Interterm is a highlight for students and staff as we roll out of Spring Break mode and begin the Summer season. Interterm is a fun and learning-filled week where students sign up for groups that fit their interests that are not usually covered in traditional schooling. Classes are taught through experiences, discussions, and trips.
Last year, as Covid hit the U.S., all Interterms were swiftly cancelled. Luckily, we are able to have Interterms this year! There are many options for Interterms this year, all of which everyone can enjoy. Unlike past years, Seniors are able to partake in Interterm this year due to missing out on them last year. This year Interterm will take place from April 26th -30th.
There are many unique and exciting Interterms planned for this year. Read on for a list of what is offered and a description of each one!
The most popular choice among Seniors was “Every Frame a Painting: Movies and Pop Culture” led by Aaron Johnson. This interterm is about “everything film” including watching and discussing movies. Participants will be able to film, edit, and publish their own short films!
Benji Hurst is leading “Guitar Hero II — Electric Edition” for 11 students. Participants will learn how to play a six string electric guitar, or “learn just enough to make people think you know what you’re doing.” Students are receiving their very own electric guitar, amp, strap, tuner and gig bag. Rock on!
Elizabeth Franks-North is organizing a very unique Interterm! Her interterm is called, “Say It With Your Hands: Intro to ASL and Deaf Culture.” Elizabeth will lead participants through the basics of American Sign Language. Students will explore sign language through online courses, interactive games, with guest speakers, and in discussions.
“Soccer” is led by Dale Shenk. In addition to being the Senior Bible teacher, Dale is also a former varsity soccer coach for Bethany. By playing and watching the game, both experienced and non-experienced players will develop soccer skills regardless of previous experience. Dale will also lead students in announcing soccer games and understanding the process behind uniform design. No matter the skill level students are at, all participants are sure to have a fun time!
“Being Well,” an interterm focused on participants’ well-being, is led by Gabi Ochoa and Renae Yoder. Participants will learn new ways to intentionally take better care of their bodies, minds and communities. Students will try a variety of activities including walks in the woods, yoga, and cooking healthy foods.
Calvin Swartzendruber is leading “CSI Bethany,” an interterm dedicated to forensic science. Students will use forensic testing and analysis like fingerprint scans, ballistics testing, DNA fingerprinting, arson analysis, blood typing, casting footprints, and detecting counterfeit money. Students will be sure to leave this interterm full of forensic knowledge.
Kyle Stocksdale, a newer faculty member who works with the Media Center at Bethany, will teach students the basics of Swift or Python coding languages. Students will also be able to build their own unique Raspberry Pi gizmo using code. After the interterm is finished, students will be able to decode what “01101000 01101001” means! Okay, maybe not. But they’ll be super knowledgeable about code!
Eric Kaufmann is leading “Civil Rights Past and Present,” an interterm dedicated to enhance their understanding of the 1960’s Civil Rights movement. Students will watch films depicting the Civil Rights movement, as well as hearing a guest speaker on the topic. Depending on Covid numbers, this group might be able to take a field trip to the South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center. This interterm will be a great way to further develop your worldview and understanding of the systematic oppression that still echoes through society today.
Laura Barnett will lead students through “Exploring China and What It Offers”- a virtual experience of China. Students will study a different culture including the music, art, architecture, tourist sites, history, acrobatics, literature, movies, food, and some language. In addition to a trip to a Chinese market and a restaurant, students will make authentic food and practice using chopsticks. Zhè jiāng shì xuéxí xīn wénhuà de juémiào tǐyàn!
“Cycling & Culture,” an interterm dedicated to all-things-bike. This is being co-led by avid bikers Michael Yeakey and Josh Weaver. Students will learn about different types of cycling, basic bicycle maintenance, and go on some lunch rides to places near and far. Not to mention, they will also become super yoked throughout the week.
Amy Thut and Leon Bauman are co-leading “Farm and Forest Projects,” relating to farming or outdoor activities. Participants will build a small greenhouse, raised beds for vegetables, chicken coop, as well as plant trees somewhere in southern Michigan.
“Basketball 101” is led by drill-sergeant Brent Reinhardt. This basketball boot-camp will involve all and everything basketball. Students will learn the history of basketball, coaching techniques, participate in basketball practice, and create an expansion NBA franchise. These participants are sure to enjoy the game of basketball by the end of the week!
All of these options will provide students with a new way to really learn about these complex ideas and activities that traditional schooling can only scratch the surface of. We hope students will appreciate and take advantage of this unique opportunity Bethany is able to offer!