In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nestled amidst the lush greenery and towering peaks, lies Tremont Institute, a haven of adventure and discovery for kids of all ages. As the sun rises over the misty valleys, anticipation fills the air as young campers embark on a journey of exploration and growth.
Among them is Sarah, a spirited ten-year-old from Knoxville. With her backpack slung over her shoulder and a wide grin on her face, she is eager to start exploring her surroundings — a whole national park as her playground! The Tremont campus buzzes with excitement as children gather by the dorms to start their day.
For Sarah, the adventure begins with Discovery Camp, tailored for curious minds aged 9 to 12. Led by experienced naturalists, the campers embark on daily expeditions, unraveling the mysteries of the forest, and uncovering hidden gems along the trails. From identifying native flora to tracking elusive wildlife, every moment is a chance to learn and grow.
Under the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, Sarah discovers a newfound love for the wilderness. This week, she will come face-to-face with a Smokies salamander, create rock paint in the icy waters of the Middle Prong, find herself fascinated by fireflies, build a shelter from fallen branches, and kindle a fire using only natural materials. She will encounter so many new ideas, people, and interests — experiences she had never imagined herself having.
Sarah’s story is not unusual at Tremont, an environmental education center located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, Tennessee. Throughout the summer, campers (ages 4-17) spend three to 10 days living and learning in the park, experiencing the outdoors in new and exciting ways. For many, this is their first overnight experience away from home; Tremont’s teacher naturalists are highly skilled at making everyone feel welcome so that Tremont’s campus feels like home throughout their stay.
Tremont’s offerings extend beyond the Discovery Camp that Sarah is attending. For younger children, there’s the Great Smoky Mountains Family Camp, a delightful retreat where families can bond over outdoor activities, storytelling sessions, and starlit campfires. It’s a chance for parents to reconnect with their inner child and create cherished memories with their little ones amidst the splendor of nature.
As Sarah grows older, she will set her sights on Tremont’s backcountry adventure camp, an exhilarating program designed for teens craving a taste of wilderness survival. Armed with backpacks and sleeping bags, she and her fellow adventurers will embark on multi-day treks into the remote corners of the national park. Guided by Tremont’s seasoned wilderness experts, they navigate rugged terrain, cross babbling streams, and pitch tents beneath the star-studded sky. Sarah knows this will push her to her limits, testing her resilience and resourcefulness, but she looks forward to the challenge.
As the sun sets behind the mountains, casting a warm glow over the campgrounds, Sarah reflects on her journey, a summer week filled with laughter, friendship, and boundless exploration. With a heart full of memories and a mind buzzing with newfound knowledge, she bids farewell to Tremont’s summer camp, knowing that its lessons will stay with her long after she returns home.
For Sarah, and countless other campers like her, Tremont’s summer camp is more than just a destination; it’s a gateway to a lifetime of adventure and discovery in the embrace of nature’s wonders.
Give the young adventurer in your life the unique opportunity to explore, play, and learn in one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the world. Learn more and register for an awe-inspiring summer adventure at gsmit.org/summer-camp.
