For many years, the school has offered a traveling and learning experience to its students

called Summer Science. Summer Science is a trip that takes place during the summer months

of June and July. The students, accompanied by teacher Chris Bolhuis, his wife, teacher Andrew

Dewitt, and his family set off for a tour through many different states in the Southwest United

States. This lively experience started in 1978 and has continued since. Even with the tough time

of COVID-19, the program has stayed standing, with no end visible in the future.

There are 26 available slots for students, but they can only apply if they reach the

following expectations. The requirements to start the application process include 4 steps. First,

the student picks six teachers and/or coaches to be interviewed by Bolhuis and his wife. The

purpose of these interviews is to get a feel for how the student acts in and outside of school and

get insight into what skills the student brings. The students can apply for an opportunity to go on

the trip if they have reached the stated requirements. The next step is based on the quality of

their application. From there, students need to have completed a few science courses

throughout their finished years of high school. There is no set number for how many courses,

but the more the better. Finally, the last requirement is a group meeting with the remaining

applicants in a small group setting. Some may feel the last step is the most nerve-racking part of

the process.“The interview was about half an hour and we got our results back almost two

weeks after our interview, and when I tell you I was ecstatic, there are no words to describe how

happy I was to make it onto the trip.” said Yaarra Hefer-Zik, Senior. If they pass this, they can

go.

This trip is an enjoyable way for students to connect with one another outside of school

both socially and educationally. They are forced into bonding as they will have been adventuring

together for quite some time. The students adventure on hikes through mountains, swim in

natural springs, and experience the geographic wonders in person. Unlike most high schoolers

in the summer, these kids are outside most of their day adventuring and learning with minimal

phone use. The students stay in tents at different campgrounds throughout the trip. While

visiting the numerous national parks the students can see, touch, and experience what they

have learned about in their science classes. For some students, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime

experience being able to travel. Traveling to different places and experiencing environments

they have never been to before could be life-changing for some.“I loved every second of the trip.

My favorite memory was being able to get close and bond with those kids while also getting to

experience God's creation. I could not have asked for a better group of people to go with.” said

Brady Lester, Senior. While adventuring through the Southwest, the students can see more than

a textbook of the national parks. They get to experience them in person and create a better

understanding of the science behind how they work. One can assume the bond between these

students will now last a lifetime after their time spent together.