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Tremont Treks

Community Education invites your fifth-grade student to embark on the journey of a lifetime! During a Tremont Trek, students learn about the environment around them and the greater ecosystem while building independence and resiliency. Students travel with trained chaperones and staff to ensure a safe and productive experience away from home.


Upcoming 2024-2025 Tremont Treks

March 9-12, 2025

Open to fifth-grade students from Beasley, Bierbaum, Forder, Hagemann, MOSAIC and Trautwein elementary schools

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

Registration opens October 1, 2024, at 10 a.m.

April 1-4, 2025

Open to fifth-grade students from Blades, Oakville, Point, Rogers and Wohlwend elementary schools

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

Registration opens October 1, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont | Frequently Asked Questions

When does registration open?

Registration opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, for both Tremont trips. Online registration links will be posted on October 1. Please call Community Education at 314-467-5280 if you need assistance with registration.

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 buses. 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 on a first-come, first-served basis if a spot opens.

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

The trip costs $710. The trip can be paid in full at the time of registration or you may elect to pay in installments. The trip fees must be paid in full before a student can attend Tremont.

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.

What should they bring? What should stay home?

A detailed packing list is available here: Tremont Pack List

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.

Will my child get to experience Tremont with their friends?

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.

What happens if my child gets sick?

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 911. Tremont staff are certified in Wilderness First Responder Training.

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 Mehlville School District and Tremont staff and chaperones
  • Stay with the group at all times
  • Walk unassisted on uneven terrain for extended periods 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. 

A nurse will be on each Tremont trip. Health forms will be sent to registered students in January. Please submit these as soon as possible. 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.

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.

Where are students staying and what will they eat?

Accommodations at Tremont include dormitory housing, a full-service cafeteria, outdoor classroom facilities and an indoor lab space. Students will be housed and supervised in single-gender dorms that 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. Learn more about accommodations at Tremont.

How far away is Tremont? How will students get there?

The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is located in Townsend, Tennessee. Students will travel by bus, and the trip takes about 8-9 hours with scheduled rest stops. The bus will make one stop for breakfast on the way to Tremont, and will stop for 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.

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 $250 cancellation fee) will be indicated in the confirmation. 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 ulrichm@msdr9.org.

Pre-trip Meetings
Please save the date for our pre-trip parent meeting! The meeting for the March trip will be March 3. The meeting for the April trip will be March 27.

If I have questions, who can I contact?

Please email ulrichm@msdr9.org or call 314-467-5280.


Contact Us

Community Education
Mehlville School District
3120 Lemay Ferry Road
Saint Louis, MO 63125
314-467-5280

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