page 6 School Programs page 8 Teacher Workshops page 10 Summer Youth Programs & Expeditions Call (865) 448-6709
page 12 Adult & Family Programs page 14 Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) 1
Emily Julian
Table of Contents
SCHOOL PROGRAMS Engaging and interactive environmental education programs for elementary, middle, and high schools are available year-round at Tremont. Our mission to connect people and nature is fulfilled through our hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that correlate to classroom standards and reinforce the project-based approach to learning found in STEM education. Middle and high school programs challenge students both physically and intellectually. Your students become citizen scientists as they explore current environmental issues, natural history topics, wildlife management issues, water quality problems, non-native species, and air quality to name a few. Because Tremont is located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, your explorations will take you over trails through diverse forest types, beside streams, and over ancient geologic formations. You will conduct aquatic ecology studies in the Middle Prong, learn about geology and the Greenbrier Fault along the Falls Trail, search for bear sign on Lumber Ridge, and enjoy all the other memorable activities in our lessons—all using the 500,000 acres of Great Smoky Mountains National Park as your own private classroom and laboratory. See page 6-7 for more information on school programs. Then contact us to learn more about involving your students in our curriculum-based programs that meet or exceed state standards!
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FEBRUARY JUNE 21-23 Salamanders and 16-21 Smoky Mountains
Storms - Climate Change in the Smokies
Science Teacher Institute
SEPTEMBER 6-7 Teacher Escape
Weekend I
13-14 Teacher Escape
Weekend II
See page 8 for more information on Teacher Professional Development.
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS & EXPEDITIONS JUNE
JULY
9-14 Discovery Camp I
1-6 Backcountry Ecological Expedition II
9-14 Girls in Science Camp I
14-19 Discovery Camp III
9-14 Wilderness Adventure Trek I
14-24 Field Ecology Adventure
23-28 Backcountry Ecological Expedition I
14-24 Teen High Adventure
23-28 Discovery Camp II
28-Aug 2 Girls in Science II
23-28 Wilderness Adventure Trek II See page 10 for more information on summer youth programs and expeditions. 2
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ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMS JANUARY
JUNE
Responder Course (pg. 12)
25
Winter Woody Plant ID**-Day Program (pg. 15)
JULY
19-26 Wilderness First
31-Feb 2 Wilderness First
Responder Refresher (pg. 12)
FEBRUARY 7-9
Family Adventure Weekend (pg. 12)
21-23 Interpretation &
Naturalist Skills* (pg. 15)
MARCH 22
Smokies Scavenger Hunt -Day Program (pg. 12)
APRIL
6-11 Spring Hiking Road
Scholar (pg. 12)
25-28 Springtime in the
Smokies Photography Workshop (pg. 13) 25-26 LeConte Lodge
30-July 5 Road Scholar
Intergenerational (pg. 13)
7-12 Smoky Mountains
Family Camp (pg. 13)
OCTOBER
5-10 Fall Hiking
Road Scholar (pg. 13)
17-19 Women’s Fall
Backpack (pg. 13)
AUGUST
17-20 Autumn Brilliance
6-8
31-Nov 2 Mammals* (pg. 15)
4-6
Reptiles & Amphibians* (pg. 15)
Aquatic Natural History* (pg. 15)
SEPTEMBER
7-12 Fall Hiking Road
Scholar (pg. 13)
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HomecomingSpecial Event (pg. 13)
Photography Workshop (pg. 13)
* Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) **Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program Advanced (SANCP Advanced)
19-21 Southern
Appalachian Ecology* (pg. 15) 19-21 Advanced
Birding** (pg. 15)
Overnight (pg. 12)
MAY
9-11 Birds of the
Smokies* (pg. 15)
Ti ffa ny
Be
ac hy
9-11 Plants* (pg. 15)
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OUR MISSION
YOUR HOME IN THE SMOKIES Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is the only residential environmental learning center located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nestled in beautiful Walker Valley and surrounded by miles of trails, rushing rivers and falls, and a half million acres of mountains and forests, Tremont is the place for you to retreat, rejuvenate, and learn about the Smokies in a relaxed setting. Tremont is your home away from home. John Rakes
Find out more about our campus at gsmit.org/SiteFacilities.html.
WHERE WE ARE
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is located on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Situated about four miles from the Townsend, TN entrance to the park, Tremont is in the watershed of the Middle Prong of the Little River, within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. GSMIT Archives
For driving directions, visit our website at gsmit.org/directions.html.
Our expertise and decades of working in partnership with the National Park Service will make your visit to the mountains the best ever! You’ll leave planning your next opportunity to come back to Tremont and reconnect with the natural world. Learn more at gsmit.org/gsmnp.html. 4
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Emily Julian
‌connecting people & nature
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont provides in-depth experiences through education programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship, and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Spruce Flats Falls GSMNP - Tremont Area
“Tremont is an integral part of the park’s overall Resource Education program. Serving as a not-for-profit partner, it assists the park by providing in-depth overnight learning experiences for youth and adults.” -Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Call (865) 448-6709
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GSMIT Archives
SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT TREMONT
Our mission to connect people and nature comes to life through our hands-on, inquiry- based lessons that reinforce state and national standards in science, mathematics, history, art, language arts, and social studies, to name a few. Whether you choose our three- or five-day program, you will team up with our p rofessional year-round staff to provide educational experiences like your students have never known sitting in a classroom. Emily Julian
Emily Julian
John Rakes
-Teacher, North Kirkwood Middle School, St. Louis, MO 6
Emily Julian
“It was worth every penny for me. These kids that visited Tremont have had a lifechanging experience, you can’t put a value on that.”
Visit Visitgsmit.org gsmit.org
Connecting Your Students Tremont provides school programming for elementary through high school students and teachers. Our coordinators work with you to design a customized program that meets your students’ and school’s needs. Visit gsmit.org/PlanningYourTripTeachers.html to see a sample schedule for your school group.
Ken Voorhis
Cooperative Teaching—Connecting Teachers & Nature While in residence, you and your students participate in an interdisciplinary environmental education program that is jointly conducted by you and Tremont staff. This unique, cooperative method of teaching provides you with the opportunity to connect subjects from your classroom to lessons learned at Tremont and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More on cooperative teaching at
gsmit.org/downloads/ChaperoneGuideBooklet.pdf
The Tremont Experience—More Than Just a Field Trip Studies* show that environmental education programs increase motivation for learning in all subject areas, develop critical thinking skills, and foster the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Using hands-on exploration including hikes, games, and guest presenters, your students learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. *Visit gsmit.org/evaluation.html to read studies related to environmental education and student improvements.
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Emily Julian
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Teacher Professional Development Whether this is your first time to bring your students to Tremont or your tenth, you will not only gain contact hours, but you will do it in a hands-on, experiential way. Plus, attendance at any of these workshops reduces the cost of you and your students’ school trip. Our classes and workshops for educators are designed to stimulate and invigorate you and provide you with resources you can take back to your classrooms and use year-round. Educators’ Workshop: Salamanders and Storms - Climate Change in the Smokies February 21-23
Gain a deeper understanding of this complicated phenomenon through classroom activities, field science, and presentations. You will learn the current state of climate change in the Smokies and possible future outcomes for the park and region. See gsmit.org/EducatorWorkshops.html.
Smoky Mountains Science Teacher Institute June 16-21
Immerse yourself for a week in the biological diversity of the Smokies and return home with exciting new ideas for involving your students in hands-on science. Cost: $100. See gsmit.org/SMSTI.html.
Teacher Escape Weekends
Emily Julian
TEACHERS - You’ll Want to Check These Out Too… Tremont has other professional development workshops and enrichment opportunities for you throughout the year, including: Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Programs (SANCP) • Interpretation: A Teachable Art & Naturalist Skills • Birds of the Smokies • Plants • Reptiles and Amphibians • Aquatic Natural History • Southern Appalachian Ecology • Mammals
Advanced SANCP programs (see pages 14 & 15) And other skills-based workshops as demand warrants and funds are available.
September 6-7 & 13-14
Sue Zupko
This one-night workshop is an opportunity for you to meet other teachers, share ideas, learn about new programs, and get answers to any questions you have before you bring your students to Tremont. Cost: $50 non-refundable registration fee. 8
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Citizen Science for All Ages Tremont embraces citizen science—the involvement of non-scientists in scientific research—as a great tool to connect people and nature. Participants of all ages have the opportunity to contribute to the scientific research conducted within the national park, and in return develop a deeper understanding of the ecology and natural history of these mountains. Our citizen science program enables students to develop a sense of ownership for our research projects as they contribute to something larger than themselves. The resulting data are shared with collaborating scientists and park resource managers, as well as the general public through our website. For more information about our citizen science program, visit gsmit.org/CitizenScience.html.
Emily Julian Warren Bielenberg
Emily Julian
Some of our current projects include: BIRDS
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SALAMANDERS
BUTTERFLIES
PHENOLOGY
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Summer Youth Programs & Expeditions $50 EARLY BIRD SAVINGS
NATURE EXPLORATION CAMPS
if registered by February 24, 2014.*
Discovery Camp June 9-14 June 23-28 July 14-19
Explore nature while getting down and dirty with the forests, rivers, and critters that make these mountains home. Cost: $539. Ages 9–12.
SCIENCE CAMPS Girls in Science
June 9-14 July 28-August 2
Join other intrepid girls for the adventure of your life getting up close and personal with critters, plants, and the forces that shape our natural world as you work with scientists to conduct hands-on science in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See gsmit.org/girlscience.html Ages 12-15. June 23-28 July 1-6
Emily Julian
Backcountry Ecological Expedition
Explore relatively undisturbed areas of the park, conducting field experiments and keeping a record of your observaRestrictions apply. tions. You’ll explore creeks and hollows See gsmit.org/SummerYouth.html for details. in search of the next organism new to the park or even to science! Cost: $600. Ages 13–17. Field Ecology Adventure July 14-24
Experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park from a field scientist’s perspective. You’ll participate in real science projects and experience hands-on studies. Cost: $1,130. Ages 13–17. 10
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WILDERNESS BACKPACKING CAMPS Wilderness Adventure Trek June 9-14 June 23-28
You’ll start by learning the skills necessary for planning and enjoying a safe, successful backpacking trip. And before you know it, you’ll be climbing a mountain with everything you need to survive for four days and three nights on your own back. Cost: $589. Ages 13–17.
Teen High Adventure July 14-24
Backpack in the national park, conquer a ropes course, and experience the exhilaration of whitewater rafting. Cost: $1,130. Ages 13–17.
COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE Maryville College Great Smokies Experience This two-week course includes activities and topics that range from hikes to history, ecosystems to nationalism. Students spend half of their time camping at Tremont, and the other half living on campus at Maryville College. For rising high school juniors and seniors, this once-in-a-lifetime experience offers college credit hours in environmental issues. Contact Doug Sofer at Doug.Sofer@maryvillecollege.edu or visit maryvillecollege.edu/gse for more information.
Casey Franklin
July 21-27 at Tremont
Emily Julian
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ADULT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS Wilderness First Responder Course
Spring Hiking Road Scholar
January 19-26
April 6-11
Led by instructors from Roane State Community College, the program curriculum meets the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and national registry standards for First Responder training. Cost: $795. Includes instruction, meals, and lodging.
Through daily hikes, you’ll explore the cultural and natural history of this region with its unique traditions and rich biodiversity. Cost $625. Find more information and register at roadscholar.org using program code 2263.
Wilderness First Responder Refresher January 21 - February 2
This program satisfies the requirements for the renewal of your First Responder certification. It is also an excellent review of wilderness medical information and skills. Cost $393. Includes instruction, meals, and lodging. Family Adventure Weekend February 7-9
There is no better way to spend a weekend than with your family exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cost: $443 for family of four ($97 for each additional person). Smokies Scavenger Hunt— Special Event
March 22
Gather your team The Groovy Gang and seek answers to questions that will test your knowledge of the national park. Cost per team: $50. Dinner included.
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Emily Julian
LeConte Lodge Overnight April 25-26
Enjoy a guided hike to the top of the Smokies and spend the night at historic LeConte Lodge, the highest elevation lodge in the eastern United States. Cost: $305.
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Springtime in the Smokies Photography Workshop April 25-28
Led by renowned photographer Bill Lea since 1992, this workshop emphasizes wildlife, landscape, and macro photography. Cost: $611. Includes meals, lodging, and instruction. Family Adventure - Intergenerational Road Scholar June 30-July 5
Explore the spectacular natural history and biological diversity of the Smokies with your family. Cost: $599 per person Ages: 9 and up. Find more information and register at roadscholar.org using program code 20985. Smoky Mountains Family Camp July 7-12
Bring your family to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surround them with the magic of the mountains. This week-long adventure is designed for families that are ready to leave their cares behind in exchange for a week of unending family fun. Cost: $1,575 for a family of four ($347 each additional person).
Homecoming- Special Event September 14
Join us for an evening of dinner and music in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cost: $50 per person. All proceeds benefit Tremont’s Scholarship Program. Women’s Fall Backpack October 17-19
Looking for a girls’ weekend away? Join our experienced guides and marvel in the glory of autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains. Cost: $339. Autumn Brilliance Photography Workshop October 17-20
Led by Willard Clay, one of our nation’s preeminent landscape photographers, this workshop emphasizes digital photography, but all formats are welcome. Cost: $611. Includes instruction, meals, and lodging.
Fall Hiking Road Scholar September 7-12 October 5-10
Call (865) 448-6709
Emily Julian
Hit the trail and discover the unique cultural traditions and rich biodiversity of the Smokies. Explore these ancient mountains and wonder why you don’t do this more often. Cost $625. Find more information and register at roadscholar.org using program code 2263.
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Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
The Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) is a fieldbased program that offers “basic training” in southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. Don’t pass up this opportunity to become a better naturalist, communicator, and land steward by joining other curious nature enthusiasts for the learning experience of a lifetime! The SANCP program is made possible through a partnership between Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and the University of Tennessee. When you complete the eight core courses, you will receive certification, awarded jointly by Tremont and the University of Tennessee. The overall goal of the program is to engage you in natural history, to foster your appreciation and stewardship of the mountain ecosystems, and to help you develop the skills needed to share your knowledge with others. This is accomplished through a series of field courses covering subjects such as ecological communities, plant identification, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, stream ecology, the history of nature study, interpretation, and other skills necessary to be an educated naturalist. Cost: Each weekend course is $317 per person. Includes instruction, meals, and lodging ($285 without lodging). $576 for full week of August 4-8 (lodging discount not available).
SANCP Advanced Courses
Emily Julian
If you are a graduate of our Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program or an experienced naturalist, you will want to attend the two advanced SANCP courses being offered in 2014. They are designed to build on skills and content already covered in the SANCP, but could also be enjoyed by any experienced naturalist or outdoor enthusiast. 14
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SANCP Core Courses Interpretation: A Teachable Art & Naturalist Skills February 21-23
Learn to make deeper connections to the natural world through the art of nature interpretation. Finish off the weekend with a historical survey of the study of natural history and its practice.
Aquatic Natural History August 6-8
This course provides you with an overview of the unique ecology of aquatic systems in the southern Appalachians, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Southern Appalachian Ecology September 19-21
Birds of the Smokies May 9-11
Discover the wonderful birds of the southern Appalachians with a focus on the species that occur in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plants
May 9-11
Delve into the incredible diversity of plants found in the southern Appalachians!
Learn more about the ecology of the southern Appalachians, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mammals October 31 - November 2
Explore the diversity of mammal species in the southern Appalachians with a focus on the management practices used within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Reptiles and Amphibians August 4-6
Discover the secret lives of reptile and amphibian species in the southern Appalachians.
Winter Woody Plant ID—Day Program
Advanced Birding
January 25
September 19-21
Discover a number of characteristics that will help you identify trees even in the wintertime. Cost: $55 per person. Includes a sack lunch.
Dig deeper into the bird world by spending time with Citizen Science Coordinator and Ornithologist Tiffany Beachy, getting beyond bird basics. Cost: $317 Tiffany Beachy
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Tiffany Beachy
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Support and Funding As a private non-profit, Tremont depends on contributions to enhance and expand our programs for all ages. Our contributors include individuals, organizations, foundations, and corporations who value our mission and want to support their employees and the community. To learn more about donating to Tremont, visit gsmit.org/donate.html or call (865) 448-6709 today!
Financial Aid Thanks to our generous contributors, we are able to offer needs-based financial aid through the Tremont Scholarship Fund. To learn more about financial aid opportunities for children and teens to experience Tremont with their school group or attend our summer camps, visit gsmit.org/SummerYouth.html.
Photos by Tiffany Beachy, Emily Julian, Tiffany Beachy and Jolanda Jansma
Legacy of Tremont
Mission To heighten public awareness and to support Tremont in the community-at-large by creating and managing a variety of activities, including friend raising, to assist Tremont with accomplishing its mission. Legacy is our alumni volunteer group that works closely with us to heighten public awareness for Tremont. Throughout the year, these loyal volunteers assist with a variety of activities designed for both friend raising and fund raising. They also help us plan and implement special events, including the Smoky Mountains Scavenger Hunt in March and the annual Homecoming in September. If you enjoy working with other like-minded people who believe in environmental education for all ages, and you want to be part of a group that is really making a difference in the lives of all who come to Tremont, contact us today. Connect or re-connect with Tremont and have fun while you’re doing it! Call (865) 448-6709
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Tremont Staff
Since 1969, Tremont has provided a powerful learning experience to hundreds of thousands of students of all ages. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is viewed as a leader in the field of environmental education because of our first rate curriculum, our staff of professional teacher/naturalists, and our longterm partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. PROGRAM STAFF teacher/naturalists Dylan Amerson
Kensey Baker Muriah Bottemiller Caleb Carlton Dawn Dextraze Casey Franklin
citizen science coordinator Tiffany Beachy school programs coordinator special programs coordinator program specialist education director
Jennie McGuigan Jeremy Lloyd Mary Dresser John DiDiego
OFFICE AND SUPPORT STAFF food service Heather Adams
Nola Austin Linda Hatcher Chuck McElroy Patti Walker
food service director Harrison Haun grounds & facilities Sam Crowe grounds & facilities manager Phil (Doc) Johnson sales Linda Vananda
marketing communications specialist development/public relations director
Heather Davis Sandra Byrd
finance manager
Mike Gross
registrar & assistant office manager
Julie Brown
office/human resources manager
Charlene Stewart
store manager Gary Carpenter
BOARD OF DIRECTORS president Billy Carroll directors Cathy Ackermann Esther Bell Jack Burgin Bill Cobble Hank Dye
Elizabeth Estill Randy Gibson George Hashbarger, Jr. Jim Haslam
Edward Pershing Dick Ray Bill Varner Chad Youngblood
Many of the photos pictured in this publication were taken by media intern, Emily Julian. Emily is a recent graduate of Maryville College who spent the summer helping us document Tremont programs.
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Call (865) 448-6709
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Emily Julian
Program Registration Registering for a Tremont program is easy! Just download our registration form from gsmit.org and mail along with your payment. Or, if you prefer, register online or by phone with a credit card. Program fees cover costs for lodging, meals, and instruction unless otherwise noted. Please call for a cost breakdown if you will be staying off-site.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 37882 (865) 448-6709 phone (865) 448-9250 fax gsmit.org mail@gsmit.org
Tremont does not discriminate against applicants by race, creed, sex, or national origin. 20
@GSMITremont on Facebook & Twitter Glenn Rice Visit gsmit.org