Sunday, July 12, 2026-July 31, 2026 (meets at Eagle’s Nest Camp)
For participants completing grades 7th through 11th grade in Spring 2026
Cost: $5,850
One of Eagle’s Nest Camp’s most popular activities, Nature Lore, is spreading its wings beyond the confines of the Nest this summer. Join us to discover the roots of this unique and diverse class, traveling across a wide expanse of Western North Carolina to learn about the local history, ecology, and artwork from esteemed educators. As your group explores these vital connections, you will camp and trek through the Smokies, paddle and climb on nearby lakes and boulders, and navigate and forage amongst one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. You will return to Camp at the end of your journey to share the learnings from your experience, serving in an important role to support the long term well being and character of this community.
Trips Goals and Highlights
- Spend weeks exploring the biodiverse ecosystems of the Smokies.
- Actively engage with and learn from indigenous peoples and culture of the Smokies.
- Engage in trail work service day and learn about land conservation.
- Hike Snowbird Wilderness Area.
- Sharpen leadership skills and form long lasting bonds through traveling as a group.
- Develop competence in backpacking, paddling, rock climbing, campcraft, map/navigation, backcountry cooking and more!
- Embody Eagle’s Nest’s seven character strengths for campers and staff.
Nature Lore Tentative Itinerary
- July 12-14: Arrive at Camp and prepare for the trip. Welcome! This first and second day will be full of nerves and excitement: you will arrive on opening day along with the rest of camp, take part in similar communal activities as a Hante group while also busily organizing your gear and food, and you will wrap up your preparation in the comfort of the Sun Lodge, the original accommodations of Hante Adventures. Learning days spent at Eagle’s Nest Camp on local ecology, plant identification, and storytelling.
- July 15: Depart for Cherokee or Buffalo Cove. Begin backpacking trek at Noland Creek in the Smokies.
- July 16-22: Trekking through the Great Smoky Mountains. These days a re a combination of backpacking and exploring the Smokies as well as learning about the area and setting group goals.
- July 23: Trail magic day. Meet with resupply and create trail magic for AT hikers!
- July 24: Paddling at Fontana Lake. Learn about watercraft, lake ecology, paddling, and swimming.
- July 25: AT Trail Service Day and Land Conservation. Meet with a local ATC club and/or the Nantahala Ranger for trail work service day and lessons in land conservation.
- July 26: Art, Geology, Physiology, Bouldering near Murphy, NC. Lessons in nature art, geology, body movement, and bouldering near Murphy, NC.
- July 26: Crafts and Contra Dancing. Spend day honing crafting skills, learning from skilled folks and deepen local understanding.
- July 28: Snowbird Day. Drive out to Snowbird Wilderness Area, hike in and do 24hr solo.
- July 29: Highlands. Drive back to camp, can pass through Highlands for biology research station.
- July 30: At camp, finish up projects. ISP presentations and sharing with the Camp. You will spend this day engaged with both the Camp closing activities and your own group’s wrap up of the three week long experience, learning from what you all have done and what you can take with you into the future.
Nature Lore Equipment List: Coming in Fall 2025
To apply for a Hante Adventure:
All Hante participants and their parents must complete a Questionnaire before being considered for acceptance. (*) Select Hantes have an application deadline of November 15th and are not eligible for the Early Bird Discount. Rolling admittance pending availability after November 15th for (*)Hantes.
“I just want to say ‘thank you’ for what you and Eagle’s Nest give to Evan. The letter we received from Evan was amazing. You simply can not imagine how great it feels to hear him tell me how he has grown emotionally and then list specific skills that have strengthened him physically. He said he feels so proud of himself and what he has accomplished. He described how he found each of his Hante instructors helpful to him in different ways. I wanted to say how grateful I am to the Eagle’s Nest staff for the gift you are to Evan.”
REGISTER TODAY!
All Added Adventure, Hante Adventures, and Junior Counselor participants and their parents or guardians must complete all questionnaires before being considered for the program. Questionnaires are available with registration on CampDoc.
Questions about your application or having trouble getting started? Please email us at register@enf.org or call us at 336-761-1040.