We were lucky to have a fantastic group of kids stay with us Thursday night. These kids are from Pi Beta Phi school in Gatlinburg. This trip was part of a "Parks as Classrooms" reward trip. Melissa Crisp, a teacher on the trip, told me about the program, " Parks as Classrooms at Pi Beta Phi is a cross-curricular standards based program which uses Great Smoky Mountains National Park resources to teach lessons to K-8 grade students." The trip is a reward for the students with the most service hours. These service hours are performed in the National Park. What a great way to teach the kids about a wonderful resource we have in our "backyard". It warms my heart to see children of all ages experiencing the wonders of nature. Who knows, maybe there is a future Ranger in the bunch.
My niece was in Gatlinburg on a field trip with the 5th grade class from Chattanooga. Her mom was with her and I text her and told her to hike up to Mt. Leconte. They have never been up there. Of course I don't think they came prepared to hike and instead there plans were Dollywood and Wonder World. What a great trip for the for the Gatlinburg kids. Some don't even know the lodge is there and its in their own back yard.May they have many more hikes up.
Tom Clemmons
5/19/2012 02:53:04 am
Great photo, great commentary. I really enjoy this site everyday! I'm 68, but my "bucket list" includes hiking up to the hotel staying over night, and hiking back down the next day. Want to see the llamas too!
Mike
5/19/2012 03:27:39 am
Tom: I'm 67 and LeConte was on my bucket list. Made it up last year and go again in June of this year. Be sure to do it; you won't regret it!
Juanita
5/19/2012 11:53:45 pm
Oh Tom, I must encourage you. I had a hip and both knees replaced and mad the trip last summer for the first time. And I'm a 130 years old! LOL, of course not, but I'm much older than you.
Nadine
5/19/2012 03:15:28 am
As an envirnmental educator it warms my heart to see those kids on the mountain. I love seeing kids on the trails when we hike. Who will do our jobs some day if we don't encourage their curiosity about &comfort in the outdoors now? Awesome program at Pi Beta Phi.
Doris Purcell
5/19/2012 04:00:06 am
My husband, Paul, age 72 is preparing for his 5th trip up to LeConte in June. He has done it annually, even following 2 separate knee replacements and really enjoys the trip. Because of lumbar disc disease, I am unable to go but he always finds willing partners. Our son and grandson went 2 years ago. He says it is a beautiful place to visit and relax and he has hiked all trails, either up or down. This is usually his Christmas gift from me! Wish I could go and recomment everyone go that is able!
Mike
5/19/2012 07:55:13 am
Doris: I found it to be a very humbling experience to stand there and look out at the great expanse of mountains. Really makes you realize hoiw small and insignificant man is. The only bad part about the first trip up is you can get hooked and want to repeat the experience.
pam
5/19/2012 07:47:21 am
Great job for those students and their teachers! It warms my heart to hear good things about kids instead of the negative. Planning our second trip up the mt in July. Can't wait!
jeanne
5/19/2012 02:48:54 pm
I love it!!! Well, except for the fact that they went without me! The PaCs program is excellent and it gives me hope for the future! 5/22/2012 12:00:12 am
Blog is absolutely fantastic! All great information can be helpful in some or the other way. Keep updating the blog,looking forward for more content. 6/27/2012 12:40:16 am
It is one of the best way to spend holiday for children to visit a mountain and enjoy there, I have seen these type of seen around me. Comments are closed.
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LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
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