Campers

I loved waking up surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. I loved the smell of breakfast simmering through the Quad during flag raising. I loved the silence of anticipation in the 10 seconds between “God is Nigh” and “Goodnight” in the first Goodnight Circle, and the bittersweet nostalgia of the last one. I loved the laid-back, positive atmosphere of every day that made everything I did seem worthwhile.
Josh Rosenstein, Camper

I truly believe that Eagle’s Nest Camp and the people there were a driving force in my personality and value development. I can say without a doubt that I would be a very different person today had I not gone to ENC for so many wonderful summers. “Thank you” seems too simplistic a phrase to capture my feelings for the magic of ENC, but at the same time, I want all of you to know how much your hard work is appreciated. So thank you for all that you did for me during my many years as a camper, Hante participant and junior counselor.
Katie Reber, Camper and Junior Counselor

I wanted to tell you how incredibly important and significant Eagle’s Nest has been in my life. Each summer is much more incredible than the last. The atmosphere at camp, the activities, the community and the people make me feel so at home. As I change, I see new amazing things that I did not see before, and I try new amazing things that I could not try before. You are helping in the positive growth and education of young people.
Nora Arkin, Camper

About seven years ago when I was 9, I started going to Eagle’s Nest Camp, and I give it credit for shaping who I am today. Before camp, I was insecure, unsure of myself and my surroundings, unsure of what I believed, and didn’t even have respect for nature. Over the years, I slowly began to realize what things in life were really important because of the guidance and advice I was given while attending camp. The experiences I had there taught me important lessons that I have applied in making good decisions as a teenager. Everything we do [at camp] has a meaning, and usually we are taught to learn from our mistakes and are given confidence and encouragement. I am who I am because of Eagle’s Nest Camp.
Sasha Morgan, Junior Counselor

Camp is a place where you can be yourself without being self-conscious of what you say or do or how you look. Camp is my home away from home. I can’t wait ‘til next summer!
Allie McCathren, Camper

Thought I’d just drop you a line to tell you how much Pathways did for me. You and Ted got me to challenge myself . . . physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m so happy I was given this opportunity to grow.
Patrick Molitoris, Camper

Parents

Thanks for being there for my children. You have seen them grow throughout the years and evolve into very special people.
Holly Resnick, Parent

I wanted to thank you for giving all three of my kids wonderful summers for the past 13 years. It’s hard to believe we have been there every year for so long. Thank you for enriching Andrew, David and Ali’s childhoods. One day (in the distant future) I expect our grandchildren to become part of Eagle’s Nest, as well.
Susan Neckman, Parent

Joanna and I have been meaning to write for some time to express our gratitude for giving our boys something they will always treasure. Eagle’s Nest has been part of our lives for nearly 15 years. We always look forward to their return, because they come back more vibrant, full of wild tales, and just really alive. If that’s what you strive for at Eagle’s Nest, you have succeeded beyond your dreams with my boys. Thank you, thank you.
Mark W. Murray, Parent

Each year at camp has been a part of Anna’s development into a young woman. She has become confident and has gained an awareness of her abilities to function in many situations. Thank you for the role and impact each of you has had in Anna’s life. Her love of life, the outdoors and its preservation has come from living in the atmosphere provided at Eagle’s Nest. What a legacy she has inherited to pass on to others in the future. We are glad for the wonderful experiences Anna has gained as part of her childhood. We are sure these will serve her well in her adult life.
Vilda Brannen, Parent

I feel very fortunate that Sequoia has been able to attend Eagle’s Nest all these years. You have been (and are) an important part of Sequoia’s inner and outer life. They say “it takes a village to raise a child.” I see more and more how true that is. You are giving him opportunities, challenges and a sense of belonging that is unique – taking over where parents are unable to go. Keep up the great work!
Dani Daniele, Parent

Many thanks.  Just so you know, the experiences Emily has had at Eagle’s Nest are among her most treasured times.  My husband and I never attended any kind of summer camp, so we are happy to give our daughter this time to herself.  I especially like the emphasis on camp as a child’s world.
Susan Laborde, Parent

As parents who have sent their oldest child to sleep-away camp for the first time, we are extremely appreciative of the lengthy letter we received about our son.  It was well-written, informative and reassuring.
Bob Hartheimer and Nancy Golding, Parents

Micah is so proud of how much she learned about horseback riding.  She has dreamed of riding on her own for years.  She had a wonderful camp experience, and at such a young age, we were well-aware it could have been too much too soon.  We are so grateful that you gave her the love she needed right there on the spot.  She came home with a beautiful glow, a strong resolve and a rested heart.  What we most hoped is that she would have fun, feel safe and be challenged – thanks for guiding her through this great first passage from littlest girl to becoming a woman.  She is already looking forward to next summer.
Rob and Ali Parsons, Parents

Staff

I am sitting in Yarmouth, Maine, after a busy day of teaching about owls in a rural Maine elementary school, and as I sit here reading the Eagle’s Nest newsletter, I think of you all quite strongly. I think that no matter how long I teach and trip-lead and play elsewhere, part of me will always belong at Eagle’s Nest. Last week we had an all-staff retreat at Chewonki (where I work), and we were talking about what makes a “Chewonki Experience.”  I think about how, when I was a younger person than I am now, I got to have a chunk of the “Eagle’s Nest Experience” and how much that experience has shaped me. When I think about why I am a teacher or a trip leader, why I have a passion for the natural world and why I believe in magic (well, The Hobbit is also responsible for that), and let me not forget why community is so important to me, I think about Eagle’s Nest and the opportunities that you gave me, particularly to be a leader.
Ming Linsley, Former Camper, Junior Counselor and Staff

I hiked from Maine to Georgia this past year. It is without a doubt the most amazing experience of my life. I just wanted to let you know that ENF is not only an inspirational and growing place for its students, but as I’m sure you know, also its staff. The Appalachian Trail has long been a dream of mine, but never seemed realistic until I met true hikers on the camp’s staff. Thanks for the inspiration.
Jason Spence, Former Staff

With each passing year, I appreciate more and more what Eagle’s Nest has meant and done for me. And now, I see the same happening with Kyra. Thanks so much for being a positive influence on my philosophy of education and life.
Bob Brogden, Parent and Staff

My experience at camp could not have been better.  I’m so thankful I was able to spend time with all of you there.  I only wish I had discovered it sooner.  It’s such a magical place, filled with wonderfully talented and creative people and campers.  Those three weeks will definitely be an influential period of my life – one which I can look back on and see how it changed me.  The community’s philosophy of responsibility, respect, hard work, hard play and love for all will stick with me.  Best of all, it made me rediscover my inner child, which I had begun to lose.
Rhys Lam, Staff 2001