Day 3: Great Smoky Mountains

“Nature speaks in many ways. Today, we practiced listening.”

Day 3 of STEAM in the PARK at Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminded us that learning often begins when we slow down enough to notice.

Our morning started with a Listening Walk led by our incredible ambassadors. With journals in hand and ears tuned to the sounds around us, campers explored what it means to truly pay attention to a place. From birdsong and flowing water to rustling leaves and distant insects, the Smokies offered a soundtrack all their own. They then attached feelings to the sounds they heard.

Later, we headed to the lagoons for one of our most adventurous experiences yet: animal tracking. We searched for clues, examined signs left behind by wildlife, and learned how scientists and naturalists piece together stories from tracks, scat, markings, and other evidence. The hike itself challenged some of our campers. The terrain was not always easy, but we are incredibly proud of everyone who pushed through discomfort, supported one another, and accomplished something that felt difficult. Growth often happens just outside our comfort zones.

After lunch, we shifted our focus to rewilding. Campers explored the landscape looking for native plants such as flame azalea, mountain laurel, rhododendron, bee balm, black-eyed Susan, milkweed, and goldenrod. Along the way, conversations turned toward home. What would it look like to rewild a schoolyard? A backyard? A community space? Small actions can create important habitats, and our campers left inspired to help native plants and pollinators thrive wherever they live.

The afternoon continued with Leave No Trace. Campers learned the seven Leave No Trace principles and then brought them to life through creative skits, songs, and performances. There was plenty of laughter, a little improvisation, and a lot of learning as groups taught one another how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Before dinner, our detectives got to work during the Mystery of the Disappearing Log. Armed with pocket microscopes, observation skills, and a healthy dose of curiosity, campers examined real logs, searched for clues, and worked together to uncover the mystery. Like true naturalists, they learned that every fallen log has a story to tell. Ambassador Beth ended our session by reading "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig.

As the sun began to set, Education Director John led a dusky hike through the forest, offering a chance to experience the Smokies during one of the most magical times of day.

The evening concluded with a Cherokee Connection experience developed by Tremont staff, the National Park Service, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Campers explored Cherokee timelines, learned about traditional teas, and even tried their hand at catching dinner with a blow dart. Let's just say a few future hunters may need a little more practice, but everyone had fun trying.

Today was filled with listening, observing, wondering, persevering, and connecting. Another day of discovering that some of the best lessons happen when we step outside and let nature become the classroom.
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Eyes and Hearts Wide Open.