Meet Class Coordinator Carla Raferty.
Carla is a native Tennessean living in beautiful Walland with her husband Andy. She is a retired Healthcare Administrator, and now enjoy spending time in the Smokies as a part-time Jeep Tour Guide and became a Volunteer in Park after graduating from EYS in 2022. Carla is an EYS Board member, served and chaired the Public Relations Committee, management of the EYS store and shadowed the 2024 Class to prepare for the role as Class Coordinator.
2025 Schedule
NOTE: The final schedule will be published in March after finalized with National Park staff.
The class of 2025 will begin Saturday, July 12, 2025, 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with a welcome reception and dinner (6:00 p.m.) at the Lily Barn, Townsend, TN.
Graduation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. with lunch and speaker at the Abbey, Townsend, TN.
Tuesday, July 22
8:30am – 2:30pm
Let’s go Fishing!
Join the Park’s Fishery Biologist and crew as they sample populations of fish species along the spectacular Abrams Creek in Cades Cove.
Waders and lunch provided.
Meet at the Cades Cove Ranger Station/Campground office at 8:00 am for attendance, introductions and announcements.
Tuesday, August 12
8:30am – 2:30pm
Elkmont History, Park Maintenance and Historic Preservation
Resource education begins this session with a guided history hike in Elkmont. Next Facilities Management personnel talk about the Park’s preservation of the 80 historic structures and trail maintenance followed by hands-on experience. Lunch provided.
Meet in Elkmont Historic District at the Appalachian Club at 8:00 am for attendance and Class photo.
Tuesday, Sept 09
8:30am - 2:30 pm
Cades Cove History, Resource Protection, & Wildlife Management
The session begins with an interpretive program at the Primitive Baptist Church. Then learn about Resource Protection / Emergency Management operations. Followed by Appalachian Bear Rescue discussing management of wildlife. Lunch is provided. Meet at the Cades Cove Group Campsite #3 at 8:00 am for attendance and announcements.
TUESDAY, October 14
8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Air Quality, Exotics
Begins with a sunrise breakfast at Eagle Rock. Next hiking to Look Rock to learn and see how air quality and weather conditions are monitored. Followed by a presentation on exotics in the park and hands on observations of the forest.
Lunch is provided.
Meet at the Look Rock parking are on the Foothills Parkway at 7:30 am for carpool/caravan to Eagle Rock.
TUESDAY, November 4
8:00 am – 2:30 pm
Sugarlands Visitor Center, Resource Education, Park Partners and Twin Creeks Science Center
Starting with a full day with a Supervisory Ranger providing insight into the park’s busiest visitor center followed by park volunteers and EYS Alumni providing a hands-on interpretive experience for the class. Next up is a park update and messages from park partners.
Lunch provided.
Meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center at 7:30 am for attendance and announcements..
Tuesday, December 9
8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Preservation Center, Great Smoky Mtns Institute at Tremont & Volunteer Opportunities
Beginning with a tour at the Park’s Collections Preservation Center Museum curator of historical items from the park’s vast collection. Then, let’s be kids again!! Travel to Tremont to explore how their trans-formative experiential learning techniques help to create the next generation of stewards for our world’s environment. Lunch at Tremont cafeteria (each person pays for their lunch as the kids do).
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Heritage/ Preservation Center in Townsend for attendance and announcements..