2011 7 th Grade Environmental Science Club Trip

1. 2011 7th Grade Environmental Science Club Trip October 24-26, 2011 Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont

2. What is GSMI at Tremont? • GSMIT provides in-depth experiences through education programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship, and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

3. Tremont’s Mission • Connecting people and nature summarizes our mission, which we accomplish through providing hands-on learning experiences with the National Park, focusing on developing in people a greater sense of place, a deepened appreciation and awe for the diversity of life and people, and an ethics of stewardship that follows them home.

4. The Facilities • http://www.gsmit.org/CampusTour.html

5. Trip Costs • Program Fee: $175 • Transportation: $100 • Extra Meals/Snacks: $25 • TOTAL COST TO STUDENT: $300 Payment Schedule: • Deposit Due May 20, 2011 $100 • August 22, 2011 $100 • September 23, 2011 $100 • All payments must be made no later than September 23, 2011!!

6. Environmental Science Club Trip Policies Requirements for being in the environmental science club: • Attend all meetings (If there is a conflict, please see Mrs. Bowling) • Participate in an outdoor classroom trail clean-up (we have 2 per year, one in Fall and one in Spring) • Participate in the Conservation Essay Contest (Requirements passed out in September meeting) • Help with the ink cartridge and toner cartridge recycling collection • Develop a project for the Energy Expo in March 2012 This club is an extracurricular organization, therefore it is a privilege. If students cannot maintain appropriate behavior while at school or on the bus and maintain good grades, then they do not need to be involved in this activity. In order to stay for meetings and attend trips, students must follow these policies: • Students must maintain a passing grade in ALL classes. Teacher will check grades before trips and meetings and students that are not passing at the time of these will not be permitted to attend trips or meetings. • Students shall not receive more than 3 days of after school detention. • Students cannot be placed in the PASS program at any point for any reason. • Students cannot be suspended from school or the bus at any point for any reason. • If students fail to follow these policies no refunds will be given for payments made towards trips.

7. Tremont Trip Packing List • a sleeping bag, OR 1 or 2 blankets and single bed sheets • pillow • 2 towels and washcloths • soap, shampoo, comb/brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. • several pairs of pants • bathing suit • 1 shirt per day and at least one sweater/fleece • warm coat, gloves and hat (evenings can get cool) • At least 1 pair of socks per day (2 is better!!) • 1 pair of pajamas • underwear for each day • 1 pair of sneakers or hiking boots (Sturdy soled shoes are necessary!!!!) • 1 pair of old shoes for getting wet • 1 pair of comfortable sturdy shoes or boots for hiking. • notebook and pencils (journal) • 1 backpack. • 2 canteens or water bottle with tight fitting lid, (a re-used water container works great). Please bring at least 25 oz. container. • Quality rain gear is a must - raincoat or poncho!

8. Optional But Recommended Items • camera • magnifying glass • compass • slippers or flip-flops for use in dorm • flashlight

9. What Not to Bring… • "good" clothes (Anything you wouldn’t want to get stained or dirty!) • snacks, food, gum or candy (this attracts insects and other animals to buildings, snacks will be provided for you!) • radios, hair dryers, curling irons or other electrical equipment • slick-soled shoes • knives or any kind • cigarettes, illegal drugs, alcohol • expensive belongings like iPods, cell phones, etc.