Escape to the Smokies! Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is hosting its annual Teacher Escape Weekend over the September 26-28^th, 2008 weekend. Join the Tremont teacher/naturalists for an exciting look at what Tremont has to offer. 

This year we have planned an afternoon at Cades Cove with an opportunity to participate in our Citizen Science Monarch Tagging Project. Dip your toes in the Middle Prong while learning a little about Stream Physics. Relax by the campfire and listen to mountain music and stories. This weekend is an opportunity to meet other teachers, share ideas, learn about new Tremont programs and answer questions you may have before your school’s visit. It is also a time to relax, enjoy the mountain scenery and make new friends.

Attendance in this program allows teachers to attend free of charge when their school participates in a 3 or 5 day Tremont school program. It also reduces the cost of the trip for each participant. This program is not only for the lead teacher, but any teachers participating with your school group.

Program Length	Cost per student as of April 2007 (without attending Teacher Escape Weekend)	Cost per student as of April 2007 (with attending Teacher Escape Weekend)
3-Day Program	$144.00	$136.00
5-Day Program	$200.00	$192.00
High School Program	$199.00	$191.00

The cost of Teacher Escape Weekend is free ($50.00 deposit refunded with attendance and when you bring a group) because Tremont understands the importance of this pre-trip experience for new and returning teachers.  We hope that participants learn more about this special place and the range of opportunities available here. For more information you can call the School Program Director at (865) 448-9732 ext. 16 or you can access the registration form here. Also, you will need to download the health and waiver form to turn in with your registration form.

Please download Connecting People and Nature - Your Visit to Tremont booklet for directions and what to bring.

Sample Schedule from Teacher Escape 2007

Friday, September 28^th

3:00 – 5:00     Check-in (in main office – to the left after you cross bridge) and move into dorm!

6:00               SUPPER in the Dining Hall

7:00               Welcome and Introductions in Cove Room
                     Guest introductions, GSMIT introduction, Children in Nature with Amber Parker

8:00               Relax or join us in the council house for a campfire and Q&A time or carpool to the
                     Townsend Festival

9:00               What are snacks like at Tremont?  Come taste a few in the Dining Hall

Saturday, September 29^th

8:00               BREAKFAST

 

9:00 -11:00      New teachers in the group will go with Jen Martin to take a site tour-
                      Look at facilities, trailheads, discuss protocol (first aid, meals, etc.)
OR  Stream Physics Program

11:00 – 12:00   Why Environmental Education?  Results of Tremont Evaluation Project with Jen Martin
                      and Jennifer Love

12:00               BREAK AND QUESTIONS

12:30                  LUNCH

1:30                 Cades Cove and Monarch Tagging Field Trip – Join us in the Cove for a overview of our
                       Cades Cove program plus assist in our Monarch tagging Citizen Science project.

5:30                 FREE TIME

6:00                 SUPPER

7:00- 9:00         Teacher Appreciation Social – Meet the Staff of Tremont and enjoy this time together
                       to share ideas and make new friends!

Sunday, September 30th

8:00                 BREAKFAST

9:00                 Pack, move out of the dorm

9:30 – 11:30     Geology Hike to the Falls

OR Mini-ATBI Program OR Air Quality Program 

11:30-12:15      Closing Circle         

12:30               LUNCH

Have a safe Trip home and we look forward to seeing you with your school groups!

Teachers who bring school groups to Tremont are invited to join together to share knowledge and experiences of making the most of your school's visit. Learn ways to prepare your students, help students get the most from their experience and bring the lessons back to the classroom. All of this while enjoying a beautiful fall weekend in the Smokies. There are wonderful opportunities for first time teachers to get to know the program as well as for returning teachers to share ideas, experiences and further their knowledge. Teacher Escape Weekend lasts from Friday supper to Sunday lunch. Let us take you away from your classroom and into 500,00 acres of one of nature’s most beautiful and inspiring classrooms.

Cost: FREE with your school's scheduled attendance. A $50 deposit is required, but will be refunded when you attend with your school. One hour of graduate credit is available for an additional fee.