Catalina Island
7th Grade Trip
A great opportunity to see the creativity of our Creator! Consistently a favorite memory of students from their time at VCMS, this 7th-grade class trip is top notch. Students (and chaperones) spend a week exploring the coast of Catalina. Vineyard travels to Southern California in the first month of school, taking advantage of warmer water temps for this week of hands-on learning. Students hear testimonies from staff and parents, have devotions, fellowship, and worship.
What is now known as "The Rapture trip" is a required part of and is integrated into the Vineyard science curriculum, a dedicated week when students snorkel, kayak, hike, swim, eat, study, socialize, dissect, and pray. Much preparation is done prior to departure in order to ready the students for maximum knowledge, application and appreciation. In addition, the trip serves as a great opportunity for students to grow closer to their peers in a team building environment
"Rapture was incredible. I was challenged, learned a lot about biology and myself. Jumping off the O2 deck was a thrill...I had a lot of encouragement as I stood on the edge of the deck looking 30 feet down at the water. Ill never forget the experience!"
-Mark Fitzgerald, Alumni Student
"Rapture was the most fun and interesting school trip I have ever experienced. My most enjoyable part of the trip was snorkeling and hiking."
-Ryan Neal, Alumni Student
I remember jumping of the O2 deck, a 30 ft drop and how God helped me get the strength to jump, how I tipped over my kayak in the cave at almost high tide, and repelling off the side off the boat. The trip really tested my faith and my trust in God; it was a once in a life time chance.
-Mitch Thomas, Alumni Student
I had an awesome time at Rapture. My favorite part was jumping off of the 03 deck. I also loved learning about the ocean and all the creatures in it. Dissecting the squid was cool and gross too. We also got to eat a bite of squid.
-Garrett Bertsch, Alumni Student
