NAVARRE HIGH SCHOOL BAND WINTER TRIP 2025
Atlanta and The Great Smoky Mountains
Parents/Guardians and Band Students: Greetings from the NHS Band Hall! This packet includes important information regarding this year’s Winter Band Trip to Atlanta and the Great Smoky Mountains. Remember that these trips are optional…they are simply a “play hard” portion of our band year, an opportunity to further team build and bond and celebrate after the intense work of marching season. We have made efforts to add mostly new experiences and a different travel season, differentiating this trip from the one 2 years ago to this area. If you would like to reserve a spot on the trip, please print and return the signed trip intent form that can be found at the bottom of this letter ASAP. Your $150 per person non-refundable deposit (and paid in full band fees) must accompany the Intent Form as a check/MO to NHSBPA with student name and Band Trip in the memo line or make a timestamped payment in CutTime. A cash payment is acceptable as a last resort. Amy, our Treasurer, will add the cost to your account after your reservation is made. Limited spots remain as of 8/31/2024, so act fast. A waitlist will be maintained. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks!
Janet Bautista
Navarre H.S. Band Boosters
TRIP DATES – Thursday January 2 - Monday January 6, 2025 --- We will be taking this trip during winter break so that our kids won’t be missing any school. (Please note that school is in session on 1/7/2025, the day after we return.) Hopefully, we will see some snow on this trip and our students will be able to enjoy the diversity of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area as an experience much different from our hometown climate and landscape.
CHARTER BUSES & LODGING – We are currently working to secure contracts with companies for our Band Trip. The current plan is for us to be transported by charter buses, and our accommodations will be for four nights at the “King of the Mountain” luxury cabin in Sevierville, TN. Students will stay four + per room (# of beds vary per room) and adults usually stay two per room. A full private bath is in every room.
INCLUDED IN THE BASE COST OF THE TRIP - Charter Bus Transportation, Gorgeous Lodge Accommodations for 4 nights with Mountain Views/Theater Room/Game Room/Indoor Pool/2 Spas, Meals and Snacks except where noted, Scenic Drive through the Smoky Mtns, Dollywood 1 Day Theme Park admission + Dinner Vouchers, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show, Ober Mountain Gatlinburg, gentle hike, the Island Unlimited Wristband and Alcatraz Crime Museum, Winterfest Lights Tour. As with any trip you might take, these activities are subject to change due to availability, participation, weather conditions, etc.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TRIP
Departure Day Breakfast (eat before you arrive or bring on the bus) and Lunch ($$, stop en-route), Thu Jan 2.
Return Lunch (stop en-route) or Dinner (should be back in Navarre to allow late dinner at home), Mon Jan 6.
Any extra meals or snacks bought while out and about.
Souvenirs, optional excursions, other non-group activity spending money desired while exploring the Atlanta/Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge areas, etc.
PRICING & RECOMMENDED PAYMENT PLAN – The base cost of the trip is expected to be $660 per person… final numbers depending on the final number of participants. Again, this includes transportation, lodging accommodations, three great meals a day, and more, as per above. I believe that we have worked to produce a trip that is very cost efficient. It would be very difficult to visit Atlanta and the Smoky Mountains for this amount per person on your own. Payments may currently be made via Check, MO/Cashier’s Check, Credit Card payments in CutTime, or cash (last resort). A PayPal or Square option is also being considered. The recommended payment plan is as follows. Please pay more earlier, if possible:
Now or ASAP -$150 non-refundable deposit + signed trip intention form (both required for reservation).
Remaining amount in 7 payments of $65 every 2 weeks with the final balance >/= $55 paid 2 weeks before travel. Excursion payments due ASAP before time of reservation through venue, no later than approximately 2 months prior to ensure availability. We will communicate excursion deadline once we determine how many are interested. Payment amounts may be adjusted based on final participation numbers.
Please Note: Trip spots are limited due to transportation and accommodation space and cost. They are on a 1st come 1st serve basis for students that are in good standing and by order of deposit payment. As stated in previous meetings, chaperones for overnight trips must be Level 2 approved per schoolboard rules and will qualify based on a combination of that status with consideration for seniority and heavy volunteer participation, especially in concessions. The last day to pay off the balance is Dec 12. Remember, much of the cost of the trip is paid weeks/months in advance of our leaving. Lastly, we do ask that the student’s Fair-Share/Fees are also paid in full before a spot can be reserved. Thanks.
WHO CAN GO? – This trip is open to any student currently enrolled in a band class at Navarre High School who is in good standing academically, financially, and behaviorally. Level 2 approved parents/guardians that meet the criteria noted above may also attend at the same price listed so long as space is available. However, band students will initially be favored for spots above 12 to allow for the maximum number of students to participate with available space. Parents/Adults who attend are expected to chaperone and must have obtained Level 2 Volunteer approval for Navarre High School along with attending the Chaperone Trip Meeting(s).
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED BAND TRIP ITINERARY 2025 – ATLANTA/SMOKY MTNS
(Subject to Change based on Availability/Participation/Weather/etc)
Thursday, January 2nd.
5:00 am-Meet at Band Hall (eat b’fast BEFORE you arrive, bring bus snacks and bottled drinks w/ screw top/lid)
5:30 am-Depart for King of the Mountain Lodge, Sevierville, TN
Lunch at The Varsity, Atlanta - $$ Needed
Visit GA Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola Museum (Approx. 5 hours of touring)
Arrive at Cabin late evening. Easy dinner at cabin and settle in.
Friday, January 3rd
Breakfast and relax/explore the lodge
Dollywood Theme Park all day (opens at 11:00 a.m. - closes at 9:00 p.m.)
Lunch - We will brown bag in the parking lot (meal included) or students may purchase food in the park.
Dinner in the Park using Included Meal Vouchers
Return to lodge. Lights out TBD.
Saturday, January 4th
Breakfast at the lodge
Gatlinburg: Short Hike/Explore Downtown Gatlinburg
Rest + Brown Bag Lunch
Ober Mountain –3-4hrs approx., Wristband Activities (Ice Skating, Scenic Tram, Skylift Ride, Mountain Coaster, etc).
Optional Excursions (reservations required/some waivers): $45 Snow Tubing (90min) – need 15+ people. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium $10 stud/$12 adult – need 15+ people. (about 2 hrs, will not have much extra time for exploration of downtown with this option, but it may be “your thing”).
Winterfest Lights Tour (Sat or Sun night depending on timing/weather)
Dinner and Fun at the lodge (Indoor pool/spas/theater room/game room/etc.)
Sunday, January 5th
Breakfast at lodge
9:30am Alcatraz Crime Museum (About 2 hours) on-site at The Island
Sack lunch (included) or purchase your own at 1 of several food options at The Island.
The Island at Pigeon Forge - Unlimited Wristband (See website. High-end Carnival Type Rides) + one Ropes Course visit. Shopping/Treat Shops/Arcade/Other Attractions, need optional $$.
5:00 pm – Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show (arrive by 4:15pm, All You Can Eat)
Winterfest Lights Tour (Sat or Sun night depending on timing/weather)
Fun/Relax at the Cabin
Monday, January 6th
7:30 am-Breakfast at the lodge
8:30 am-Check-Out / Depart for Navarre (549 miles / 8.5 hours + time change)
Lunch-Stop at Galleria Mall in Hoover, AL (must bring $ for food court lunch, not included)
7:00 pm-Arrive back in Navarre
Janet Bautista
Navarre H.S. Band Boosters
TRIP DATES – Thursday January 2 - Monday January 6, 2025 --- We will be taking this trip during winter break so that our kids won’t be missing any school. (Please note that school is in session on 1/7/2025, the day after we return.) Hopefully, we will see some snow on this trip and our students will be able to enjoy the diversity of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area as an experience much different from our hometown climate and landscape.
CHARTER BUSES & LODGING – We are currently working to secure contracts with companies for our Band Trip. The current plan is for us to be transported by charter buses, and our accommodations will be for four nights at the “King of the Mountain” luxury cabin in Sevierville, TN. Students will stay four + per room (# of beds vary per room) and adults usually stay two per room. A full private bath is in every room.
INCLUDED IN THE BASE COST OF THE TRIP - Charter Bus Transportation, Gorgeous Lodge Accommodations for 4 nights with Mountain Views/Theater Room/Game Room/Indoor Pool/2 Spas, Meals and Snacks except where noted, Scenic Drive through the Smoky Mtns, Dollywood 1 Day Theme Park admission + Dinner Vouchers, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show, Ober Mountain Gatlinburg, gentle hike, the Island Unlimited Wristband and Alcatraz Crime Museum, Winterfest Lights Tour. As with any trip you might take, these activities are subject to change due to availability, participation, weather conditions, etc.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TRIP
Departure Day Breakfast (eat before you arrive or bring on the bus) and Lunch ($$, stop en-route), Thu Jan 2.
Return Lunch (stop en-route) or Dinner (should be back in Navarre to allow late dinner at home), Mon Jan 6.
Any extra meals or snacks bought while out and about.
Souvenirs, optional excursions, other non-group activity spending money desired while exploring the Atlanta/Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge areas, etc.
PRICING & RECOMMENDED PAYMENT PLAN – The base cost of the trip is expected to be $660 per person… final numbers depending on the final number of participants. Again, this includes transportation, lodging accommodations, three great meals a day, and more, as per above. I believe that we have worked to produce a trip that is very cost efficient. It would be very difficult to visit Atlanta and the Smoky Mountains for this amount per person on your own. Payments may currently be made via Check, MO/Cashier’s Check, Credit Card payments in CutTime, or cash (last resort). A PayPal or Square option is also being considered. The recommended payment plan is as follows. Please pay more earlier, if possible:
Now or ASAP -$150 non-refundable deposit + signed trip intention form (both required for reservation).
Remaining amount in 7 payments of $65 every 2 weeks with the final balance >/= $55 paid 2 weeks before travel. Excursion payments due ASAP before time of reservation through venue, no later than approximately 2 months prior to ensure availability. We will communicate excursion deadline once we determine how many are interested. Payment amounts may be adjusted based on final participation numbers.
Please Note: Trip spots are limited due to transportation and accommodation space and cost. They are on a 1st come 1st serve basis for students that are in good standing and by order of deposit payment. As stated in previous meetings, chaperones for overnight trips must be Level 2 approved per schoolboard rules and will qualify based on a combination of that status with consideration for seniority and heavy volunteer participation, especially in concessions. The last day to pay off the balance is Dec 12. Remember, much of the cost of the trip is paid weeks/months in advance of our leaving. Lastly, we do ask that the student’s Fair-Share/Fees are also paid in full before a spot can be reserved. Thanks.
WHO CAN GO? – This trip is open to any student currently enrolled in a band class at Navarre High School who is in good standing academically, financially, and behaviorally. Level 2 approved parents/guardians that meet the criteria noted above may also attend at the same price listed so long as space is available. However, band students will initially be favored for spots above 12 to allow for the maximum number of students to participate with available space. Parents/Adults who attend are expected to chaperone and must have obtained Level 2 Volunteer approval for Navarre High School along with attending the Chaperone Trip Meeting(s).
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED BAND TRIP ITINERARY 2025 – ATLANTA/SMOKY MTNS
(Subject to Change based on Availability/Participation/Weather/etc)
Thursday, January 2nd.
5:00 am-Meet at Band Hall (eat b’fast BEFORE you arrive, bring bus snacks and bottled drinks w/ screw top/lid)
5:30 am-Depart for King of the Mountain Lodge, Sevierville, TN
Lunch at The Varsity, Atlanta - $$ Needed
Visit GA Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola Museum (Approx. 5 hours of touring)
Arrive at Cabin late evening. Easy dinner at cabin and settle in.
Friday, January 3rd
Breakfast and relax/explore the lodge
Dollywood Theme Park all day (opens at 11:00 a.m. - closes at 9:00 p.m.)
Lunch - We will brown bag in the parking lot (meal included) or students may purchase food in the park.
Dinner in the Park using Included Meal Vouchers
Return to lodge. Lights out TBD.
Saturday, January 4th
Breakfast at the lodge
Gatlinburg: Short Hike/Explore Downtown Gatlinburg
Rest + Brown Bag Lunch
Ober Mountain –3-4hrs approx., Wristband Activities (Ice Skating, Scenic Tram, Skylift Ride, Mountain Coaster, etc).
Optional Excursions (reservations required/some waivers): $45 Snow Tubing (90min) – need 15+ people. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium $10 stud/$12 adult – need 15+ people. (about 2 hrs, will not have much extra time for exploration of downtown with this option, but it may be “your thing”).
Winterfest Lights Tour (Sat or Sun night depending on timing/weather)
Dinner and Fun at the lodge (Indoor pool/spas/theater room/game room/etc.)
Sunday, January 5th
Breakfast at lodge
9:30am Alcatraz Crime Museum (About 2 hours) on-site at The Island
Sack lunch (included) or purchase your own at 1 of several food options at The Island.
The Island at Pigeon Forge - Unlimited Wristband (See website. High-end Carnival Type Rides) + one Ropes Course visit. Shopping/Treat Shops/Arcade/Other Attractions, need optional $$.
5:00 pm – Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show (arrive by 4:15pm, All You Can Eat)
Winterfest Lights Tour (Sat or Sun night depending on timing/weather)
Fun/Relax at the Cabin
Monday, January 6th
7:30 am-Breakfast at the lodge
8:30 am-Check-Out / Depart for Navarre (549 miles / 8.5 hours + time change)
Lunch-Stop at Galleria Mall in Hoover, AL (must bring $ for food court lunch, not included)
7:00 pm-Arrive back in Navarre
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