Can’t make this session? Join us for Wilderness Adventure Trek on June 28-July 3.
For teens ready to take their love of the outdoors to the next level, Wilderness Adventure Trek is the ultimate summer experience. Designed as an introduction to backpacking, this week-long adventure immerses campers in the wild heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s more than just hiking and camping – it’s about building confidence, resilience, and friendships that last a lifetime.
Over the course of the week, teens will shoulder their own packs and hike into the backcountry, carrying everything they need for four days and three nights of camping under the stars. Along the way, they’ll prepare meals, set up tents, filter water, and tackle the real challenges of wilderness living – all with the support of Tremont’s caring, professional naturalists. Mornings might begin with a mountain sunrise, afternoons with a swim in a cool stream, and evenings with laughter and reflection around the campfire. It’s designed to be both challenging and rewarding – an experience that will stick with them for a lifetime.
Parents can feel secure knowing that safety and support are woven into every aspect of the experience. Tremont staff handle logistics like permits, food, and group gear, while guiding campers through each step of the trek. With decades of combined backcountry experience, our naturalists balance fun with responsibility, ensuring teens feel both challenged and cared for.
At its core, Wilderness Adventure Trek isn’t just about learning how to backpack – it’s about learning who you are when you climb a mountain, push past your comfort zone, and discover you’re capable of more than you thought possible.
Before you register, we suggest reviewing this background information so you know what to expect. Campers can expect to hike an average of 5 miles per day (up to 9) with a pack weighing about 30 pounds.
Registration includes food and lodging in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Photos by Tohmi Barrett, Jeremy Johnson, Andy Ottinger, and Kathleen Reilly.
Please note: While we strongly believe that wilderness experiences lead to personal growth, Tremont is not structured to work with youth experiencing acute mental health crises and our programs should not be considered a substitute for wilderness therapy.
Wilderness Adventure Trek I at a Glance
Date: June 14, 2027 - June 19, 2027
Ages: 13-17
Location: Tremont’s Smokies Campus
9275 Tremont Road
Townsend, TN 37882
Need financial assistance? Money, or lack of it, should never stand in the way of a life-changing summer experience. Learn more about financial aid.
Already Registered? Check out the welcome letter for a tentative schedule, packing information, and other essential details for your Tremont program.
Lindsey Nguyen
Youth Summer Programs Coordinator
Here to help you get ready for camp
Sending your child to camp is an exciting adventure for campers and their grown-ups! Whether it’s their first overnight experience or they’re returning for another summer, we want you to feel confident and prepared.
Meet Lindsey Nguyen, Tremont’s Youth Summer Programs Coordinator. A lifelong lover of the Smokies, Lindsey is here to help answer your questions about camp life, preparing for your child’s stay, and what to expect along the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Explore our Summer Camp FAQ or email Lindsey with your camp questions.
YOUR HOME BASE IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
At Tremont, the setting is part of the experience. Nestled inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our Walker Valley campus is surrounded by forest, mountain streams, and opportunities for discovery around every corner. From shared meals and cozy accommodations to spaces for learning and gathering, get a feel for the place before you arrive.
YOUR HOME BASE IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
At Tremont, the setting is part of the experience. Nestled inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our Walker Valley campus is surrounded by forest, mountain streams, and opportunities for discovery around every corner. From shared meals and cozy accommodations to spaces for learning and gathering, get a feel for the place before you arrive.
