2026 INTERIM STUDIES VIEWBOOK
IT’S TIME TO THINK OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM INTERIM STUDIES OVERVIEW
WHAT IS INTERIM STUDIES?
Interim Studies is a weeklong period when students immerse themselves in experiential learning opportunities that spark their creativity; allow them to discover and deepen passions; and help them develop practical skills and knowledge outside of the traditional academic classroom. It’s hands-on learning at its best—learning by authentically doing and reflecting. At Brewster, we know that learning through experience allows students to develop real-world competencies, complementing work done in the traditional classroom. In Brewster’s Interim Studies period, there is an intentional balance of joy, challenge, and growth to help create independent and creative problem solvers. We’re excited to offer a slate of options for 2026 that are varied and relevant. There’s something for everyone!
WHO IS IT FOR?
All Brewster students are expected to participate and complete an Interim Studies program. During Interim Studies, students have the opportunity to demonstrate Brewster’s Community Core Values, and their performance is considered as part of their recognition period evaluation.
WHERE IS IT?
This year, the Interim Studies choices are organized by their location: On-Campus Offerings, New England Explorations, National Discoveries, and Global Adventures.
IS THERE TRAVEL INVOLVED?
Some experiences involve overnight travel; others take place mostly on campus and include day trips.
WHEN IS IT?
Most Interim Studies programs will run from March 2 to March 6, 2026, but some of the off-campus options will start a little earlier and may run longer. (Note: the deadline to submit your top three selections is earlier this year: November 7, 2025)
HOW DOES SIGN UP WORK?
First, students and parents should take a look at the lineup of experiences here in the 2026 Interim Studies Viewbook—then discuss the opportunities together and decide which options are best. Parents will be asked to indicate their student’s top three choices via the Parent Portal by November 7. Submitting choices after this window means a student risks losing placement in the experience they prefer. We try to offer every student one of their top choices but do have to consider student readiness and overall demand. Experiences with limited space will be filled by class seniority first and then a random lottery if needed.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Brewster works to keep costs as low as possible to maximize equity of opportunity and access. Some Interim Studies experiences are free and most cost less than $750. But there are a few off-campus travel options that have a cost for materials, lodging, meals, etc. (This year, the highest-cost experience is $4,000.) You’ll find the cost range of each experience at the end of its description. Limited financial aid is available, and Brewster will work to provide aid for students who complete the application process and meet the criteria for need.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All experiences will follow the same health guidelines that we are following on campus and elsewhere in the community. Our priority is to keep our students and employees safe. As such, all experiences are subject to change and/ or cancellation at any time if we feel that we will not be able to safely run the experience as the launch day gets closer. Any changes will be communicated as quickly as possible.
QUESTIONS?
Email Matt Butcher at mbutcher@ brewsteracademy.org.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?
Submit your top three choices via the Parent Portal by November 7, 2025. (Reminder: Submitting choices after this window means a student risks not being placed in one of their top choices.)
ABOVE: Students on the Arles, France Interim Studies experience found a happy reminder of Brewster on during one of their “language lunches.” BELOW: Last year’s Palate Journey: Learning to Cook World Dishes taught students to make their way confidently around the kitchen.
ON-CAMPUS OFFERINGS
You don’t have to go far to immerse yourself in very interesting, very creative hands-on learning experiences. This year’s choices await you!
ON-CAMPUS OFFERINGS
THE BEAUTY OF MAHJONG
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 deep 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, the experience will allow students to begin to view the game as an avenue towards 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.
COST: FREE
ON-CAMPUS OFFERINGS
EMPOWER HER: GENDER EQUITY IN ATHLETICS
THE EXPERIENCE
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, mentors, and allies. This immersive experience will empower participants to thrive both in sports and in life, celebrating the strength and resilience of female athletes.
COST: FREE
ON-CAMPUS OFFERINGS
EXPERIENCE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
THE EXPERIENCE
Students will experience the various facets of the criminal justice system, beginning with examining the local, state, and federal reach of law enforcement, meeting with current law enforcement officers at differing levels, and experiencing basic training and scenarios that actively apply knowledge of their constitutional rights from a law enforcement perspective. Students will then learn basic forensic techniques in order to process their own mock crime scene, evaluate suspects, and determine who is responsible. As the week progresses, students will
speak with current prosecution and defense attorneys, as well as the NH attorney for the New England Innocence Project, in preparation for a mock trial. The week culminates with a mock trial that utilizes the results of the earlier crime scene, and allows students to play the roles of the attorneys and jury in order to answer the essential questions of “What is justice?” and “Can justice be served within our current criminal justice system?”
COST: FREE
EXPLORING AND CREATING CHILDREN’S STORIES
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.
COST: FREE
EXPLORING NEW ENGLAND POTTERY
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.
COST: FREE
LATIN DANCE FUSION
An intensive 5-day interdisciplinary dance workshop focused on Latin dances and their history. Students of all levels and backgrounds are welcome; however, a dance background is encouraged. The program includes Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and more! Each day, students will learn a small choreography that demonstrates their
acquired knowledge of the type of dance for that day, and they will learn about the background of each dance. This program aims to celebrate the joy and rich history behind each type of dance, allowing students to have fun while they learn.
COST: FREE
LIVING LATIN AND THE CLASSICAL WORLD
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.
COST: FREE
MODEL MAKING
You know that model ship/building/robot/car kit you have always dreamed of building, but didn’t know how or where to start? This experience will provide you with the time, tools, materials, and opportunity to learn the various hands-on skills you need (model painting, using model putty, using various tools, etc). It is suitable for all levels, whether you are a novice or an experienced
modeler looking to learn new techniques. Model making is a skill that can be applicable in many areas of architecture and engineering. Who knows? This could become a healthy, fun, and rewarding lifelong hobby!
COST: FREE (PENDING COST OF THE MODEL SELECTION)
PALATE JOURNEY: LEARNING TO COOK WORLD DISHES
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.
COST: FREE
ON-CAMPUS OFFERINGS
SHARING YOUR STORY ON THE TED-ED STAGE
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.
COST: FREE
ON-CAMPUS OFFERINGS SMART MONEY
This 5-day financial literacy program introduces high school students to important money skills and leadership perspectives to prepare for their financial adulthood.
Grounded in Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money (required reading and provided as part of the fee), the course explores how mindset and behavior shape financial success and life happiness. Students will learn the topics of compound interest, saving, budgeting, investing, and tax basics, while also examining strategies for making college more affordable. A key focus will be understanding how to evaluate and work with financial advisors, giving students tools to ask the right questions and recognize trustworthy guidance. In addition, students
will gain insights into the financial decision-making of entrepreneurs and business leaders, connecting personal money management to the challenges of running a company. Finally, the instructors will gather the students’ learning interests of specific topics at the beginning of this interim study course and then adjust and cater to their academic desires. Through interactive activities, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will leave with the confidence and basic knowledge to manage money wisely and think like future leaders in their personal and professional lives.
COST: FREE
THROUGH THE LENS: THE ART OF CINEMATOGRAPHY
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.
COST: FREE
NEW ENGLAND EXPLORATIONS
Opportunities abound for you to appreciate and explore the identities, histories, and resources that define our region.
NEW ENGLAND EXPLORATIONS
SWIM LESSONS
For those of you who would like to learn how to swim, here is your opportunity to learn a lifelong skill and begin to take full advantage of our campus beside Lake Winnipesaukee. In addition to learning the basics of water safety, you will have the chance to swim at a New Hampshire indoor facility and receive swimming lessons.
While you might not be able to medal in any particular swimming discipline, by the end of the week, you should be able to feel comfortable swimming in general, and you will be ready for the swim test next fall!
COST: UNDER $750
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND THE TINY HOUSE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPTS
THE EXPERIENCE
This course introduces students to the concepts of architectural design while focusing on sustainable choices and environmental impact. Through short reading assignments, class discussions, and critical analyses of residential archetypes including a field trip to a Usonian house, students are exposed to the terminology used to describe the concepts of architectural design, not limited to proportion, scale, rhythm, unity, pattern, texture, balance and emphasis. More specifically, how these
elements and principles add to the development of the spatial envelope (for example, volumes of space, visual continuity and balance, visual passages, interconnecting elements) using a given process. Students learn about sustainability and how to design with minimal environmental impact through material explorations, water recycling, passive solar design, and alternative energy sources.
COST: FREE
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT: THE TRADITION AND PRACTICE OF ARCHERY
THE EXPERIENCE
This Interim Study will explore archery as a multifaceted discipline, combining history, culture, skill development, and personal growth. Students will engage with archery not only as a physical activity but also as a practice rich with historical significance and cultural meaning. Throughout the course, students will gain historical insight into archery’s evolution—from its origins in Indigenous traditions and its role in colonial New England to its place in mythic narratives such as those of Odysseus—connecting ancient stories to modern practice. They will also develop practical skills through hands-on experience, learning stance, aim, draw, and release while emphasizing safety and precision at every step. Students will explore how archery continues to flourish today, discovering its presence in clubs,
camps, tournaments, and educational programs that keep this timeless discipline alive. As they practice, they will cultivate focus, patience, perseverance, and self-confidence, deepening their appreciation of the sport’s mental and physical benefits. Through research and reflection, students will connect their experiential learning to broader historical and cultural contexts, synthesizing their understanding in both presentations and written reflections. By the end, participants will have gained a richer understanding of archery’s historical roots, practical applications, and ongoing significance in New England, while developing skills and insights that extend beyond the range.
COST: FREE
NEW ENGLAND EXPLORATIONS
PARTNERSHIP WITH MAKER’S MILL
Interested in makerspaces and community partnership?
Through this collaboration with Wolfeboro’s local makerspace, Maker’s Mill, you will have the opportunity to discover how these spaces can build and strengthen local communities, while also learning how to use a variety of tools and developing a range of practical
skills. Whether you are dabbling in a variety of classes or specializing in a particular interest, you will have the chance to develop some lifelong skills and partner with the greater Wolfeboro community.
COST: UNDER $750
NEW ENGLAND EXPLORATIONS
MUSIC MAKING
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 the Academy. 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 it for sharing and relating their work to an audience, with the option to set up an online interactive presence.
COST:
FREE
NEW ENGLAND EXPLORATIONS
EVERYONE’S A CRITIC!
THE EXPERIENCE
Do you enjoy the finer things in life, and perhaps have some notes? In this experience, you will learn about what critics look for, how a review is written, and what other conventions make up the genre of critical journalistic review writing. You will apply your skills by visiting a unique restaurant, viewing a film, attending a musical or live theatre performance, visiting an art exhibit, and
writing reviews for each. The itinerary will consist of day trips to nearby locations. You will explore and be exposed to many aspects of culture in New England. Surpass the Yelpers and learn how to write an insightful critical review!
COST: UNDER $750
NEW ENGLAND EXPLORATIONS
LENSES ON NEW ENGLAND: AN INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
THE EXPERIENCE
In today’s digital age, photography is an essential medium for self-expression and storytelling. Understanding the features and capabilities of DSLR cameras opens endless possibilities for creating stunning images. In this project, students will explore the art of photography in the context of New England—appreciating the identities, histories, and perspectives that define our region.
Together we’ll capture moments that evoke emotion, convey messages, and highlight New England’s beauty and diversity while exploring questions such as:
• How can we use DSLR features to capture the unique
aspects of New England?
• How do composition, perspective, exposure, and light affect a photo’s impact?
• Which genres and styles best convey New England’s character?
• How can post-processing enhance visual appeal while maintaining authenticity?
• What ethical considerations arise when representing New England’s people and traditions?
COST: UNDER $750
NEW ENGLAND EXPLORATIONS
WILD WINTER WATERSCAPES (W3)
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 relies upon weather, snow science, maps, and human physiology. The experience includes an introduction to belaying, two days of ice climbing, an overnight ascent of Mt. Washington or a similar peak, an orientation to snow science, and a day of backcountry skiing/riding.
COST: $750 TO $2,000
NATIONAL DISCOVERIES
These immersion experiences will feed your appetite for heart-moving discovery and outdoor adventures in American landscapes everyone should see at least once in a lifetime.
BLAST OFF TO ADVENTURE! SPACE CAMP
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 real-world 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.
COST: $2,001 TO $4,000
BREWSTER GOES TO BIRMINGHAM
Students participating in Brewster Goes to Birmingham will engage in a six-day, five-night interactive exploration of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. Students will learn the pivotal role that Alabama played in making the promises of the U.S. Constitution a greater reality for more Americans. Birmingham will serve as the first stop, followed by visits to Selma and Montgomery, critical sites of human and civil rights struggles. In 1963, President
John F. Kennedy stated, “But for Birmingham, we would not be here today,” emphasizing the significance of Birmingham’s critical role in the Civil Rights Movement. Participants will examine events that began on a bus in Montgomery, erupted in churches and streets of Birmingham and a bridge in Selma, and set a course for freedom, equality, and opportunity for all.
COST: $2,001 TO $4,000
RED ROCKS CLIMBING COURSE
Offered in partnership with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), a nonprofit global wilderness school that believes in the transformative power of leadership through wilderness education, this climbing course in Red Rocks, Nevada, is for adventurous spirits. An unforgettable experience that challenges your limits, sharpens your skills, and leaves you transformed, Climbing Course with NOLS offers more than just
climbing—it’s a gateway to mastering the art of leadership, building resilience, and navigating uncertainty with confidence. Whether you’re new to the sport or have years of experience, this immersive experience will equip you with essential skills to climb higher—on and off the rock.
COST: $2,001 TO $4,000
GLOBAL ADVENTURES
These transformative learning opportunities allow you to examine global and intercultural issues, appreciate the interconnectedness of all humanity, and advance your own global citizenship.
GLOBAL ADEVENTURES
BREWSTER IN ARLES, FRANCE
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.
COST: $2,001 TO $4,000
BREWSTER IN CÁDIZ, SPAIN
THE EXPERIENCE
Cádiz enjoys a hallowed geographic location in southern Spain—it is a city at a cultural crossroads and infused with the traditions of the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Visigoths, and later the Moors. 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
[9TH GRADE ONLY]
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 ponder the grandeur of the Mosque of Córdoba, feel the magnificence of the largest gothic cathedral in the world in Sevilla, and explore the Alhambra in Granada. Throughout the immersion, students will gain greater understanding of this part of the world as well as the capacity to appreciate the diverse ways of being and living that make up the human experience.
COST: $2,001 TO $4,000
SPECIAL OPTION
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
THE EXPERIENCE
An internship, travel, or other self-directed learning is an opportunity to gain knowledge by observing and engaging in authentic work that is related to the student’s field of study or career interests. To have a self-directed learning experience approved a student must submit a detailed proposal, secure the supervision of an adult who
is not a family member, keep daily documentation of the experience, and demonstrate their learning and growth from their immersion.
Students interested in this option should reach out to Mr. Matt Butcher at mbutcher@brewsteracademy.org to learn more about the required proposal process.
