A Letter from the CEO

The conclusion of this fiscal year comes just shy of the conclusion of my third year as President and CEO of Tremont. While I could not have imagined what this time would be like, I say with full sincerity that I couldn’t love my job more. In my time here, Tremont has become my home. And I expect, to many of you, it feels like home as well. For us to be able to open our doors to you again this year, to share experiences in nature, to hear the sounds of discovery and wonder, these all are worth more to me than any money in the bank. So, being able to report that we actually ended the year with money in the bank, well, that just makes it all the sweeter.

Last summer I presented a “worst-case scenario” budget, that showed a large deficit for the year. We moved forward, not yet knowing how Tremont would overcome that deficit, but we remained hopeful and determined. We fought to stay as intact as possible, trusting that eventually we would come out on the other side, prepared to seize whatever opportunity came with it. By most measures, we succeeded. We premiered our Weekly Wonder video series, we increased our adult field programs, we contributed Community Science to the park, we welcomed summer campers back to Walker Valley, and we began building back our staff team. 

It has been a difficult journey, but one marked with exceptional commitment to our mission by our staff, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders. We learned a lot this year. We changed and the world, too, changed around us. Education and the way it was being delivered changed. The world began discovering something we have known for years—the outdoors is the most effective classroom there is, no matter the subject. The hands-on learning that occurs outdoors isn’t just science, it’s universal.  At Tremont, we know that when you experience the wonders of nature- it isn’t naming the source of that wonder that matters, but it is the wonder itself.

The pandemic has drawn people to the outdoors. Increasingly, time spent in nature is being recognized as a key for health & wellness & mental well-being. And as people are positively impacted by nature, they are paying attention to the negative impact we have on this earth. The environment & how we care for it is emerging as a vital focus on every front. As we look toward the future, we are inspired by and positioned for the opportunity ahead.

We have a vision where people of all ages come to imagine new possibilities for themselves and for the planet.  We have the vision to help build a generation of problem solvers that knows and cares. We have a vision where people aren’t just caretakers of the land, but caregivers for the land. To achieve that vision, each day we work toward a learning environment for a diverse and engaged audience that promotes forward-thinking and fosters life-long learning to benefit our lives both personally and collectively. 

The support we received from you all this year was tremendous. It allowed us to continue working toward our vision. This report shares a chapter in our story that will not soon be forgotten, and one that because of you, ends on a positive note. I am so very grateful that you are a part of our story. 

Thank you.

Catey McClary
President & CEO
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

A Letter from the CEO

The conclusion of this fiscal year comes just shy of the conclusion of my third year as President and CEO of Tremont. While I could not have imagined what this time would be like, I say with full sincerity that I couldn’t love my job more. In my time here, Tremont has become my home. And I expect, to many of you, it feels like home as well. For us to be able to open our doors to you again this year, to share experiences in nature, to hear the sounds of discovery and wonder, these all are worth more to me than any money in the bank. So, being able to report that we actually ended the year with money in the bank, well, that just makes it all the sweeter.

Last summer I presented a “worst-case scenario” budget, that showed a large deficit for the year. We moved forward, not yet knowing how Tremont would overcome that deficit, but we remained hopeful and determined. We fought to stay as intact as possible, trusting that eventually we would come out on the other side, prepared to seize whatever opportunity came with it. By most measures, we succeeded. We premiered our Weekly Wonder video series, we increased our adult field programs, we contributed Community Science to the park, we welcomed summer campers back to Walker Valley, and we began building back our staff team. 

It has been a difficult journey, but one marked with exceptional commitment to our mission by our staff, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders. We learned a lot this year. We changed and the world, too, changed around us. Education and the way it was being delivered changed. The world began discovering something we have known for years—the outdoors is the most effective classroom there is, no matter the subject. The hands-on learning that occurs outdoors isn’t just science, it’s universal.  At Tremont, we know that when you experience the wonders of nature- it isn’t naming the source of that wonder that matters, but it is the wonder itself.

The pandemic has drawn people to the outdoors. Increasingly, time spent in nature is being recognized as a key for health & wellness & mental well-being. And as people are positively impacted by nature, they are paying attention to the negative impact we have on this earth. The environment & how we care for it is emerging as a vital focus on every front. As we look toward the future, we are inspired by and positioned for the opportunity ahead.

We have a vision where people of all ages come to imagine new possibilities for themselves and for the planet.  We have the vision to help build a generation of problem solvers that knows and cares. We have a vision where people aren’t just caretakers of the land, but caregivers for the land. To achieve that vision, each day we work toward a learning environment for a diverse and engaged audience that promotes forward-thinking and fosters life-long learning to benefit our lives both personally and collectively. 

The support we received from you all this year was tremendous. It allowed us to continue working toward our vision. This report shares a chapter in our story that will not soon be forgotten, and one that because of you, ends on a positive note. I am so very grateful that you are a part of our story. 

Thank you.

Catey McClary
President & CEO

A Glimpse Into This Year at Tremont

A Glimpse Into This Year at Tremont

Through a combination of virtual and in-person programming, we were able to reach a wide variety of people.

Through a combination of virtual and in-person programming, we were able to reach a wide variety of people.

Program Highlights

Students, teachers, and adults learners all returned to campus this year to reconnect with nature.

Summer interns made an impact.

Program Highlights

Summer interns made an impact.

Meet the people who helped make the magic happen

2020-21 Financials

The financial results depicted are derived from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont audited financial statements from July 31, 2021.

In April of 2020, Tremont received PPP funding for SBA’s COVID relief in the amount of $237,716. This loan was forgiven in FY 20/21, and is represented as income in this time period. In January 2021, Tremont received PPP funding in the amount of $233,268. This was forgiven in FY 21/22, and is not represented as income, but has been recorded as current PPP note payable in this time period.

Revenue Sources

Donations/Grant Income $1,282,160
Other Revenue* $751,790
Program Fees $317,066
Gift Store Net Sales $22,200
Total Support and Revenue $2,373,216

*Other Revenue is made up of interest income, miscellaneous income, employee retention credit income, and unrealized gain on investments.

Expenses

Programs $624,064
General & Administrative $604,132
Fundraising & Development $102,394
Total Functional Expenses $1,330,590

Supporting You Virtually

We learned a lot in the last two years, and, as a result, we’re able to support learners across the country – on demand and from their own homes!

The Magic of Tremont in Your Own Backyard

As a response to the pandemic, we created our Weekly Wonder video series for a different kind of outdoor experience — from wherever you are!

Bringing the Smokies to You

SmokiEEE's @ Home logo

Explore, entertain, and escape with Smokieees at Home activities from Tremont and other park partners.

Supporting Educators Through the Schoolyard Network

To support teachers during the pandemic, we created The Schoolyard Network, a monthly virtual session for regional educators to ask questions, gather ideas, and feel supported in their challenging work.

Supporting Educators Through the Schoolyard Network

To support teachers during the pandemic, we created The Schoolyard Network, a monthly virtual session for regional educators to ask questions, gather ideas, and feel supported in their challenging work.

The Magic of Tremont in Your Own Backyard

As a response to the pandemic, we created our Weekly Wonder video series for a different kind of outdoor experience — from wherever you are!

Bringing the Smokies to You

SmokiEEE's @ Home logo

Explore, entertain, and escape with Smokieees at Home activities from Tremont and other park partners.

Our work couldn’t happen without you.

Thank you for your support to Tremont.