Did you know?
Eagle’s Nest Camp was established in 1927 by educators. Today more than a third of our counselors study or work as educators.
Did you know?
Many of our Outdoor Academy students return home after their semester ahead of their peers academically.
Did you know?
Hante has traveled to many places: Australia, New Zealand, Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, France, Iceland, Canada, and Ghana.
Did you know?
Our campers enjoy sitting with table families, making bread, and eating veggies fresh from the garden.
Did you know?
Outdoor Academy students spend ¼ of their semester paddling, climbing, and backpacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Did you know?
Eagle's Nest is home to several rare plants. We are working with the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy to provide protected space for them.

“Experiential education for young people, promoting the natural world and the betterment of human character.”

L ocated in Western North Carolina our summer camp and academic semester school provide transformative wilderness and cultural adventures. For over 85 years the Foundation has focused on fostering profound individual development, connection to the natural world and responsible action to our local and global communities. Eagle’s Nest Foundation is a non-profit educational organization whose programs are designed for young people ages 6-18.

Eagle's Nest Camp

since 1927
An hour from Asheville, our residential summer camp for young people ages 6-18 encourages growth and wonder, teaching them what it means to belong... to rocks and rivers, forests and friends.
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The Outdoor Academy

a semester school
Rooted in nature, OA is a semester school focusing on intellect, environment, community, and craft. Our students engage in rigorous academics while cultivating a deep sense of place through environmentalism and outdoor adventure.
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Hante Adventurers

a hero's journey
Through climbing, canoeing, and backpacking on wilderness and cultural expeditions, Hante Adventures challenge teens to grow as leaders and reach a deeper understanding of themselves within a supportive group. Explore the world with us!
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EAGLE'S NEST PROGRAM BLOGS

OCT. 9, 2019

Junior Counselors Bring Joy to Camp

One of my favorite times at camp (and there are many) is Sunday morning. Of course, it’s nice to be able to sleep in – until 8:15 – but it’s even nicer to start the day with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Junior Counselors (who didn’t sleep in until 8:15). I love walking around […]

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OCT. 15, 2019

A Wet Weekend for Climbing

  Here at the Outdoor Academy we spend a good amount of time outside, who would have guessed? We backpack through the forests of the Appalachian Mountains, climb to the top of steep rock faces, and paddle canoes down flowing white water. Being outside all the time means being exposed to the elements, so what […]

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OCT. 17, 2019

Hante, A History!

Hante Adventures was started in 1973. With Helen Waite at the helm, students spent 10 days hiking 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. It was and still is a classic trip; living simply with everything you need on your back while building a tight-knit community. That first Hante’s success speaks volumes, as […]

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