Book Your Smokies Outdoor School Day
Bring your students to Tremont for a full day of hands-on learning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – no overnight stay required!
Smokies Outdoor School Day gives students the chance to explore science, ecology, and careers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park through hands-on field learning with Tremont’s experienced team of educators. Designed especially with local schools in mind, this special offering is ideal for schools that have been curious about Tremont but need a more accessible first step before committing to a residential program.
This program is offered for a limited time in September 2026. Because this is a pilot offering with limited dates available, interested schools are encouraged to reach out early. Tremont staff will work with participating teachers to shape a day that supports your students, grade level, classroom goals, and school logistics.
Your students will be rewarded with a meaningful Smokies experience that helps them feel more connected to the natural world, their classmates, and themselves as learners. Learn more about our residential school trips to Tremont.
Program Details
- Who can attend: Schools serving grades 4–12
- Group size: Minimum 20 students; maximum 120 students
- Adult ratio: 1 adult for every 20 students
- Cost: $70/person when school provides sack lunches; $75/person when Tremont provides sack lunches*
*Don’t let money be a barrier! Scholarship support is available for local schools to help cover the cost of this program, including transportation. Email us for more information.
Track 1: Academic Explorations
A “mini Tremont trip” for grades 4–12
Academic Explorations is designed for classes seeking a field-based science experience that connects to classroom learning. We’ll work alongside you to curate an academic experience for your students based on disciplinary core ideas supporting NGSS and other state standards. (See a sample schedule.)
- School selects three courses. Topics include: geology (weathering and erosion, plate tectonics), life science (adaptations), earth science (ecology), and engineering design process
- Students participate in field experiences, selecting the course that most closely aligns with their personal interests
This track is a great fit for schools looking to deepen classroom science, introduce students to outdoor investigation, or build enthusiasm for a future overnight Tremont experience.
Track 2: STEM Careers in the Smokies
A career-connected field science day for grades 8–12
STEM Careers in the Smokies gives middle and high school students a glimpse into the wide range of careers connected with science, conservation, and public lands in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Students participate in field science experiences while learning how these skills connect to real careers in the park. Topics include: stream ecology, air quality, stream physics, or salamander investigations
- Introduction to over 75 potential careers in the park
- Potential to include NPS Rangers and other NPS professionals
This track is a strong fit for career exploration, STEM pathways, environmental science, CTE connections, and students who are beginning to imagine what their future work could look like.
Interested? Let’s Talk!
Interested schools should email Kelly Barnes to begin planning their Smokies Outdoor School Day experience. When you click the link, you’ll be prompted to provide some basic information to get the conversation started; we can always adjust details later. Once we have your information, Tremont staff will work with you to shape a day that fits your students, your goals, and your schedule.
