Elizabeth Waite-Kucera (Noni) is the Executive Director of Eagle’s Nest Foundation and serves on The Outdoor Academy Advisory Board. She graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., with a B.A. degree in anthropology. Previously, Noni was Camp Director at Eagle’s Nest Camp from 1993-2003 and Business Manager from 1989-1999 for Eagle’s Nest Foundation. She has also been the Swimming Director, and Paddling Director.  Additionally, Noni developed Eagle’s Nest whitewater canoeing and Hante Bicycling programs.

Noni’s grandfather, Alex Waite, head of psychology at Rollins College, founded Eagle’s Nest Camp in 1945. Helen and Mo Waite, Noni’s parents, served as directors for the Eagle’s Nest Carolinas’ Camp for Diabetic Children. Her mother served as director of Eagle’s Nest Camp and executive director of Eagle’s Nest Foundation for many years. Noni spent her childhood years growing up at camp and is honored to carry on the mission of Eagle’s Nest as Executive Director of the foundation.

Paige graduated with a B.A. degree in English from Salem College in Winston-Salem. While studying education in college, she applied to work at Eagle’s Nest Camp because she loved her own camp experiences as a child and thought that working at a camp would give her invaluable teaching experience. Her first summer at camp, Paige helped direct the musical and taught soccer. Throughout college, she continued to spend her summers at Eagle’s Nest teaching everything from ceramics to swimming to Explorer’s Club and leading Hante Appalachian Trail treks and bike treks. After graduating, she started working full time with Eagle’s Nest and has now worked here for more than 15 years. During that time, she served as the Hante Director, Head Counselor, Junior Counselor Coordinator and Associate Director. Her husband, Andy, whom she met at Eagle’s Nest, is also an educator.

Cara, a North Carolina transplant from Ohio, now calls Brevard and the Blue Ridge Mountains “home.”  After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014 she took the role of Paddling Director for ENC before moving to the development office full-time.

Not only is Cara a skilled paddling instructor, she’s a talented experiential educator and an avid outdoorswoman. She holds a BS in Recreation from Ohio University and has worked in the field of outdoor education since 2003 as a wilderness instructor, outdoor program manager, camp counselor and challenge course facilitator. Cara spends her free time paddling, climbing, and hiking, tending to her impressive garden, and adventuring with her family.

For over 20 years, Frank has been in love with summer camp, starting as a camper in 2002 and working through the ranks before finding his home here at Eagle’s Nest. He was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and earned his B.A. in English from Louisiana State University in 2016. After getting his degree, worked as an English teacher in Houston, and taught first-year English Composition at Texas State University while working towards a Master’s Degree in fiction writing. He also has served as the Recreation Coordinator for the Meadows Place Parks and Recreation Department.

Beyond reading and writing, education, sports, and animal care, Frank’s longest-held passion has been for summer camp. He began as a camper at Camp Champions, where he first worked as a counselor. Since then, he has taken on a variety of roles in the camp world, including waterfront head, division leader, media department head, and communications specialist, all before running his first successful day camp in the summer of 2021. Now as a part of the Eagle’s Nest family, Frank is thrilled to share his love of camp with a new generation of lifelong campers.

After being born and raised in the concrete flatlands of suburban Chicago, Ed was ready for some place different. It began with attending the University of the South, where he studied ecology and fell in love with camping and trail running amongst pristine old-growth deciduous forests. After graduating in 2016, he passed on that love of nature by teaching biology and environmental science at a boarding school in western Maryland. But as his summer trips to Bolivia, Patagonia, Tanzania, Japan, and Alaska compelled him to lead backpacking and canoeing trips at residential camps in Maine, he realized his passion for the outdoors came from experiencing it for oneself. Thus, he moved west to earn a Master degree in outdoor adventure and expedition leadership from Southern Oregon University, where he gained a foundational understanding of experiential education through research, planning, leading, and teaching in the field. In 2022, he found his way back to southern Appalachia, joining the Eagle’s Nest community as the Hante Adventures and Outdoor Program Manager. He is excited to facilitate new experiences for participants so that they can learn and grow from the challenges they encounter.

Raised in the small metropolis of Salisbury, North Carolina, Ben has always had a fascination with the outdoors. Everything from quaint weekend hiking trips to rambunctious mischief at summer camp excited him. So, when Ben figured out that he could pursue the outdoors as a career, he jumped at the opportunity. Ben graduated from Appalachian State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation. In 2019 he began his journey at Eagle’s Nest Camp, immediately falling in love with the place. Since then he has returned summer after summer acting as a camp counselor, lifeguard, outdoor logistics manager, and trip leader of various Hantes and Added Adventures. Now he is unbelievably ecstatic to be joining the full time team as the Camp Program Manager. Outside of Eagle’s Nest, Ben has worked in wilderness therapy as a Lead Field Instructor at Trails Carolina, as well as a facilitator of social-emotional learning at Kieve-Wavus Education, Inc. Overall, Ben is passionate about showing everyone the wonders that the wilderness has to offer and is ready to bring his love, care, and humor into the Eagle’s Nest community.

Molly Herrmann joined the Eagle’s Nest staff in May of 2014 as the Camp and Hante Registrar and Winston-Salem Office Manager.  Previous to joining the Eagle’s Nest, Molly was a PhD candidate at the University of Buffalo in the History Department studying slavery in Charleston, SC.  Molly brings to the Eagle’s Nest her passion for experiential education and a love of outdoor activities.  In her spare time, Molly can be found hiking, camping, or playing with her two dogs.

Isa is a camp, Outdoor Academy, and Hante alum from Asheville, NC. She has previously worked in the camp kitchen and will now be heading up our kitchen full time as our Whole Foods Program Manager. As someone who grew up attending Eagle’s Nest programming and growing up in the Blue Ridge mountains she was super excited to be able to join the full time team. She has worked in kitchens previously and is excited to work with Eagle’s Nest and bring whole foods and local vendors into our menus. Outside of Eagle’s Nest you can find Isa hanging out with her cat, hiking, playing with computers, and eating lots of good food!

An Outdoor Academy alum, Sio is returning to 43 Hart Road to work at camp this year. They are traveling from Chicago, Illinois where they attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Sio is excited to be in nature again and be on the Eagles Nest campus again. Two activities Sio is ready to lead are photography and rock climbing. In their free time, Sio enjoys listening to music/going to concerts, taking photos, and hanging out with friends.

Liv is returning to The Nest for her 8th summer! She is from Miami. Florida and attends Kenyon College. Liv is excited to be back in the kitchen making meals for everyone and to be surrounded by great people, nature, and camp songs. In terms of classes, she would love to lead any craft, especially stained glass and ceramics. Liv would also be interested in leading any music or cooking class. Her favorite things to do are sing, make music, hang out with friends, bake, and cook. One of Liv’s favorite memories at camp was going on her final campout as a camper to Mt. Mitchell and climbing its peak at sunrise the next morning.

Lyndsie is new to our Health Hut team this year! She is from Raleigh, North Carolina but originally comes from Syracuse, New York. She has attended East Carolina University and Duke University and is so excited about camp! Lyndsie can’t wait to meet the campers and staff and watch them learn new skills and develop their confidence. She also hopes to be able to join in on some Arts and Crafts and be silly when time permits, as well. Lyndsie is eager to experience being a nurse in a camp setting, and working with and establishing relationships with the other staff members. She hopes and trusts that she will be exhausted at the end of each day!  For fun, Lyndsie’s newest hobby has been resin art. She makes trays, coasters, and other decorative pieces.

Niamh is coming all the way from Edinburgh, Scotland for her first summer at camp. She is super excited to spend the summer meeting new people and making great memories! Niamh is looking forward to leading outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking! She would also love to get involved with baking. In her free time, Niamh loves to spend time in the outdoors, bake, listen to music. and hang out with her friends.

Robin is coming to Eagle’s Nest Camp for the first time this summer. She currently calls Philadelphia home but has also lived in Seattle, southern Oregon, and Minnesota. She has attended St. Cloud (MN) State, Portland (OR) State, and LaSalle Universities (she can’t stop going to college!) Robin is looking forward to working at a camp for the first time since 2007. While she’s been exposed to lots of different health care environments (emergency, inpatient med/surg, inpatient psych, residential treatment, and community health center), this will be her first time as a camp nurse. She is also looking forward to being in a part of North Carolina she’s never been to before… or any part of North Carolina now that she’s old enough to remember it! (Robin was born in Raleigh but her family moved before she was old enough to walk without holding onto furniture.) In previous camp roles, Robin has led off-camp day trips for canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking, as well as working with ropes and going on a month-long travel camp. This year, Robin will be the one reminding everyone to wash their hands and wear sunscreen. She’s especially hoping to get some campfire sing-along action in this summer. In her free time Robin enjoys cooking and baking, reading (currently moved from dystopian zombie apocalypses to the Nord Noir genre, taking Brenna–her yellow lab service dog–for long walks in the watershed, knitting, and playing “what else has that person been in?!?” while watching British TV shows. Robin will be at Eagle’s Nest for Session 2.

Erin is returning to good ole 43 Hart Rd! Hailing from Vermont, she has spent nine(ish) years at camp. Erin has attended Wesleyan University as well as the University of Oregon for grad school. Now a parent, Erin is beyond excited to introduce her daughter to the Eagle’s Nest community and to meet new people and spend lots of time outside! Erin is hoping to be leading pottery, tennis, and morning runs. Her favorite things to do during her free time include recreating, reading, talking, and sitting outside. One of Erin’s favorite parts about camp is just an average flag raising on a cool, wet morning. Everyone is calm and sleepy and together preparing for an incredible day at the Nest!

Tee is returning for his fourth summer at the Nest! He is traveling from Johannesburg, South Africa and is excited to welcome campers back and to be teaching some of his favorite classes again. Tee is most looking forward to seeing the whole campus running around during kindred games. A few of Tee’s favorite classes that he’s looking forward to leading are basketball, soccer, tennis, and archery. In his free time Tee likes working out, hanging with friends and family, as well as generally being outdoors. Tee’s favorite memories from camp are seeing his campers return and them being surprised and happy that he came back to camp as well.

Sarah is returning for their seventh summer at Eagle’s Nest! Sarah is from Atlanta, Georgia and has attended Brown University. They are so excited for square dances, nights sleeping under the stars, lots of Dolly’s, and getting out into Pisgah Forest. It’s been seven years (!) since Sarah last worked at camp, so they are extremely stoked to get to know this place that feels like home to them all over again. Sarah is interested in leading guitar class, all kinds of outdoor adventures, earth art, and lunchtime singing! Sarah loves exploring DC on her bike, camping, playing guitar in her band, reading and writing, and listening to music. A favorite camp memory of Sarah’s was when they were leading a guitar class with their friend Moses. For one of the last classes, the two took the campers up to the Blue Ridge Parkway where they all jammed together and took in a beautiful view!

Isabella is very excited to be surrounded by nature this summer and to meet new people at Eagles Nest! She is from Lakemont, Georgia and has attended Rhodes College. Isabella is interested in leading kitchen and cooking activities as well as interested in being involved in general community camp activities. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, hiking with friends, and listening to music.

Liara is new to Eagle’s Nest this summer and is excited to share her first camp experience with her son! Liara is originally from Elmsford, NY and then moved to Willington, CT. She has attended University of Connecticut, Cornell University, and NC State University. Liara is excited to hang out with the horses this summer as she helps care for them and teaches riding lessons. In her free time, Liara likes to horseback ride, row, hike, trail run, and mountain bike.

Mia is coming to camp all the way from Cardiff, Wales! Mia is excited to experience different cultures and explore America as it’s a place she has never visited before. Mia is also excited to meet new friends and travel with them. Mia is interested in leading horseback riding and really any activity she can join. During her free time Mia likes to ride horses, take photos, make art, and go to the beach. Mia attends Hartpury University.

Mia is returning to Eagle’s Nest once more and is sooo excited to hang out with the horsies at the barn, pick blackberries and crab apples by the pasture, and of course play capture the flag, sing at lunch, and play guitar (so many things to look forward to!!) This will be Mia’s eighth summer at camp and they are stoked to lead include horseback riding, lunch time singing, and music/dance/drama classes. In their free time, Mia likes to sing, practice guitar, go to concerts, dance!, take ballet classes, and go on adventures. A favorite memory of Mi’s from camp was their first kindred hike. They didn’t know what to expect, and were so excited to run through the woods, throw mud at their friends, and sit in the grass and listen to the heartbeat of the earth. Mia realized that Eagle’s Nest was their place because the connection to nature runs so deeply.

Nathan is a former camper who is returning to Eagle’s Nest for his first summer on staff! Nathan is from Apex, North Carolina, and has attended Appalachian State University, North Carolina State University, and will be graduating from the University of North Carolina in May. Nathan will help lead whitewater paddling this summer and is looking forward to spending time on some beautiful rivers, lunchtime singing, and being away from technology. In his free time, Nathan enjoys playing guitar, making music with his friends, skateboarding, and photography. A favorite memory from camp for Nathan was performing a song with one of his friends at Coffee House. While Nathan was so nervous at first, he says the feeling after was unbeatable.

Percy is new to Eagle’s Nest this year and is excited to meet all the staff and campers and make memories out in nature! Percy is coming from Kennesaw, GA and attends Young Harris College. A few things that Percy loves are art, music, and water activities! Additionally, Percy likes to spend their free time reading, making music, or spending time exploring with friends.

Priya is traveling from Decatur, Georgia to be at Eagle’s Nest for her first time! Priya attends Georgia Tech and is so excited to cook and eat yummy food as she will be part of our Kitchen Crew! Additionally, Priya is excited to explore the beautiful Pisgah Forest, swim in waterfalls, and meet all the campers and staff. Some things Priya enjoys doing include cooking, fermenting, running, and building Legos!

Sergio is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from Mexico and has attended ITESCO. Sergio really likes traveling and meeting new people. He is also a huge fan of nature and is excited to get to camp! Sergio spends his free time playing the piano, spending time with friends, playing video games, drawing, and reading about astronomy.

Theodore is from San Antonio, Texas and attends Bard College in Massachusetts. An alum of the Outdoor Academy, Theodore is excited to come home to Pisgah Forest and 43 Hart Road! Theodore says that being a part of Eagle’s Nest community and traditions changed their life while attending the Outdoor Academy, so they are very much looking forward to joining it again and welcoming campers into the family! Theodore is most interested in working with the campers through theater, dance, collaging, poetry writing, crochet, and leather-working. Their favorite things to do during their free time include having dance parties with friends, going backpacking, watching choreography, reading poetry, listening to music while lying in a hammock, and discussing current events and politics with friends.

Zephyr is coming to camp for their first time! They are excited to participate in twilight/evening activities, learn about rock climbing and lunchtime singing, and hike/explore the forests around camp. Zephyr is really looking forward to getting to know everyone and is hopeful to get some baking/cooking/writing time in. They are most interested in leading ceramics/pottery workshops, farming, canoeing/lake-related activities, and any horse related shenanigans. Zephyr loves to bake (everything), write (poetry), cook, read (epic fantasy + sci-fi), watch movies, listen to music, and climb trees. They are from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania and attend Bard College at Simon’s Rock

Esteban is coming from Columbia for his first summer at Eagle’s Nest! Esteban has attended Distrital University Francisco José de caldas, Bogota-Colombia and is excited to get to know a new culture and people from different parts of the world. He is also looking forward to being able to share his own culture and wants to have a lot of fun this summer with new friends. Esteban is hoping to teach drama, improv, singing, and latin dancing and is ready to play fun games with the campers. Esteban likes to read, listen to music (he’s a big fan of Rosalía), loves sitting down to watch a good movie with friends, going out for tea, and chatting while he gets to know new places.

Blane is from Atkins, Virginia and attends the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. He is excited to share his knowledge with younger people, and get the chance to be outside all summer. Additionally, he is interested in leading art and music classes! Blane loves to play guitar, paint, workout, and go outside in his free time

Angie is coming from Columbia where she attends Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas (BOG). This will be Angie’s first summer at Eagle’s Nest and she is excited for learning new things, meeting new cultures, improving her english, teaching what she knows,  being surrounded by nature, and for living new experiences with amazing people. Angie is very interested in leading Drama-theater, music, swimming and crafts activities. In her free time, Angie enjoys reading, watching theater plays, listening to music, watching movies, doing crochet, singing, and dancing!

Aidan is coming to camp for his first summer. Aidan is from Oregon and graduated from Southern Oregon University. He is excited to make new friends while sharing the stoke for the outdoors and s’mores! Aidan has had a blast spending time backpacking and rock climbing and is excited to share his knowledge and experience with others. In his free time Aidan is an avid hiker and photographer and also enjoys cooking and sharing meals with friends.

Grace is traveling from Conway, Arkansas to be at camp for her first summer. Grace is excited to spend the whole season out in nature and is interested in leading arts and crafts, gardening, and anything related to creativity! She enjoys drawing, writing, collecting trinkets, and making really specific playlists in her free time. Grace attends Bard College at Simon’s Rock.

Kellie is coming back to camp for her seventh year! She is from Raleigh, NC, and attended UNC. Kellie loves watching the kids grow and change from summer to summer. She looks forward to the sounds of camp laughter, gentle guitar music, and yummy smells wafting from the kitchen. In her free time, Kellie enjoys hiking, running, cooking, reading, and listening to music.

Bakhile is coming from Cape Town, South Africa for his second summer on staff! Bakhile is super pumped to be returning to North Carolina’s beautiful and scenic mountains. He is also excited to meet the campers from different walks of life, make friendships, and create lasting memories. Bakhile is looking forward to flag raising, lunch time singing, kindred games, campfire, and eating s’mores. This summer he is interested in leading any activity on the A-Field, as well as cooking in the kitchen, and putting on costumes in Wayah. During his free time Bakhile likes to read, hike, run, and play tennis. A favorite memory of Bakhile’s from last summer was visiting the Grove with his Kindred and being surrounded by the freshness of the forest. He is excited to return to the Grove once again!

A former camper, Asher is coming to Eagle’s Nest for his first summer on staff! Asher is coming from Atlanta, Georgia and attends Bard College. He is excited to lead music, songwriting, canoeing, fishing, gardening, and woodworking activities. Asher is ready to revisit the place that played such a big part in his childhood, and to help the next generation of campers have formative memories just like he has from being a camper. He is also looking forward to rejuvenating his mind out in the beautiful Pisgah Forest for a summer and to get away from his phone and computer for a while. Asher’s favorite things to do in his free time include making music (playing instruments, writing/producing songs), editing music videos, making cover art for albums, yoga, going on walks with his friends, driving and listening to albums, and watching movies.

Aideen is working at Eagle’s Nest Camp for her first time this summer! She is from Dublin, Ireland and attends the Technological University of Dublin (Tud) where she studies Architecture. Aideen is looking forward to meeting new people at camp and creating lots of fun memories together! She is hoping to lead Dance or some sort of sport. Aideen loves to dance, bake, play tag rugby, and hang out with her friends.

Ava is coming from La Crosse, Wisconsin for her first summer at Eagle’s Nest. Ava is excited to meet new people and explore a new place! Ava is interested in leading canoeing, and other outdoor adventure activities. In her free time, she enjoys spending a lot of time outside hiking, and exploring, as well as spending time with friends and family. Currently Ava is studying at the University of Minnesota Duluth

Cate is returning for her second summer at camp! Cate is from New Hampshire and attends Cornell University. She is excited to get back to North Carolina and meet this year’s counselors and campers! Cate is interested in leading canoeing, x-craft, and really anything that gets her outside. During her free time Cate enjoys drinking excessive amounts of coffee, relaxing in her hammock (when she’s not jittery from coffee), and enjoying some fresh air. A favorite memory of Cate’s from last summer was taking campers on campout at Black Balsam and getting up early to watch the sunrise (an Eagle’s Nest Camp classic!)

Charlie is from Co. Kildare, Ireland and is returning to camp for his third summer! He is very excited to be returning to Pisgah Forest once more and to meet all the new and familiar faces of camp. He is also particularly stoked to help lead the Junior Counselor program this summer. Charlie is looking forward to leading Photography, spending some time again in the darkroom, and getting back in touch with his green side through Nature Lore. During his free time, Charlie enjoys archery, mountain biking, and creating short films. A favorite memory of Charlie’s from Eagle’s Nest was during Final Banquet last summer. During the dramatic conclusion of Eagle’s Nest’s version of ‘How To Train Your Dragon’, a huge thunderstorm came to camp. As Charlie acted out the climactic final scene, lightning was striking all around! Charlie attends the University of Galway, Ireland where he studies Filmmaking.

Chelsea is coming across the pond from Sheffield, England for her first summer at Eagle’s Nest Camp. Chelsea attends York St John University where she is studying Environmental Geography. This summer she is excited about meeting new people and getting to explore a new landscape! Chelsea will be leading Arts and Crafts activities and is looking forward to trying brand new activities and building skills with those she already has. During Chelsea’s free time she enjoys going to the cinema, listening to music, crocheting, and volunteering her time outdoors at a conservation group.

Cybele has been in the Eagle’s Nest Camp world since 1977 and is returning once again! She is from Miami, FL and studied at the University of California at Santa Barbara as well as at UCLA. This summer, Cybele is excited about cicadas, thunderstorms, singing, fireflies, children’s laughter, creativity, fairy houses, awesome counselors, and staff working together. This summer Cybele is looking forward to leading, Basketry, Arts, and Twilights. During her free time, Cybele enjoys going on walks, being in nature, making thing, cooking, and connecting with others.

Harley-Rose is joining us for her first summer at Eagle’s Nest. She is from Northampton, England and is excited to meet all the staff and campers! Harley can’t wait to explore the North Carolina mountains and learn with her campers. Harley is interested in leading rock climbing, backpacking, and hiking. During her free time she enjoys getting out on a rock wall, revving an engine during motorsport, as well as hiking, reading and yoga. 

Heather is coming to Eagle’s Nest Camp for her first summer! She is from Pensacola, Florida and attends the University of West Florida. Heather is excited to live in a new state and meet new people as she loves new adventures. Heather is interested in leading outdoor activities. She loves nature and all things environmental, especially native reptiles! She also enjoys arts and crafts such as crocheting and sewing. During her free time, you can find Heather exploring the outdoors, learning new plant and animal identification, and sewing.

Heather is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Dora, Alabama, and attended Bevill State Community College and King University. She is looking forward to going to camp for the first time! Heather lived in East Tennessee from 2010 to 2018 and is so excited to be back in the mountains. She is also looking forward to meeting new people and spending time outdoors. Her favorite things to do in her free time are spending time with her husband and two pups, relaxing on the beach, reading a good book, traveling, and kayaking.

Jacob is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from Bristol, England. He is excited to meet the campers and fellow staff and build strong connections while spreading positivity and happiness around the camp. He is also excited to explore the campus and local area. He is interested in leading any classes that get him out in the fresh air and on his feet! In his free time, you can catch Jacob exploring the outdoors, listening to music, and watching and playing any sport

Jade-Omar is coming all the way from Jamaica for his first summer at Eagle’s Nest. Jade-Omar is filled with anticipation for the upcoming season. He is eager to explore the breathtaking landscape of the hills and lakes that surround Eagle’s Nest, and immerse himself in all the exciting outdoor activities that camp has to offer, especially soccer! Additionally, Jade-Omar is excited to meet and get to know each and every camper, and is committed to helping them have a fun and unforgettable summer. He is also eager to acquire new skills and techniques that will help him be the best counselor he can be, and contribute to the success of the camp community. Collaborating with a team of dedicated counselors who share his passion for creating a safe and inclusive environment is a thrilling prospect to Jade-Omar. He is excited to learn from their experiences of working together. Another thing Jade-Omar is thrilled to participate in is all the fun activities planned for the campers; whether it’s hiking through the hills, taking a dip in the lake, or engaging in lively games of soccer. Finally he is also looking forward to helping campers unleash their creativity and explore new interests through arts and crafts, music, and theater. Overall, being a part of the camp community and contributing to the growth and development of the campers is a source of great excitement for Jade-Omar. He is eager to see what this summer has in store, and to make a positive impact on the lives of the campers and the camp community.

Joey is new to staff this year and is from Kent, England. He is looking forward to seeing the different natural climbing spots in America and getting to know some new faces. Joey is most interested in leading rock climbing and teaching what he knows. Additionally, Joey loves to create music, make art and also, you guessed it, go rock climbing whenever he can!

A former camper, Linus is returning for his second summer on the Eagle’s Nest staff team! Linus is from Washington, D.C. and studies at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. This summer, Linus is looking forward to teaching pottery, spending time outside, helping organize camp events, camping, and backpacking. Linus is most excited about leading ceramics and wood carving. During his free time, you can catch Linus reading, hiking, drawing, camping, sculpting, and practicing guitar.

Madi is returning to camp for their second summer. Madi is from Orlando, Florida and attends Piedmont University. Madi is so excited to be back and to see all of the amazing people they met last summer! They can’t wait to be back at camp and get back into the swing of the fast paced camp environment! Madi is interested in leading many different activities like stained glass, rock climbing, pottery, soccer, and anywhere else they are needed. Madi’s favorite things to do during free time are play soccer, read, and randomly go on adventures with friends. One of Madi’s favorite camp memories has to be when Cabin 2 really struggled with getting out of the cabin on time. So, all of the counselors in the cabin came up with a song to get everyone up. Pretty much immediately, all the other cabins were picking up on it and would sing along to help get kids out of bed and to places on time! They even sang it for flag raising.

Olivia is from Lincolnshire, England and is brand new to camp this summer! She graduated from the University of Lincoln last year and is now working to gain a Masters in Animal Behaviour and Training at Bishop Burton University Centre. This summer Olivia is excited to meet new people, immerse herself in American culture, and hang out around the campfire! She is interested in leading equestrian activities and other outdoor pursuits! During her free time, Olivia loves horseback riding, portrait drawing, reading and spending time with her pets!

Julia is from Winston-Salem, NC and attends Appalachian State University! A former camper, Julia is coming to Eagle’s Nest for her first summer on staff! She is excited to spend the whole summer outside doing things she loves and is stoked about getting the opportunity to grow as an individual and as a member of a larger community. She is looking forward to being back at Eagle’s Nest because she has not gotten the chance to return since she aged out as a camper. Julia is interested in leading outdoor adventure activities like rock climbing or walks and waterfalls. She is also very open to creative things like the arts and cooking. Additionally, she would also love to lead mindfulness activities like yoga.In her free time, Julia enjoys spending as much time as she can outside, whether it be climbing, hiking, swimming, or just laying in the sun. She loves to paint and tap into her creativity. Julia is definitely a social person, however, she is never against some good alone time.

Julie is coming to camp from the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Maryville, Tennessee. She will be part of our Health Hut Staff this summer! Julie has attended Clemson University where studied Nursing and the University of Tennessee where she earned her Masters in Nursing. There are many things Julie is excited about for the summer including: meeting new folks, making new friends. being part of the Eagle’s Nest family, having her 9 year old son join this amazing community, and square dancing!!! This summer you’ll be able to find Julie at the Health Hut, but she would also love to lead people in morning yoga. During Julie’s free time, she enjoys daydreaming about plants and gardening, hiking, taking long walks, reading, learning new stuff, and doing a little actual gardening.

Matt is returning to camp for his second summer! He is from Bristol in the South West of England. He attends Cardiff Met University in Wales for Food Science and Technology. Matty is excited for everything! From lunchtime singing to earning those A’s in cabin cleanup to get a trip to Dolly’s. He is also excited to reunite with campers and staff and to meet some new faces! He is interested in teaching any class that puts him on the A-Field and teaching some more unfamiliar classes such as woodworking. Matt is also very hopeful to teach some cooking this summer. Matt enjoys getting a good playlist on and going for a run in his free time. It is the perfect opportunity for him to think. One of his favorite memories from camp is when his team had identified where the flag was during a game of Capture the Flag. There was a moment when he saw about 40 Bears and Buffalos charging down the hill by Cabin 9 in an attempt to secure the flag. It was a great sense of togetherness and camaraderie.

After being a camper for 5 years, a Junior Counselor, and an Intern, Mei is coming to camp for her first full summer on staff. Mei is from Decatur, Georgia and attends the University of Virginia. Mei is excited to work in the garden this summer and to be in the mountains. She is also excited for afternoon thunderstorms and lunchtime singing. One of her favorite memories at camp is hiking up Black Balsam to watch the sunrise. In Mei’s free time, she likes to run, do gymnastics (UVA Club Gymnastics!), hike, and hang out with her dogs 🙂

Miisa is traveling to Eagle’s Nest from Helsinki Finland for her second summer! Miisa is excited about returning to camp and the outdoors, as well as meeting old friends and making new ones. She is most interested in leading arts and craft lessons, cooking, and hopefully something new and fun.In her free time Miisa likes to watch films, hang out with friends, and listen to good music. She also likes to spend time with her family, especially her dog. Miisa’s favorite camp memory is going around campus with an ice cream cart to give ice creams to each camper after they got all A’s from cabin cleanups.

Coming from Atlanta, GA, Paris is ready to begin her first summer as a counselor at Eagle’s Nest. Currently a student at Georgia Tech, Paris was once a camper at ENC nearly 8 years ago. Since then, she has never gotten the opportunity to return to the Nest, so Paris is excited to come back to a place where she made so many great memories. Paris is interested in leading various arts and crafts activities. Some of her favorite things to do during her free time are read, play guitar, go thrift shopping, embroider, and box.

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Pronouns

She/Her

Where are you from?

  Atlanta, GA

If you go/went to college where do/did you go?

  Georgia Tech

What are you excited for this summer?

  I’m excited to return to camp as a counselor. I went to camp at Eagles Nest about 8 years ago and have never been back, so I’m super excited to be back in the place where I made so many great memories.

What activities are you interested in leading?

  Various arts and crafts activities

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

  Read, play guitar, go thrift shopping, embroider, box

Posey is returning to camp! She is from Winston-Salem, NC, and attends Appalachian State University. Posey has been at camp forever and is excited to find a new waterfall in the woods around camp. She enjoys leading classes like Gardening, Rock Climbing, and Backpacking, plus all things crafty (knitting, printmaking, paper mâché, cooking)! You can find Posey riding her bike or just sitting in the sun at a beautiful view in her free time. One of Posey’s favorite memories from camp is making a giant paper mâché sun with a group of campers during Session 4.

Hailing from Perth, Australia, Starley is new to Eagle’s Nest this year. Starley is excited to meet new people from around the world and challenge herself by living outside of her comfort zone. She is looking forward to building her skills in working with children and creating new memories while working at Eagle’s Nest. Starley is most interested in leading sporting and cooking activities. Back at home, she enjoys spending her time at the beach having grown up so close to it. Starley also loves to travel. Whether it’s driving to camping trips with friends or an overseas holiday, traveling will always be a favorite pastime of Starley’s.

Pronouns

  she/her

New or Returning

  New

Questions

Where are you from?

  Perth, Australia

What are you excited for this summer?

  I’m excited to meet new people from around the world and challenge myself by living outside my comfort zone. I’m looking forward to building my skills in working with children and creating new memories from this experience.

What activities are you interested in leading?

  I’m most interested in leading sporting and cooking activities. I like to try new things so I am open to leading other activities like arts and crafts.

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

  I enjoy spending time at the beach, I have grown up living close to the beach and it is one of my favorite places to be. I also love to travel, whether it’s driving to camping trips with friends or an overseas holiday, travelling will always be a favorite pass time of mine.

Thaiyaba is coming from the Big Apple of New York City for her first summer at camp. Thaiyaba attends the Borough of Manhattan Community College. She is excited to teach the campers about gardening, getting to meet many new people, and learning about different cultures and backgrounds. She is very interested in leading gardening, but also arts and crafts if given the chance. Thaiyaba loves doing horticulture in her free time, as well as going to the gym and spending time with her cats.

Zakiyah is returning to camp for her second summer! Zakiyah is from Raleigh, North Carolina and attends Winston-Salem State University. Zakiyah is excited to reconnect with old friends and make new ones and to see the returning kids to make new memories again! Two activities that Zakiyah is most interested in leading are music and cooking. During her free time, Zakiyah enjoys singing and learning new cultures. Zakiyah’s favorite memory at camp was seeing all the kids have fun watching and participating in the play.

Oliver is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from Chappaqua, NY, and is graduating from Colorado College this May. Oliver is excited to spend his summer in such a beautiful location. He is also looking forward to helping take care of sick or injured campers and making sure the Health Hut runs smoothly so that kids can get back to all the fun activities camp has to offer. While Oliver will be working hard in the Health Hut, he is also interested in jumping into some soccer classes when he can. You can catch Oliver playing soccer, going hiking, backpacking, cooking, playing card or board games, and laying out in the sun with a good book in his free time.

Bethany is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Asheville, NC, and attended UNC Asheville. Bethany is excited to spend time outdoors with a lot of kids! Though she will be hard at work in the Health Hut, Bethany hopes to hop in on some fun classes. Bethany loves playing with her kids, walking in the woods, planting bulbs in her garden, and baking cookies in her free time.

Reece is returning to camp for their second summer! They are from Alpharetta, GA, and attended Georgia College & State University. Reece is excited to be part of a team that will create a summer program that participants will remember for a lifetime. They are interested in leading any athletic activity. Reece enjoys reading, practicing photography, watching movies, and playing basketball in their free time. One of Reece’s favorite activities at camp is the camp talent show. They love seeing what performances campers come up with.

Marge is from Athens, Georgia and is joining the camp team after spending the school year as a Resident with The Outdoor Academy! Marge attended the University of Georgia and is so excited to meet all the campers and staff this summer. She is ready to learn about all the fun activities that will take place and looks forward to building great relationships with other staff and forming connections with the campers! Marge will be spending lots of time in the pack out house & the development office. She hopes to play silly games with the campers and to support  staff members as they head out on overnight trips! In her free time Marge loves to climb, mountain bike, and take her dog out for long walks and swims in the lake. Marge enjoys spending most of her time outside with new and old friends.

Ant is returning to camp for his second summer! He is from Kosciusko, Mississippi, and attended Alcorn State University. Ant is most excited for cookouts. He enjoys them because everyone is out and about on the A Field, just having fun, interacting, and having a good time. He is also excited about campouts. He loves sleeping out in the woods with a good book and a nice campfire. Ant is interested in leading athletic classes and teaching campers about horse care and horseback riding. One of Ant’s favorite things to do in his free time is to free write, write poetry, and read. He also loves hunting and fishing during his free time. One of Ant’s favorite memories from last summer is when Cabin 10 camped out on Black Balsam. The entire trip was funny and full of joy and good times, one he’ll never forget.

Jess is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Brevard, NC, and attended UNC Chapel Hill. Jess is excited to listen to thunderstorms in the forest and watch kids find the best versions of themselves. Though Jess will be working hard in the Health Hut, she is interested in hopping in on some arts and crafts classes when she has the time. Jess loves to travel, climb, practice the banjo, read, study languages, and garden in her free time.

Eleanor is returning to camp for their second year on staff. Eleanor is from Washington, D.C. and attends the College of Wooster. They are excited about being in the mountains again, playing camp-wide games like capture the flag, and helping lead lunchtime singing. Eleanor is eager to lead climbing again, as well as dance, drama, improv, and backpacking. In their free time Eleanor loves to knit and crochet, dance, sing, and learn about history. Many of Eleanor’s favorite memories from camp last summer involved finding fun things to do and learn during the thunderstorms at camp.

Isabel is joining the camp staff as a parent counselor! She is from Saint Paul, MN, and attended Macalester College. As a long-time camper, Isabel is most excited to pay it forward! She is also excited to witness her own children discover Eagle’s Nest for the first time. Isabel can’t wait for lunchtime singing, camp-wide games, and maybe even one of those classic late-summer mountain thunderstorms. Isabel is interested in leading any theater, improv, or silly games classes. She is also looking forward to sharing her skills as an amateur banjo-picker, a yoga enthusiast, and a storyteller. Isabel loves to go for long walks in the woods, play her banjo in the backyard, read, play board games, run around with her kids, and spend time with friends.

Laura is returning to camp for her second summer! She is from Roanoke Rapids, NC, and attended Elon University. She is excited to be teaching canoeing, leading Hante Utah, and being in the Eagle’s Nest community again! Laura will be leading out paddling and other outdoor classes. She likes to spend her free time exploring the outdoors and doing crafts such as embroidery. Laura’s favorite memory from camp is leading Hante Rocks and Rivers with Posey last summer!