Wilderness  |  Arts and Music  |  Athletics

Ever wonder if you could climb a 100-foot cliff or paddle down a raging river? Our campers don’t just wonder, they do it! Campers build confidence and self-esteem by participating in every activity offered at Eagle's Nest. Whether you're learning more about art, music, biology or forest survival, or trying out horseback riding, whitewater paddling or rock climbing, you'll receive personalized, hands-on instruction from our qualified staff.

All activities promote community awareness, a connection with nature, and a healthy and joyful lifestyle. Each activity allows campers to learn or improve upon their skills while developing self-confidence and realizing the importance of teamwork.

Wilderness

Campcraft
Experience the Pisgah Forest-area wilderness on two- and three-day backpacking treks while learning simple rope, map and compass, foraging, camping and survival skills. We place campers in Campcraft classes appropriate for their skill levels.

Explorer’s Club
Backpack through the Blue Ridge Mountains on a two-day adventure, or float down the French Broad River on a homemade raft. Campers discover Pisgah Forest’s natural beauty while caving in underground streams or exploring the treetops.

Fairies and Toads
Young campers venture into fantasia through medieval mysteries relived in the woods and streams around camp.

Indian Lore
See the world through the eyes of a Native American child by way of stories, tracking, tribal relations and nature. Campers create and perform stories in Indian Village, teaching the camp community about the rich history of the Native American traditions.

Pathways of Native America
Enhance your Indian lore experience by living and respecting the ways of Native America. Older campers will expand their knowledge of the wilderness and ancestral stories before venturing on a Night Journey and a 24-hour solo.

Rock Climbing
Climb some of the Eastern United States’ best granite sites after learning safety precautions, knot-tying skills, climbing signals and rescue techniques. Nesters can master rock-climbing techniques on our wall before venturing out to the natural faces of Looking Glass and Linville Gorge. Ages 11 to 17.

Secret Garden
Help plant and harvest herbs, vegetables and flowers in our organic and composted gardens and improve your green thumb.

Whitewater Paddling
Learn paddling skills and safety from our qualified instructors, and test your ability on some of North Carolina’s whitewater rivers. Lead instructors are certified in swift-water rescue. Some C-1 and kayak instruction available.

Arts and Music

African Drum and Dance
Entertain fellow campers with music from the Fanti people of Southern Ghana. Professional and talented instructors teach students how to play the drums and dance in authentic style.

Arts and Crafts
Adorn arts and crafts with natural materials from the woods. Campers learn how to make natural dyes, tie-dye, weave baskets, batik, sew, quilt, draw, bead and bind books in the open-air New Lodge.

Ceramics
Unleash your creativity while producing pottery with your own hands. Learn Anasazi coil, slab and thrown pottery methods to make clay sculptures or tiles, and finish projects with painting, glazing and Raku firing.       

Eagle’s Nest Playhouse
Enjoy performing or helping out behind the scenes? Take a class in acting, costume or set design. Our talented staff will assist campers in producing a play such as “The Secret Garden” or “Charlotte’s Web” for the enjoyment of the entire camp community.

Final Banquet
Every camper is a part of our staged, musical pageant during the third session.

Let’s Dance
Move to the music and learn modern, jazz, ballet, Latin and hip-hop dance techniques. Showcase what you’ve learned by performing for fellow campers.   

Music: Strings and Things
Expand your musical talents by playing a dulcimer, guitar or flute. Campers learn to play new instruments and a variety of music on our front porch, in Cheoah, the Performance Arts Building, or in the woods and fields of Eagle’s Nest.

Musical Instruments
Learn to make a variety of musical instruments during your stay at Eagle’s Nest. Campers will create clay whistles and rain sticks by hand and perform songs for the camp with their new instruments.

Musical Production
Learn music and lines, build sets or manage the yearly Eagle’s Nest camper-produced musical. Shows like “The Music Man,” “Oliver,” “South Pacific,” “Annie,” and “The Sound of Music” have entertained campers and counselors over the past few years.

Photography
Want to be behind the camera instead of in front of one? Discover your artistic eye through black-and-white photography. Campers develop their own photos in our darkroom facility inside Wayah, the Visual Arts Building. Campers should bring their own 35mm camera.

Woodworking and Carpentry
Expand your creativity and use your hands to build anything from benches to tree houses. Campers have the opportunity to learn how to use traditional green woodworking tools as well.

Athletics

Archery
Ever wondered if you have a steady shot? Try your hand with a bow and arrow and test your aim. Campers learn proper archery techniques while progressing from shooting at a stationary target to a moving target, and participate in archery games.

Riding
Whether you’re a novice or an advanced rider, our instructors provide training in the English hunt seat style of horseback riding. Participants build relationships with their horses, and campers ride every other day or every day, depending on skill level. Smooth, hard-soled, heeled shoes required. ASTM-approved helmets provided.

Spa
Keep fit and learn proper ways to work out. Daily activities include stretching, running, yoga, swimming and aerobic dance.

Swimming
Learn American Red Cross swimming techniques in a clean, fresh lake. Campers are encouraged to meet and exceed various levels of achievement. Certified instructors teach campers proper swimming strokes through demonstration and hands-on interaction. On weekends, campers enjoy swim carnivals and days at the lake.

Wide World of Sports
Spend your time at Eagle’s Nest sharpening your skills in a variety of sports. Campers are encouraged to give their best while competing in tag football, ultimate Frisbee, basketball and softball. We specialize in soccer, and skills classes are tailored for players at the beginner, intermediate or advanced levels. High-quality instruction is also available in tennis, volleyball and basketball.