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

SEP. 11, 2019

Let’s Make a Pact

As we turn our sights to fall, let’s make a pact to remember the way we lived this summer. Think about the best things you did at camp this summer and the joy they brought you. Was it singing daily? Or trying new foods? Was it just being outside? What is it about camp that […]

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SEP. 17, 2019

Why a Semester School and Why The Outdoor Academy?

Part I: Standing Out from the Crowd Dear College Admissions Counselors, I wish you the best of luck. 3.7 million students will graduate from high schools in the United States this year. Of those students, over 300,000 will apply to Ivy League Schools, and less than 5% of those students will get into their dream […]

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AUG. 30, 2019

Amazing Experiences Await on Hante

Being part of a Hante Adventure is truly amazing and is the pinnacle of experiences that participants can have at Eagle’s Nest.  During my early years at Eagle’s Nest, I was fortunate to lead several backpacking Hantes on the Appalachian Trail and also some bike treks in the West. My own children have also participated […]

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