Wheaton in the Northwoods, or WIN, is a program consisting of intensive May-term courses at HoneyRock, the Center for Leadership and Development of Wheaton College. Two sessions, each two weeks long, are offered back-to-back starting in May and ending in early June. Wheaton professors come to HoneyRock to teach a variety of courses. Taking a WIN class allows students to be more prepared to tackle the classes within their major/area of study in the fall and spring semesters. All of the courses offered through WIN meet Wheaton College's Christ at the Core general education requirements. Students have class each morning (after breakfast until lunch) during weekdays, which leaves afternoons and the weekend for activities and classwork.
What makes WIN different?
Professors often take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting, having class discussions on a hike or on one of the Chrouser Lawn Pods (depicted above). WIN courses are designed in an intensive modular format. This allows students to take a four credit class in only two weeks, as opposed to a traditional semester-based timeline. Taking care of required credits through a WIN course allows students have more room in their schedule during the school year to dive into their major or area of study. Despite a more intense academic pace, students find that the simplicity of a singular focus allows them to more fully engage in their classwork. Many students find that WIN creates space for efficient and focused learning which allows them to get ahead in their degree progression.
Along with engaging in their classes and the setting around them, WIN students also experience the authentic community that life at HoneyRock offers and develops. Operating in a cohort-style model, students live, eat, work, and play together. Professors often bring their families, who join in with community activities and family-style meals. Being in a temporary community that is focused on shared content and priorities can make the learning experience richer and more effective.
"Don't let fear hold you back. It doesn’t take too much of your time, and you get to live in communion with others and also with Jesus. This place is so much fun, and the Lord is here. Just go for it!”
Located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, HoneyRock is surrounded by lakes and forest. Students have countless opportunities to experience creation, from trying their hand at rock climbing to getting some reading done along the waterfront. HoneyRock offers a range of activities, including archery, riflery, canoeing, arts and crafts, and trail rides at the Barn. Since HoneyRock strives to be a place apart, WIN students are able to focus and accomplish the course credits efficiently in a restful setting with minimized distractions. The intensive approach to coursework during WIN often helps learning occur more acutely and be applied more meaningfully.
“Since I've been here, I've learned how to kayak, canoe, rock climb, and had all these different opportunities that I wouldn't have really had the opportunity to do in Chicago. That's been really incredible.”
- Jonathan, WC '23
WIN students generally have class in the mornings, activities in the afternoons, and free time at nights and on weekends. Some activities, like canoeing, paddle-boarding, hiking, basketball and pickle-ball are available at any time. Others, such as rock climbing, trail rides, and archery are opened at scheduled times. During their free time students typically study or hang out with friends.
"I've really enjoyed trying to throw myself headfirst into ceramics during these couple of weeks - seeing what I'm capable of, and the ways that I can keep growing and understanding the art form more deeply.” - Miller (WC ‘22)
“It's more than just getting a semester's worth of class in two weeks - you also get to build relationships with your classmates and dive deeper because you only have one class to focus on.” Jonathan (WC '23)
HOW DO TEACHING AND LEARNING LOOK DIFFERENT AT HONEYROCK COMPARED TO A TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM SETTING AND SEMESTER-BASED TIMELINE?
Teaching and learning in this setting helps to dial into these class experiences better than if you're in your typical learning environment. If you're in a place like HoneyRock, it gives you the opportunity to think about how all the things that you're doing are connected to God's creation. One of the unique advantages in taking WIN courses is having the opportunity to connect what you are learning to what we are are doing in the world. These kinds of courses can help remind you that learning is not just an exercise or abstraction of thought, it's a call to action.
“Do it! It will be intense, and at times certainly rigorous. At the same time, it has the potential to be transformational. You'll have an amazing experience with an incredible faculty member and classmates who are learning and growing alongside you. What better way to spend two weeks of your life than studying, being out in creation, and building friendships with other people.”
- Dr. Karen Johnson
© 2026 HoneyRock Center for Leadership Development
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