage homes, create effective marketing strategies, and handle offers. Participants will collaborate on organizing an open house, uncovering the complexities involved in showcasing properties, from setting up to managing visitor interactions. By the end of this immersive journey, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the buyer-seller dynamic and the essential skills needed to thrive in the real estate market. Perfect for aspiring agents or anyone curious about the real estate process and the housing market in Wolfeboro.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (On campus with potential day trips and/or overnights)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Students will navigate the buying process by understanding property listings, evaluating market trends, and conducting viewings, enhancing their skills in real estate transactions.

2. Students will develop effective marketing strategies for selling properties, including staging techniques and promotional tactics, to attract potential buyers and maximize property appeal.

3. Students will organize and execute an open house event, managing logistics, engaging with visitors, and utilizing feedback to refine their understanding of market dynamics and buyer behavior.

THE POWER OF KINDNESS:

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID AND COMMUNITY WELLNESS

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

The Teen Mental Health First Aid Certification & Community Wellness Initiative is designed to equip students with essential skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges in teens. Over four days, participants will become certified in Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) while also engaging in activities that promote wellness and kindness within their community. Students will explore topics such as anxiety, depression, and peer support, through workshops, discussions, and role-playing scenarios. Additionally, they will participate in planning and executing a community-based wellness event focused on spreading awareness and fostering kindness.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

On Campus (Rarely leaving campus. Potentially a few day trips but always back for afternoon commitments)

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS)

1. Values Thinking: Students are empowered to negotiate principles informed by concepts of place, identity, justice, reciprocity, personal responsibility, and community; Students employ the above in various processes, including assessment and evaluation of current issues and goal-setting, toward envisioning a better future.

2. Strategic Thinking: Students are empowered to design and implement interventions and transformative strategies in response to challenges; Students employ the above (now or in the future) to develop balanced solutions with respect to environmental, societal, and economic health.

3. Collaborative Thinking: Students are empowered to actively engage in and facilitate inclusive and participatory problem-solving; Students employ the above to encourage democratic decision-making as well as consider multiple perspectives and ways of being and living in the world.

INTERIM STUDIES 2025

INDEPENDENT IMMERSION

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING

OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE

Available to seniors and post graduates, independent immersions are opportunities to learn by observing and engaging in authentic work that is related to the student’s field of study or career interests. To have an independent immersion experience approved a student must submit a detailed proposal, secure the supervision of an adult who is not a family member, keep daily and consistent documentation of the experience, and participate in the Demonstration of Learning at the conclusion of the experience to share one’s growth and reflect on the impact of the immersion.

Students interested in this option should reach out to Mr. Steven Davis at sdavis@brewsteracademy.org to learn more about the required proposal process. Completed proposals must be submitted by December 1, 2024.