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Place-Based Learning Experiences

Learning is enhanced when students are fully immersed in the process and can investigate and interact in the environment around them. Our elementary educational experiences create hands-on encounters which engage students. Students build their critical thinking skills and scientific literacy. Educational adventures challenge teachers and students to develop meaningful connections to the land.

Rich Experiences

Facilitation that captures a full circle of learning.

Curiosity

Sparking excitement and discovery.

Growth

Emotional, social and academic development.

Benefits

- heightened interest in learning and trying new things

- willingness to act as stewards of the environment

- understanding of science and the natural world

- closer relationship with peers; disconnecting from technology

- lifelong memories

Community Education invites your student to embark on the journey of a lifetime! Whether traveling across town or across the country, students learn about the environment around them and the greater ecosystem. Students travel with trained chaperones and staff to ensure a safe and productive experience away from home.

Discovery

Kids make amazing discoveries about wildlife, the land and themselves.


Upcoming 2023-2024 Tremont Treks

Currently, our place-based experiences are being offered to current students in Grade 5. Keep visiting this page for future experiences and opportunities.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont | Frequently-Asked Questions

1. When does registration open?

Registration dates will be noted above. Please contact BessJ@msdr9.org for information.

2. Is registration online only?

Yes, registration is online only at this time. Please call Community Education at 314.467.5280 for additional support.

3. How many spots are available? Will there be a waitlist?

Available spots are determined by the size of the schools who are attending and how many students can be transported on the bus(es). Yes, a waitlist will be started once all available spots are reserved. There is no guarantee all students will be placed on a trip. If placed on the waitlist, you will be contacted personally if a spot opens on a first-come, first-served basis.

4. How much does the trip cost? Do I have to pay it all at once?

The trip costs $500. A deposit is due during registration. You may pay in full or installments as indicated.

5. Who chaperones the trip? How are children supervised on the road? Can parents go?

Mehlville School District employees and staff attend the trip with students. Parents are not allowed to attend. Our hope is that our students experience independence and self-reliance. While traveling on the road, the bus will make scheduled stops at rest areas and gas stations. Chaperones will check the restrooms and buildings prior to the students arrival. Students will be accounted for on/off the bus during these brief stops and headcount will be taken before departure. Chaperones are with students during all hikes, activities, meals, time in the dorm and around the campfire.

6. What should they bring? What should stay home?

A detailed pack list is available here: Tremont Pack List. This pack list can also be emailed by reaching out to BessJ@msdr9.org.

7. Can my student bring their cell phone or other device?

Students will have access to cellular service on the bus to and from Tremont. (No Wi-Fi is available on the bus.) While at Tremont, cell service is non-existent. Limited Wi-Fi is available at Tremont and restricted to office use only. Student phones will be gathered and secured on the bus during the time at Tremont. A landline is available in case of emergency. Mehlville staff will be available to assist with any concerns or emergencies. Digital or disposable cameras are encouraged for taking photos while on their journey.

8. Can my student sit next to their bestie on the bus? Can they bunk together?

Trip administration and chaperones will make the bus and activity group assignments prior to the trip. Bus assignments will be made by school. Groups may include students from other schools. Students will make new friends and build new bonds. Students may choose their own bunk upon arriving to the dorms at Tremont.

9. What happens if my child falls ill?

Our trip lead will pick up a rental car upon arrival to Tremont. If a student is injured, two adults will transport the child to the emergency room/urgent care. If the injury is severe, we will call 9-1-1. Tremont staff are certified in Wilderness First Responder Training.

10. What are the trip prerequisites and behavior guidelines in order for my student to attend?

The Mehlville School District is determined to help all students find success within the program. All students shall exhibit appropriate behavior. If guidelines are not followed, a parent or guardian must be willing and able to pick up the students from GSMIT. A review of behavior from the previous school year may be conducted, if necessary, to determine eligibility. Throughout the duration of the trip, students are expected to:

  • Follow proper safety procedures at all time including avoidance of causing self-harm or harm to others
  • Following directions from MSDR9 and Tremont staff and chaperones
  • Stay with group at all times
  • Walk unassisted on uneven terrain for extended period of time
  • Remain outside in all weather situations
  • Be able to travel in various vehicles, including a bus
  • Manage their own personal needs and belongings
  • Assist in the care and cleaning of facility
  • Share a living and sleeping space with others of the same gender and age
  • Maintain a safe sleeping environment
  • Independently manage their daily routine (toilet hygiene, dressing, bathing, eating, etc.)

Support for Children with Special Needs: The Mehlville School District and Community Education support the inclusion of children with varying levels or abilities and needs. It is critical that parents and guardians advise Community Education of any allergies, health conditions, accommodations or needs at the time of registration. Without a full disclosure, Community Education may not be prepared to ensure the child's success in the program. Enrollment will not be considered final until all requirements have been met and reviewed. Upon receipt of all documentation, a determination will be made on whether or what reasonable accommodations can be made for the experience. Please note that Community Education does not have the same staff resources available that children may receive during the normal school day. If the support cannot be provided without a major alteration of the program, Community Education reserves the right to deny or terminate the child's registration.

11. If they miss school, will they have to make up their classroom assignments?

The Tremont Treks are considered educational and classroom teachers will adjust their homework and testing assignments as needed.

12. Are they staying in tents? A cabin? A yurt? What will they eat there?

Accommodations at Tremont include dormitory housing, a full-service cafeteria, outdoor classroom facilities and an indoor lab space. Students will be house and supervised in single-gender dorms which are equipped with heat, restrooms and showers. Meals are healthy, student-friendly options and are served family-style. Many allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

13. How far away is Tremont? It's a long trip, what will they eat?

Students will travel to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont in Townsend, TN. The trip takes approximately 8-9 hours by bus (with scheduled rest stops). The bus will make one stop for breakfast and a meal on the way home. Snacks are welcome on the bus, as long as they adhere to the guidelines spelled out at the parent meeting prior to the trip.

14. Will we get updates? Will I see my child?

Yes, prior to the trip, we will share a private Facebook page with families and provide frequent updates. However, the cell service is almost non-existent in the park and Wi-Fi is weak, so please be patient with chaperones during that time. Every effort will be taken to be sure that all children have a few photos posted, but do know that our chaperones are busy teaching and caring for the children. Safety first; photos second.

15. What is the cancellation policy?

A confirmation will be provided at the time of registration. Deadline dates for cancelling and receiving a full refund (minus a cancellation fee) will be indicated in the confirmation. Full refunds are not guaranteed after this specified date, unless we can fill the vacancy with another student. If we are unable to fill the spot, you will not receive a refund, as we have already submitted a non-refundable deposit for transportation and lodging. Exceptions may be considered for emergency and/or documented medical reasons. Please contact Community Education to discuss at 314.467.5280 or BessJ@msdr9.org.

16. I have additional questions? Whom can I contact?

Please email BessJ@msdr9.org or call 314.467.5280. You can even text 314.853.6051, if after normal business hours.


Contact Us

Community Education
Mehlville School District
3120 Lemay Ferry Road
Saint Louis, MO 63125
314.467.5280 phone

If you have any questions about the programs we offer, feel free to contact us.