2015
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connecting people and nature Visit gsmit.org
Bringing education to life. 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. Our 500,000-acre classroom is Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is known for its diversity of plant and animal life. Tremont Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is the only residential education center in the park. Our partnership with the park allows us to work with park rangers and scientists to develop and deliver educational experiences with proven impact. Many of our professional faculty and staff hold advanced degrees in fields such as biology, environmental studies, and education. Participants can expect to see familiar faces when they return year after year. These relationships, paired with our time-tested curriculum, create a learning community that begins before the trip and continues well after. We focus on impact and transformative experiences that awaken senses and encourage action in schools, at home, and in your community. We empower learning and participation in citizen science projects. We create space for discovery, personal development, and opportunities to unplug and explore.
For detailed information, visit gsmit.org. Questions? Call us at (865) 448-6709.
Cover Photo by Caleb Carlton
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And life to education.
pg. 6 pg. 7 pg. 8-9 pg. 10 pg. 11 pg. 12-13 3
What’s Happening? Try Something New School Programs Cooperative Teaching Method Teacher Professional Development Citizen Science
pg. 14-15 pg. 16-17 pg. 18-19 pg. 20-21 pg. 22-23
Summer Youth Programs Adult & Family Programs Naturalist Classes About Us How Can You Help? Les McGlasson Visit gsmit.org
The Smokies Welcome You
From first-timers to old-timers, we often hear from folks about that special something that exists here in the Smokies... the friendliness, the warmth of the welcome, the stunning diversity of life in these gorgeous mountains. Tremont Institute is proud to be a part of this inspirational community for our 46th year.
We believe learning is most impactful and personally rewarding when you are actively en- Jennifer Jones, PhD President & CEO gaged in an outdoor experience and when you are encouraged to foster meaningful relationships with your fellow participants, students, and faculty. We believe learning is a lifelong adventure so we create experiences for participants from the ages of 5 to 95. We believe the Smokies provide an awe-inspiring classroom through all four seasons. We warmly welcome you to join us this year for a life-changing experience.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS Caleb Carlton
We host over 5,000 people each year. The majority of our participants are school-age children and their teachers and chaperones. Schools are welcomed year-round and stay from 3-5 days with the Smokies as their classroom. Our experienced faculty lead lessons integrating required standards, and students have the opportunity to eat, sleep, and learn in a community setting. Read more on pages 8-9.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Tremont Institute has a long history of hosting colleges and universities. We work closely with faculty to customize programs and tailor curriculum to support the needs of students in their particular field of study and according to academic requirements. Learn more at gsmit.org/college.html. J. Jones Photo by Andy Wszalek
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ADULT & FAMILY JANUARY
JULY
FEBRUARY
AUGUST
9-12 Winter Masters Photography Workshop 18-25 Wilderness First Responder Course 24 Winter Woody Plant ID—Day Program 30-Feb 1 Wilderness First Responder Refresher 6-8 Family Adventure Weekend 13-15 Interpretation & Naturalist Skills
MARCH 21
Smokies Scavenger Hunt—Day Program
APRIL
12-17 Spring Hiking Road Scholar 24-27 Springtime in the Smokies Photography
Workshop
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Adult Backpacking Smoky Mountains Family Camp Reptiles & Amphibians Aquatic Natural History
14-17 Summer Masters Photography Workshop
SEPTEMBER
6-11 Fall Hiking Road Scholar 18-20 Southern Appalachian Ecology
OCTOBER
4-9 Fall Hiking Road Scholar 16-18 Women’s Fall Backpack 23-26 Autumn Brilliance Photography
Workshop
MAY
NOVEMBER
8-10 Birds of the Smokies 8-10 Plants
6-8 Mammals 6-8 Geology
TEACHER WORKSHOPS FEBRUARY
13-15 Educator Workshop:
2-5 6-11 27-29 29-31
NEW!
AUGUST
29-30 Teacher Escape I
Likin’ Lichens
SEPTEMBER 12-13 Teacher Escape II
JUNE
15-18 Science Teacher Institute
SUMMER YOUTH JUNE
8-13 Discovery Camp I 8-13 Girls in Science Camp I 8-13 Wilderness Adventure Trek I 22-27 Backcountry Ecological Expedition I 22-27 Discovery Camp II 22-27 Wilderness Adventure Trek II 29-July 4 Girls in Science II 30-July 5 Backcountry Ecological Expedition II
Financial Aid 5
JULY
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June 30-2 Firefly Camp 13-18 Discovery Camp III 13-23 Field Ecology Adventure 13-23 Teen High Adventure
16-27 Maryville College Great Smokies Experience
Thanks to our generous contributors, we offer need-based financial aid through the Tremont Scholarship Fund. Visit gsmit.org/financialaid.html.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING? Be Part of Team LOWA Imagine yourself sitting quietly by a trickling stream, watching a female Louisiana Waterthrush (LOWA) industriously building her well-hidden nest while her mate sings boisterously overhead. You spend hours following these birds around and are finally rewarded with the discovery of their chosen nest site. This is what Lee Bryant, a new Master’s student from Arkansas
State University, will be doing every day this spring, among many other tasks, like target banding individuals and conducting foraging observations. You can become part of Team LOWA. Join her in the field! The more boots on the ground monitoring our waterthrush, the better! Contact Citizen Science Coordinator, Tiffany Beachy, at (865) 448-6708 for details. Mac Post
Make a Music Video! GSMIT Archives
What do you get when you mix pop music, kid creativity, and 250-million-year old mountains? #SmokiesCOOL, an exciting new approach to engage youth in science education. Selected schools work with Tremont #SmokiesCOOL faculty to research, write, film and produce original music videos that teach Creative Outlets for Outdoor Learning the world about the Smokies. Watch them at themiddleprongpress.com.
Have you heard about the BEETLES Project? Tremont Institute has been selected by UC Berkeley to pilot the latest evidence-based science learning and teaching approach. BEETLES embraces a student-focused approach that empowers them by putting the learning process in their own hands. Research supports that these techniques strengthen critical thinking and ignite life-long learning.
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TRY SOMETHING NEW AT TREMONT Bring your younger children to FIREFLY CAMP and join in the fun yourself
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Jennie McGuigian
Spend a night (or two!) in the mountains with your little one and give them a hint of the fun to come when they attend Discovery Camp for the first time on their own. With you by their side, your children will have the sense of security to freely enjoy themselves as they explore and learn from our talented teaching staff. This program is geared toward youth 5-8 years old with activities that both parents and children can enjoy. See page 16 for dates or visit gsmit.org/SummerYouth.html for details.
BACKPACK the BEST OF THE SMOKIES Jigsha Desai
with other adults who love adventure Sign on for Backpacking the Smokies, and you’ll be on your way to hiking and backpacking the long trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Join us this year for the first in our series and section hike through the Smokies. See page 16 for details or visit gsmit.org for more info.
Explore the hidden backbone of the mountains in our
GEOLOGY WEEKEND
Immerse yourself in this overlooked yet vital aspect of Smokies natural history. Using field geology techniques, we will investigate both popular and lesser-known locales in the park, examine sedimentary and metamorphic 7
outcrops, and discuss geologic structures like folds and faults. The workshop will conclude by compiling our collective observations to illustrate the geologic history of the Smokies. See page 18 for more information. Visit gsmit.org
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Learning happens best when students are fully immersed in the learning process and can investigate their environment. Casey Franklin
OUR CORE EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK begins with… Sense of Place
developing ties to nature
Biodiversity
making new connections
Stewardship
community involvement
WHAT WE DO • Create hands-on experiences that engage teachers and students • Build critical thinking skills and scientific literacy with an eye on educational standards • Challenge teachers and students to develop personal connections to the land • Teach cooperatively alongside our classroom counterparts to provide rich context for learning • Immerse participants in the biodiversity and beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park 8
Sue Zupko
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WHAT WE DELIVER: OUTCOMES For Students
• Heightened interest in learning • Greater willingness to act as stewards of the environment • Better understanding of science and the natural world
For Teachers
• Closer relationships with students and teaching team • Professional development • Renewed love of teaching
IS TREMONT INSTITUTE THE PLACE FOR YOU?
We work with elementary, middle and high schools across the United States. Our curricula bridge science, math, social studies, and language arts and are further enriched through our citizen science program (see pg. 12-13). See a full course selections online at www.gsmit.org/Lessons.html
Contact our school programs coordinator today to learn more about bringing your school to Tremont. (865) 448-6709
GSMIT Archives
FINANCIAL AID Money, or lack of it, should never stand in the way of a life-changing educational experience. Contact us at (865) 448-6709 to ask about financial aid for your trip and fundraising ideas for your school. Visit gsmit.org/financialaid.html. 9
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COOPERATIVE TEACHING METHOD How to Increase Impact During and After Your Tremont Experience We know that the more teachers invest in their trips, the greater the learning impact is on students throughout the year. Therefore, we strongly encourage teachers to partner with us by teaching students cooperatively.
What is the Cooperative Teaching Method? A team teaching method that provides you the opportunity to connect subjects and standards from your classroom to the handson lessons learned at Tremont. You, your students and Tremont faculty benefit immensely from this partnership.
What will you gain through this partnership? • • • •
Emily Julian
Increased educational impact Classroom resources New teaching methods Increased confidence
• • • •
Citizen science opportunities Stronger bonds with your students Scientific literacy Renewed love of learning
Learn more about the benefits of co-teaching at gsmit.org/teachers.html
GSMIT Archives
“Teaching hands-on science was very intimidating to me before this experience but now I feel like I have learned some practical methods to do this type of teaching with my students and I have also gained confidence in my ability.” -Science Teacher Institute participant
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TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Educators’ Workshop: Likin’ Lichens February 13-15
Lichens—these mysterious organisms have fascinated people for years. Not a plant, not a fungus, but a surprisingly elegant combination of the two. Spend the weekend delving into the enchanting world of lichens as we learn their basic ecology, identification, and natural history during this field-based workshop. Cost: $50 for 10 qualifying K-12 teachers. The cost for non-teachers is $295. Space is limited to 20 participants, so register early. See gsmit.org/EducatorWorkshops.html.
Science Teacher Institute Improving Teaching and Learning in STEM June 15-18
Learn about current trends in Air Quality, Climate Change and a variety of other research-based Citizen Science projects that are easy to replicate at your school. Jennie McGuigan You will gain new approaches and tools for improving science teaching and learning that will transform your teaching in the classroom!
Cost: $125 ($350 value) - Limit two teachers per school. See gsmit.org/STI.html.
Teacher Escape
August 29-30 & September 12-13
This fun mini-conference and retreat will demystify the power of experiential learning and the Tremont cooperative teaching method. Whether you are a first-timer or a 20-year veteran, you will meet other teachers, share best practices, and prepare to bring your students to Tremont. Cost: $75 non-refundable registration fee.
TEACHERS - Check out our Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program. These courses are a great way to expand your depth of knowledge on specific subjects. Visit gsmit.org/SANCP.html for course options.
Attend any of these workshops or our naturalist certification program courses to reduce the cost of your school trip. Ask us how! 11
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CITIZEN SCIENCE AT TREMONT INSTITUTE For years Tremont Institute has been a leader in citizen science—public involvement in scientific research—as a tool to connect people and nature. Participants and volunteers of all ages have the opportunity to contribute to scientific research conducted within the national park. Resulting data are shared with collaborating scientists and park resource managers, as well as the general public. Visit gsmit.org/CitizenScience.html for project dates and citizen science info.
Wild and Wonderful Photography - Tyson Smith
Some of our current projects include: 12
BIRD BANDING
SALAMANDER MONITORING
MONARCH TAGGING
PHENOLOGY MONITORING
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Citizen science happens year-round at Tremont Institute. Many projects can be woven directly into your scheduled program and volunteer opportunities outside the program calendar are available. For example, consider adopting a phenology plot throughout the year or participating in our bird banding this summer. Contact us at (865) 448-6709 to get started!
GET INVOLVED
YOU CAN
• Contribute to research that informs REAL conservation decisions that impact the park. • Participate in ground-breaking research. • Be part of global monitoring programs.
GSMIT Archives
WHAT’S THAT BIRD WEARING? In collaboration with the National Aviary in Pittsburg, we fitted tiny backpack geolocators on Louisiana Waterthrushes to study their migration and wintering behavior - the first Louisiana Waterthrushes in the world to receive these state-of-the-art devices!
Tiffany Beachy GSMIT Archives
Citizen science research is completed with help from participants, volunteers, and research partners. • • • • 13
Hands on the Land Institute for Bird Populations Maryville College National Park Service
• • • •
NIMBioS Oak Ridge National Lab Pellissippi College University of Tennessee Visit gsmit.org
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS & EXPEDITIONS CHILD & PARENT ADVENTURE Firefly Camp
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Beginning June 30 (One, two or three nights)
Tiffany Beachy
Finally, an overnight camp for younger kids! Bond with your child during a one-night stay in the park. Play games that build confidence and awaken the senses. Learn about the forest and wade in a mountain stream. Sing songs around the campfire and watch the fireflies as dusk falls. Children Ages: 5-8 Cost: One night: $89 for child + parent
$50 EARLY BIRD SAVINGS
(See gsmit.org for additional pricing)
if registered by February 27, 2015.* Amy Wilson
NATURE EXPLORATION Discovery Camp
June 8-13, June 22-27, & July 13-18
Explore nature while getting down and dirty with the forests, rivers, and critters that make these mountains home. Cost: $555. Ages 9–12.
SCIENCE
Girls in Science
Backcountry Ecological Expedition
June 8-13 & June 29-July 4
June 22-27 & June 30-July 5
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.
Explore relatively undisturbed areas of the park, conducting field experiments and keeping a record of your observations. You’ll explore creeks and hollows in search of the next organism new to the park or even to science! Cost: $619. Ages 13–17.
See gsmit.org/girlscience.html
Ages 12-15.
VISIT OUR WEB SITE FOR SUMMER PROGRAM INFORMATION gsmit.org/SummerYouth.html *Restrictions apply. See website for more info. 14
Field Ecology Adventure July 13-23
Are you a field scientist? You will be as you conduct and develop a real research case study. Field ecology adventure culminates with a group presentation of findings from the week. Cost: $1,164. Ages 13–17. Visit gsmit.org
WILDERNESS BACKPACKING Wilderness Adventure Trek June 8-13 June 22-27
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 carrying everything you need to survive for four days and three nights. Cost: $607. Ages 13–17.
Teen High Adventure July 13-23
Backpack in the national park, conquer a ropes course, and experience the exhilaration of whitewater rafting. Cost: $1,164. Ages 13–17.
FIND SUMMER PROGRAM INFORMATION AT gsmit.org/SummerYouth.html
COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
Caleb Carlton
Maryville College Great Smokies Experience For High School Students July 16-27 (July 20-26 at Tremont)
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. 15
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ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMS HIKING
BACKPACKING
Spring Hiking Road Scholar
Backpacking the Smokies Series
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April 12-17
July 2-5
Through daily hikes, you’ll explore the cultural and natural history of this region with its unique traditions and rich biodiversity. Cost: $645. Find more information and register at roadscholar.org using program code 2263.
On part one, join experienced guides and naturalists to backpack a section of the Benton MacKaye Trail. Beginning at Smokemont and traveling to the trail’s northern terminus at Big Creek, we will summit Mount Sterling. This is both a beautiful and strenuous hike, and participants should be prepared to hike 6-8 hours per day on steep and rocky terrain. For details on the next adventures, watch gsmit.org. Cost: $550.
Fall Hiking Road Scholar September 6-11 October 4-9
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: $699 Find more information and register at roadscholar.org using program code 2263.
Women’s Fall Backpack October 16-18
Looking for a girls’ weekend away? Join our experienced guides and marvel in the glory of autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains. Cost: $356.
Val in Real Life
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Pick your favorite season or try them all. Photography workshops at Tremont feature renowned photographers such as Bill Lea and Will Clay guiding you through the best photo spots in the Smokies. Whether you are a serious beginner or you are ready for our masters classes, you will find one-on-one assistance and helpful critiques during these energizing weekend workshops. Photo workshop prices include meals, lodging and instruction. 16
Winter Light Masters Class January 9-12 Cost: $642. Springtime in the Smokies Cost: $611.
April 24-27
Summer B&W Masters Class August 14-17 Cost: $642 Autumn Brilliance Cost: $611.
October 23-26
See gsmit.org/workshops. html for specifics on class emphasis, suggested skill level, and instructors. Visit gsmit.org
FAMILY TIME Smokies Scavenger Hunt—Special Event March 21
Gather your team and seek answers to questions that will test your knowledge of the national park. Visit gsmit.org/hunt.html for details.
Firefly Camp
Beginning July 1
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Emily Julian
A one or two-night adventure for parents and their younger children (ages 5-8). See page 14 for information. Family Camp July 6-11
Family Adventure Weekend
February 6-8
Discover the fun of a winter weekend with your family in the Smokies. Bundle up the kids and head out for a frosty adventure or keep yourselves cozy by the campfire as you enjoy time together. Cost: $465 for family of four ($102 for each additional person).
Surround your family with the magic of the mountains. This weeklong adventure is designed for families that are ready to leave their cares behind in exchange for a week of unending family fun. Cost: $1,654 for a family of four ($364 each additional person).
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER Wilderness First Responder Course
Wilderness First Responder Refresher
January 18-25
January 30 - February 1
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.
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.
NATURALIST CLASSES 17
See next page for list of naturalist classes and certification information. Visit gsmit.org
NATURALIST CLASSES & CERTIFICATION The Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) is a field-based program that offers “basic training” in southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. Sign up for the classes that interest you or choose a class to begin working toward certification. When you complete the core courses, you will receive certification, awarded jointly by Tremont Institute and the University of Tennessee.
PROGRAM GOALS • Engage you in natural history • Foster your appreciation & stewardship of the mountain ecosystems • Help develop the skills needed to share your knowledge with others
Our SANCP is fun and engaging enough for all audiences. The same dynamic and professional faculty that facilitate all our school and university programs teach our SANCP courses. Additional expertise by way of park staff, research partners, and top-notch educators is brought in as needed.
SANCP Core Courses Interpretation: A Teachable Art & Naturalist Skills February 13-15
Cost: Each weekend course is $327 per person. Includes instruction, meals, and lodging.
Southern Appalachian Ecology
Plants May 8-10
Reptiles and Amphibians
September 18-20
Birds
July 27-29
Mammals
May 8-10
Aquatic Natural History
November 6-8
July 29-31
SANCP Elective Courses
In addition to the core courses, we have two bonus classes available in 2015. Neither are required for certification. Enjoy these SANCP extras! Winter Woody Plant ID—Day Program
Geology
January 24
November 6-8
Discover a number of characteristics that will help you identify trees even in the wintertime.
Explore rock outcrops in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and interpret how geology affects cultural history and biodiversity in the region.
Cost: $55 per person. Includes a sack lunch. 18
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Cost: $295 per person.
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Join other curious nature enthusiasts for the learning experience of a lifetime! Whether you are discovering a new love of nature or you are a seasoned naturalist, don’t pass up this opportunity.
Park Ranger Lloyd’s Story In 2010, Lloyd Luketin and his wife, Lorna, graduated from Tremont’s certification program. He now works full time as an Education Park Ranger for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
My time as a volunteer in the park combined with my hiking experience (over 8,000 miles in the national park!) had me convinced that I knew a lot about the Smokies. I decided to try the SANCP Mammals course, an intensive deep dive into the animals that can be found here in the park. I learned a lot about mammals. I also learned that instead of being knowledgeable about the park, I, in fact, knew very little, just barely the tip of the iceberg. I also started to learn that there is an entire community of people who love the Smokies, want to protect the Smokies, have extensive knowledge of the Smokies and want to share that knowledge. I wanted to be one of them. The hook was sunk. I quickly decided I wanted to do the entire program. I decided to go back to school and study for a MS in Resource Interpretation. Upon completing that course of study, I was hired by the park as a seasonal Interpretive Park Ranger. I then started working as an Education Park Ranger. That is what I now do full time. I am always learning more about the park. Thanks to Tremont, I am now a Southern Appalachian Naturalist and a Park Ranger. I am a person who is doing something to try and make a difference and I am having the time of my life doing it.
Join the SANCP community! Visit gsmit.org/SANCP.html to pick your starting class today.
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ABOUT OUR FACULTY Our faculty make the difference!
Our teachers hold degrees in environmental education, biology and more related topics; many at the graduate level. Our faculty have been teaching for years at Tremont Institute, in classrooms and at other centers around the country. Enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism have created a staff with years of experience in the Smokies.
STAFF
teacher/naturalists Dylan Amerson Kensey Baker Elizabeth Davis Dawn Dextraze Casey Franklin
citizen science coordinator Tiffany Beachy
school program coordinator
program specialist Mary Dresser
education director John DiDiego
food service
Robyn Buchanan Linda Hatcher Amanda Moeller Emy Willison
Jennie McGuigan
food service assistant manager
special program coordinator
food service director
Jeremy Lloyd
Nola Austin
Wendy Lineberger
BOARD OF DIRECTORS president
treasurer
secretary
past president
Billy Carroll Bill Varner
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Elizabeth Estill Cathy Ackermann
Les McGlasson
grounds & facilities Sam Crowe Dalton Read
grounds & facilities manager Doc Johnson
registrar/assistant office manager Julie Brown
media and outreach specialist
development director Mark Burns
sales
Linda Vananda
sales manager
Gary Carpenter
finance manager Mike Gross
Caleb Carlton
human resource/office manager
marketing manager
president & ceo
Heather Davis
Directors
Jack Burgin Bill Cobble Joe Emert Randy Gibson
Charlene Stewart Jen Jones, PhD
Jim Haslam Morton Massey Ed Pershing Dick Ray Chad Youngblood
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ABOUT OUR CAMPUS AND FACILITY Tremont Institute is situated about four miles from the Townsend, TN entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is surrounded by miles of trails, rushing rivers and falls, and a half million acres of mountains and forests. We can house up to 135 people onsite and have a full kitchen staff serving 3 hot meals a day. Living and learning inside a national park certainly has its rewards. Feel your worries melt away as you cross the bridge over the Middle Prong to this quiet place tucked into the mountains. Step out of bed each morning and walk outdoors to a breathtaking view of Fodderstack Mountain—a perfect way to begin a day in the national park! Sue Zupko
PROGRAM REGISTRATION Registering for a Tremont program is easy! Visit gsmit.org to register online. You can also download our registration form and mail along with your payment or call us at (865) 448-6709 to register over the phone with a credit card. Program fees cover costs for lodging, meals, and instruction unless otherwise noted. 21
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HELP TREMONT INSTITUTE A trip to Tremont is a life-changing experience for today’s youth. Please consider a gift to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. As a private non-profit, Tremont depends on contributions to conserve and restore our environment through education. Children who attend our programs show greater appreciation for their surroundings and improved attitudes toward classroom learning and teamwork. Our contributors include individuals, organizations, foundations, and corporations who value our mission and want to support their community.
DONATE ONLINE
DONATE BY MAIL
Visit gsmit.org/donate.html
Mail your donation to: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Rd. Townsend, TN 37882
DONATE BY PHONE (865) 448-6709
SHOP IN OUR STORE All proceeds from the store support Tremont programs
SPECIAL EVENTS Check gsmit.org for special events throughout the year that benefit Tremont programs.
PLANNED GIVING
Planned giving involves providing for a future gift to Tremont through your financial and estate plans. A common misconception is that planned gifts are only for the very wealthy. In fact, individuals of all levels can engage in strategic planned giving and you can create a lasting legacy for students at Tremont.
JOIN THE LEGACY CIRCLE
There are many different forms your gift can take depending on your goal, including: • Adding a bequest provision to your will and donating your full or partial estate to Tremont. • Adding Tremont as a beneficiary to the residual of your retirement plan or life insurance policy • Creating a charitable gift annuity that will provide you with income during your lifetime and then pass on to Tremont 22
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FUNDS Annual - Provides near-term support for materials, supplies, new programs and other current needs. Endowment - Provides long-term funding to ensure that Tremont continues to offer the best learning experience to all interested students. Scholarship - Helps students experience one of many indepth environmental education programs. To learn more about donating to Tremont, visit gsmit.org/donate.html or call (865) 448-6709 today!
VOLUNTEERING AND SERVING Throughout the year, our loyal volunteers assist with a variety of activities such as event planning, friend-raising, fund-raising, citizen science and maintenance projects. If you enjoy working with others 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 to let us know how you might help us fulfill our mission.
Tiffany Beachy
Fill out our volunteer application online at gsmit.org/volunteer.html.
The peaceful water makes me smile; I’m going to stay here for awhile. The branches that hang here above the creek Make me feel like I’m brave and strong; not weak. The sound of the water flowing fast, How is everything so, so vast? I love this place; it calms me down. I think that my happy place has been found! Poem by Mallory Egly, middle school student
Connecting people and nature in Great Smoky Mountains National Park 23
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meet a salamander face to face. share your poem around a campfire. notice small wonders in a great place. inspire others with your love of nature.
Look inside to get started!
• • • •
Make 2015 the year you...
9275 Tremont Rd. Townsend, TN 37882