Tremont, The Smokies Enchanting Institute

Wednesday June 23, 2010
The Institute is a private, non-profit organization and partner of the National Park Service

TOWNSEND, Tenn.- Situated in the heart of the national park in Walker Valley, surrounded by half a million acres of national forest and many miles of trails, is Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The Institute is a private, non-profit organization and partner of the National Park Service to provide educational programs that increase the awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural and cultural resources of the Great Smoky Mountains and promote stewardship of these resources.

"Tremont is a place where youth and adults can indulge in environmental educational programs. Our goal is to connect with nature," said John DiDiego, education director at Tremont. "We want to help people understand and appreciate the sheer beauty of the Smokies."

By providing a dormitory, classrooms, outdoor meeting shelters and various other facilities, Tremont is able to give visitors an increased knowledge of the natural beauty of the area. With the guidance of exceptionally skilled teachers with diverse backgrounds in environmental education and outdoor leadership, Tremont strives to instill an awareness and concern for the environment and understanding of the natural and cultural resources of the Smoky Mountains. The top priority for Tremont staff is to ensure that visitors leave with a positive global environmental ethic.

Tremont offers a variety of opportunities to serve different interests, abilities and age groups. Youth and adult programs range from wildlife and photography to nature observation and tracking to resource management. Adult programs such as advanced hiking and wilderness courses are also made available to the older age groups.

"We offer a variety of programs in the fall-everything from hiking to photography workshops," DiDiego said. "We also have teacher escape weekends where teachers can get away to learn about the topics and how to teach them better."

Since 1969, Tremont has provided in-depth experiences to more than half a million people of all ages through residential educational programs designed to nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrate diversity and foster stewardship.

Expenses cover lodging, meals and the specific program. For more information about Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, please call (865) 448-6709, email email@gsmit.org, or visit www.gsmit.org.

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