Do you value kindness, inclusion, nature, and community? Are you looking to build your resume while also building character and meaningful relationships? Come play, learn, teach, and create memories in Pisgah Forest as a counselor at Eagle’s Nest Camp. We are looking for hard-working, FUN folks to create magic, be role models, and explore the outdoors with our campers. Eagle’s Nest Camp is a place where campers and counselors grow in confidence, independence, and become the best versions of themselves. If you’re up for the challenge, the rewards are plenty. Hear from a few of our former staff about why they chose to work at The Nest.  

Who We Are: Eagle’s Nest Camp is non-profit, overnight camp located on 200 acres of wooded land in the lush mountains of Western North Carolina, just southwest of Asheville and down the road from Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest. Since 1927, we’ve provided a joyful, inclusive community where campers ages 6 to 18 are treated with respect, compassion, and care. Campers have the opportunity to participate in 1 to 3-week long sessions that emphasize community living while choosing to take classes in visual and performing arts, athletics, appreciation of nature, outdoor adventure, horseback riding, and more. Our population is diverse and smaller in size than most camps, which allows our campers and staff to feel seen, heard, and valued no matter how long they attend camp!

Responsibilities: 

• Working with the Outdoor Program Manager and canoeing instructors to plan canoe expeditions in Western North Carolina for young paddlers ranging from beginning to advanced skill levels
• Teach campers techniques and skills to maximize their enjoyment of canoeing and improve their abilities. 
• Have a solid understanding of tandem open-boat paddling, such as teamwork, communication, and skill development. 

The canoeing program utilizes our lake as well as many local rivers including the Green, Nantahala, Tuckaseegee, and French Broad Rivers.

Required Qualifications: Canoeing Director must be at least 21 years old. Experience in whitewater canoeing and teaching. Excellent technical skills in Class III water. CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certifications.

Preferred Qualifications: Current American Canoe Association Instructor Certification, swift water rescue technician certification, Wilderness First Aid or higher certification.

Dates: Position is from mid May to August 10th, 2026

Working at Eagle’s Nest Camp can be a great option for internship credit. During your time at Eagle’s Nest Camp, you will build meaningful job preparation skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, work ethic, flexibility, and more. We can work with you and your advisors to meet your internship requirements. We can also help you craft an individual internship that will meet your goals. Past internships have included Outdoor Recreation Management, logistics, non-profit leadership, and cooking. For more information about completing an internship at Eagle’s Nest Camp, reach out to Lia Messersmith at lia@enf.org.