Harrison Bay For Educators
Notification Alert

Construction from Brand New Playscape

Harrison Bay State Park

Please excuse our mess as we work to build a brand-new learning playscape! Work has begun paving the way for a nature-based playscape that will combine the fun of a play area with opportunities to learn and help children connect with nature through a hands-on experience. Due to the heat, work may begin each day in the early morning hours before quiet time is over, causing noise for our campground guests. Please contact the park office for additional details. Thank you for your patience during this project!

  • Wooden rack holding colorful kayaks, including green and orange ones, under a roof, set against a backdrop of grass and trees at sunset. Calm, outdoor scene.
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    Harrison Bay Educator Programs 

    Want a fun way to get your students excited about learning? Why not learn with a Park Ranger?  

    Tennessee State Parks offer accessible, discovery-based educational experiences aligned with Tennessee’s academic standards. Choose a program for your class, plan your day at a park, and request an experience today.

    Our Programs 

      • Elderly man and children examining footprints in sand tray outdoors.

      Field Trips 

      • Children listening to a ranger at an outdoor educational event.

      School Outreach 

      • Group of children walking on a forest trail.

      Self-guided/Teacher-led 

      • A group of five people sit around a glowing campfire at night, roasting marshmallows. Trees and a cabin are faintly visible in the background. The mood is warm and cheerful.

      Overnight Learning 

      • Orange mushroom on a forest floor covered with pine needles.

      Virtual Connections 

    What Do Harrison Bay Educator Programs Offer?

    Harrison Bay State Park offers field trips and school outreach programs on topics such as:

    • Ecosystem Interactions
    • Conservation Activities
    • Nocturnal Animals
    • Fire Ecology
    • Park Career Options
    • Birds of Prey
    • Water-related Activities
    • People kayaking on a calm lake surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
    • Gravel parking lot in front of a cabin and covered area surrounded by autumn trees.

    Birds of Prey Program

    The Harrison Bay State Park Aviary is home to birds of prey that cannot be released into the wild due to impacts from humans. These wildlife ambassadors now reside at the park and represent their species in park programs both on and off park.

    How to Request a Program 

    Program requests use the same form whether you are requesting funding support or not. Once you have submitted the form, allow 10 days for processing. Request educational program experiences at least four to six weeks in advance of the desired time frame for the program.   

    To complete the form:   

    • 1.

      Choose the park.

      Explore our parks to find the park that has the right location and program available for your needs. You can request more than one park and more than one program.

    • 2.

      Identify the type of program(s) of interest.

      You are not limited to just one program. When completing the application, provide us the list of specific programs you are interested in. 

    • 3.

      Complete the form.

      Fill out our program request form and submit. Once submitted, allow 10 days for processing.

    Request a Program

    Funding Assistance

    Field trip funding may be available to remove barriers to participation.

    The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (501-C3) assists schools in covering the costs of scheduled programs at a Tennessee State Park. Funds can cover bus transportation costs, park program fees, and park shelter rentals. Partial funds may be awarded. Awards are given after the field trip is completed.    

    When applying for a program, select “yes” on the application form if you are interested in receiving funding support. 

    Download PDF

    What's Next?

    Submitting the form begins the scheduling and funding process.

    The request will be in Pending status until confirmed. Allow 10 days for processing. A park staff member will email confirmation of the program and notify you of any park-related fees.    

    If you requested funding, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Director will email the decision to award or deny funding. Funding is processed after the program as a reimbursement. Partial funds may be awarded. In this case, the school will be responsible for any costs above the amount written in the award email.

    Submitting for Funding Reimbursement 

    To receive reimbursement, you must provide the following documentation:  

    1. Bus invoice
    2. Park invoice
    3. Photos
    4. Number of students new to any Tennessee State Park
    5. Student and teacher feedback

    Apply for Reimbursement

    Accessibility: We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully.   

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