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

JAN. 11, 2019

What Goals Will You Achieve in 2019?

The New Year is here and the winter holidays have passed in a flash of friends, family, celebrations, cards, sledding, and too many sweets. On the night before saying goodbye to vacation to go back to work and my typical routine, I found a little time to sit down with my journal and reflect on […]

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DEC. 14, 2018

The Ultimate Question: How Do We Take OA Home With Us?

Most evenings on the third floor of the sun lodge, there is lots of commotion. A hum of young women getting ready for bedtime, talking about the homework they have due the next day, figuring out who is going to set an alarm for the next morning. Finally, around 9:55 pm the chaos settles and […]

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JAN. 18, 2019

Walking Our Talk

One of the greatest struggles of Outdoor and Experiential Education is working to explain to others the benefits and outcomes for students learning in these types of environments.  Often this industry must turn to studies, surveys and personal accounts as a means of delivering “results” to parents or prospective students.  But beyond these studies and […]

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