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Table of Contentspage 6 School Programspage 8 Teacher Workshopspage 10 Summer Youth Programs & Expeditions

page 12 Adult & Family Programspage 14 Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP)

Emily Julian

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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.

FEBRUARY21-23 Salamanders and Storms - Climate Change in the Smokies

JUNE16-21 Smoky Mountains Science Teacher Institute

SEPTEMBER6-7 Teacher Escape Weekend I 13-14 Teacher Escape Weekend II

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

JUNE9-14 Discovery Camp I 9-14 Girls in Science Camp I 9-14 Wilderness Adventure Trek I 23-28 Backcountry Ecological Expedition I 23-28 Discovery Camp II 23-28 Wilderness Adventure Trek II

JULY1-6 Backcountry Ecological Expedition II 14-19 Discovery Camp III14-24 Field Ecology Adventure 14-24 Teen High Adventure 28-Aug 2 Girls in Science II

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS & EXPEDITIONS

See page 10 for more information on summer youth programs and expeditions.

See page 8 for more information on Teacher Professional Development.

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!

Call (865) 448-6709 3

ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMSJANUARY19-26 Wilderness First Responder Course (pg. 12)

25 Winter Woody Plant ID**-Day Program (pg. 15)

31-Feb 2 Wilderness First Responder Refresher (pg. 12)

FEBRUARY7-9 Family Adventure Weekend (pg. 12)

21-23 Interpretation & Naturalist Skills* (pg. 15)

MARCH22 Smokies Scavenger Hunt -Day Program (pg. 12)

APRIL6-11 Spring Hiking Road Scholar (pg. 12)

25-28 Springtime in the Smokies Photogra-phy Workshop (pg. 13)

25-26 LeConte Lodge Overnight (pg. 12)

MAY9-11 Birds of the Smokies* (pg. 15)

9-11 Plants* (pg. 15)

JUNE 30-July 5 Road Scholar Intergenerational (pg. 13)

JULY7-12 Smoky Mountains Family Camp (pg. 13)

AUGUST 4-6 Reptiles & Amphibians* (pg. 15)

6-8 Aquatic Natural History* (pg. 15)

SEPTEMBER7-12 Fall Hiking Road Scholar (pg. 13)

14 Homecoming- Special Event (pg. 13)

19-21 Southern Appalachian Ecology* (pg. 15)

19-21 Advanced Birding** (pg. 15)

OCTOBER5-10 Fall Hiking Road Scholar (pg. 13)

17-19 Women’s Fall Backpack (pg. 13)

17-20 Autumn Brilliance Photography Workshop (pg. 13)

31-Nov 2 Mammals* (pg. 15)

* Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) **Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program Advanced (SANCP Advanced)

Tiffany Bea

chy

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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.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is the only residential envi-ronmental 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.

Find out more about our campus at gsmit.org/SiteFacilities.html.

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 en-trance to the park, Tremont is in the watershed of the Middle Prong of the Little River, within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

OUR MISSION

YOUR HOME IN THE SMOKIES

WHERE WE ARE

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 plan-ning your next opportunity to come back to Tremont and reconnect with the natural world. Learn more at gsmit.org/gsmnp.html.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

…connecting people

& nature

John Rakes

GSMIT Archives

Emily Julian

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Spruce Flats FallsGSMNP - Tremont Area

GSMIT Archives

“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

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SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT TREMONT

“It was worth every penny for me. These kids that visited Tremont have had a life-

changing experience, you can’t put a value on that.”

-Teacher, North Kirkwood

Middle School, St. Louis, MO

Emily Julian

Emily Julian

John Rakes

Emily Julian

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 professional year-round staff to provide educational experi-ences like your students have never known sitting in a classroom.

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Call (865) 448-6709 7

Connecting Your StudentsTremont 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.

Cooperative Teaching—Connecting Teachers & NatureWhile 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 Moun-tains 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.K

en Voorhis

Emily Julian

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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.

Teacher Professional Development

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 bio-logical diversity of the Smokies and return home with exciting new ideas for involv-ing your students in hands-on science. Cost: $100. See gsmit.org/SMSTI.html.

Teacher Escape WeekendsSeptember 6-7 & 13-14 This one-night workshop is an opportu-nity 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.

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.

Sue Zupko

Emily Julian

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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 conduct-ed 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 them-selves. 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.

Citizen Science for All Ages

Some of our current projects include:

BIRDS SALAMANDERS BUTTERFLIES

Warren Bielenberg

Emily Julian

Emily Julian

PHENOLOGY

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Summer Youth Programs & Expeditions

NATURE EXPLORATION CAMPS

SCIENCE CAMPS

Discovery CampJune 9-14 June 23-28July 14-19 Explore nature while getting down and dirty with the forests, rivers, and crit-ters that make these mountains home. Cost: $539. Ages 9–12.

Girls in Science June 9-14 July 28-August 2 Join other intrepid girls for the adven-ture 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. Backcountry Ecological ExpeditionJune 23-28 July 1-6 Explore relatively undisturbed areas of the park, conducting field experiments and keeping a record of your observa-tions. You’ll explore creeks and hollows in search of the next organism new to the park or even to science! Cost: $600. Ages 13–17.

Field Ecology AdventureJuly 14-24Experience 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.

Emily Julian

Restrictions apply. See gsmit.org/SummerYouth.html for details.

$50 EARLY BIRD SAVINGSif registered by February 24, 2014.*

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Wilderness Adventure TrekJune 9-14June 23-28You’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 14-24Backpack in the national park, con-quer a ropes course, and experience the exhilaration of whitewater rafting. Cost: $1,130. Ages 13–17.

WILDERNESS BACKPACKING CAMPS

COLLEGE CREDIT COURSEMaryville College Great Smokies Experience July 21-27 at TremontThis two-week course includes activities and topics that range from hikes tohistory, 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 visitmaryvillecollege.edu/gse for more information.

Casey Franklin

Emily Julian

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Wilderness First Responder CourseJanuary 19-26Led 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.

Wilderness First Responder RefresherJanuary 21 - February 2This program satisfies the require-ments 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 WeekendFebruary 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 EventMarch 22Gather your team and seek answers

to questions that will test your knowl-edge of the national park. Cost per team: $50. Dinner included.

Spring Hiking Road Scholar April 6-11 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.

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.

ADULT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

Emily Julian

The Groovy Gang

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Springtime in the Smokies Photography Workshop April 25-28 Led by renowned photographer Bill Lea since 1992, this workshop empha-sizes wildlife, landscape, and macro photography. Cost: $611. Includes meals, lodging, and instruction.

Family Adventure - Intergenerational Road ScholarJune 30-July 5Explore 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 CampJuly 7-12 Bring your family to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and sur-round 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).

Fall Hiking Road Scholar September 7-12October 5-10Hit the trail and discover the unique cultural traditions and rich biodiversi-ty 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.

Homecoming- Special EventSeptember 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 Schol-arship Program.

Women’s Fall BackpackOctober 17-19 Looking for a girls’ weekend away? Join our experienced guides and mar-vel in the glory of autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains. Cost: $339.

Autumn Brilliance Photography WorkshopOctober 17-20 Led by Willard Clay, one of our nation’s preeminent landscape pho-tographers, this workshop emphasizes digital photography, but all formats are welcome. Cost: $611. Includes instruction, meals, and lodging.

Emily Julian

Emily Julian

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Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program

The Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) is a field-based 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 am-phibians, 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).

If you are a graduate of our Southern Appala-chian 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.

SANCP Advanced Courses

Emily Julian

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Interpretation: A Teachable Art & Naturalist SkillsFebruary 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.

Birds of the SmokiesMay 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 Appala-chians!

Reptiles and AmphibiansAugust 4-6Discover the secret lives of reptile and amphibian species in the southern Appalachians.

Aquatic Natural HistoryAugust 6-8This course provides you with an over-view of the unique ecology of aquatic systems in the southern Appalachians, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Southern Appalachian EcologySeptember 19-21 Learn more about the ecology of the southern Appalachians, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Mammals October 31 - November 2Explore the diversity of mammal spe-cies in the southern Appalachians with a focus on the management practices used within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

SANCP Core Courses

Winter Woody Plant ID—Day ProgramJanuary 25Discover a number of characteristics that will help you identify trees even in the wintertime. Cost: $55 per person. Includes a sack lunch.

Advanced Birding September 19-21Dig deeper into the bird world by spending time with Citizen Science

Coordinator and Ornithologist Tiffany Beachy,

getting beyond bird basics.Cost: $317

Tiffany Beachy

16 Visit gsmit.org Tiffany Beachy

Call (865) 448-6709 17

As a private non-profit, Tremont depends on contributions to enhance and expand our programs for all ages. Our contributors include individuals, organi-zations, foundations, and corporations who value our mission and want to sup-port their employees and the community. To learn more about donating to Tremont, visit gsmit.org/donate.html or call (865) 448-6709 today!

Support and Funding

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 environ-mental 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!

Legacy of Tremont

Financial AidThanks 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

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cathy AckermannEsther BellJack BurginBill CobbleHank Dye

PROGRAM STAFF

teacher/naturalists

sales

store manager

marketing communications specialist

development/public relations director

finance manager

registrar & assistant office manager

office/human resources manager

Heather Davis

Since 1969, Tremont has provided a powerful learning experience to hundreds of thousands of students of all ages. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Trem-ont 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 long-term partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tremont Staff

president

Dylan AmersonKensey BakerMuriah BottemillerCaleb CarltonDawn DextrazeCasey Franklin

citizen science coordinator

school programs coordinatorspecial programs coordinator

program specialisteducation director

Tiffany BeachyJennie McGuiganJeremy LloydMary DresserJohn DiDiego

OFFICE AND SUPPORT STAFF

food service Heather AdamsNola AustinLinda HatcherChuck McElroyPatti Walker

Gary Carpenter

Billy Carroll

Charlene Stewart

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.

Julie Brown

Mike Gross

Sandra Byrd

food service director Harrison Haun

grounds & facilities Sam Crowe

grounds & facilities manager Phil (Doc) Johnson

Linda Vananda

Edward PershingDick RayBill VarnerChad Youngblood

Elizabeth EstillRandy GibsonGeorge Hashbarger, Jr.Jim Haslam

directors

Call (865) 448-6709 19Emily Julian

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Great Smoky Mountains Institute at TremontGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 37882

(865) 448-6709 phone (865) 448-9250 fax gsmit.org mail@gsmit.org

@GSMITremont onFacebook & Twitter

Tremont does not discriminate against applicants by race, creed, sex, or national origin.

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.

Glenn Rice