Meet Our Camp Staff
Eagle’s Nest counselors are passionate about bringing joy to our campers and filling their summer with meaningful fun! Our counselors are creative, skilled, thoughtful and caring. They enjoy the outdoors and have a love for working with children and youth. Most importantly, they are attentive to the physical and emotional needs of children and to keeping them healthy and well.
Eagle’s Nest takes pride in the quality of our camp staff. Eagle’s Nest has one staff member to every four campers, and all staff members must be at least 18 years old and have a year of college or equivalent experience. We maintain a careful selection process to hiring highly skilled and educated counselors and teachers. We carefully choose counselors who are creative, mature, engaging and fun-loving.
Click on a staff member’s photo or name to learn more about each person.
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.
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
Andrew joins the full-time Camp and Hanté staff as a next step in his long tenure with Eagle’s Nest. Beginning as a camper in 2001, he has since traveled to Ecuador as a Hanté participant, served as a camp counselor for several years working as rock climbing and outdoor adventure staff, and gone on to lead six Hantés both domestically and abroad. Andrew graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.S. in Psychology, through which he developed an appreciation and passion for the complexities and wonders of child development. He has since served as an educator in various roles, from public elementary schools to nonprofit environmental education. Andrew is extremely excited to rejoin the ENF community professionally, bringing new skills and experiences to challenge kids of all ages to discover their own self-efficacy through the conduit of the natural world.
Ian joined Eagle’s Nest fulltime in May of 2022 with over seven years of experience in outdoor experiential education. He served as an adventure boarding school Field Instructor and Administrator for five years, leading and teaching backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, academics, wilderness skills, and life skills to students on multi-week expeditions all over the country and throughout Central America. During the summers, Ian served as a Course Director managing and leading staff, campers, rafting, mountain biking, caving, and the logistics of adventure courses across Western North Carolina. For several years in rural Wyoming, Ian served as the Director of GAP Year at SOAR, a yearlong Wild West adventure program preparing high school graduates with ADHD/LDs for the next step in their lives.
Ian has been adventuring for himself all his life as an Asheville native. He is an avid mountain biker, rock climber, class V raft guide, and Eagle Scout. He enjoys spending as much time as he can on his mountain bike! Ian loves teaching and showing others why the great outdoors is the best possible classroom to learn and grow!
Ian studied Adventure Education at Prescott College and is a certified Wilderness First Responder, Waterfront Lifeguard, and American Red Cross Instructor.
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.
Lia graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Computer Science. She has been a part of the Eagle’s Nest community since 2010, beginning as a camper. Since then, Lia has served as a Junior Counselor, an intern in the garden and kitchen, and a camp counselor for several years. Lia has also been a member of the Peer Leadership Team, functioning as the Assistant Program Manager and the Outdoor Logistics Coordinator. Working at Eagle’s Nest has given Lia a passion for helping children connect to the natural world and discover their own passions. Lia is excited to join the full-time Camp staff and create magic for children of all ages.
Meet Our summer 2022 Camp Staff
Click on a staff member’s photo or name to learn more about each person.
Dennis-Ann is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Jamaica and attends the Northern Caribbean University. Dennis-Ann is excited for the whole summer itself, meeting new people, learning about different cultures, interacting with children, and making memories. She is ready to have a fun-filled and great summer! Dennis-Ann is interested in leading outdoor and arts and crafts classes. In her free time, Dennis-Ann enjoys relaxing, rejuvenating her mind, and doing new and fun activities.
Tessa is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Illinois. Tessa is excited to meet new people and have fun experiences. She is interested in leading hiking, backpacking, and athletic classes! In her free time, Tessa enjoys playing basketball, hammocking, reading, dancing, and going for long walks.
Megan is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Taunton, Summerset, and attends the Taunton School. Megan is so excited to meet lots of new people and create bonds with all the children. She is also looking forward to getting involved in lots of new and fun activities. Megan is interested in leading some sports classes. In her free time, Megan loves doing things with friends and family and being outdoors. She also spends a lot of her free time at the gym.
Sidney is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Mooresville, NC, and attended UNC Asheville. Sidney is excited to make new friends and learn new skills this summer. She is interested in leading some hikes and teaching dance and yoga! In her free time, Sidney enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, reading, and listening to music!
Amy is coming back to camp for her third summer! She is from South Carolina. Amy is very excited to be back at Eagle’s Nest and in the Health Hut. She cannot wait to see all the familiar faces and meet some new ones. Amy enjoys taking care of her herb garden, reading, and lying by the pool in her free time. One of Amy’s favorite memories from camp is going on a hike before the sunrise and seeing one of the most beautiful mountain views. It was her day off, so she wandered through the woods, following a creek, until she found herself back at camp.
Adelaide is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Ghana and attends the University of Derby. Adelaide is excited to make new friends from all over the world and work with children throughout the summer. She cannot wait to have first-hand experience in adventurous activities and share her rich culture with everyone. Adelaide is interested in leading arts and crafts, dancing, and athletic classes. In her spare time, she loves to walk around the nearby outdoor spaces.
Jake is coming to camp for his first summer! He is originally from Jasper, AL and now lives in Pensacola, FL. Jake attended the University of Tennessee. He is looking forward to spending time in the mountains and meeting new people. He is also so excited about all the fun camp activities! In his free time, Jake enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and playing disc golf as much as possible.
Funwako is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from Cape Town, South Africa, and attended Cape Town University. Funwako is excited to build a community and meet folks from diverse backgrounds. He is also excited to share his culture while learning from the cultures of others. Funwako is interested in leading hiking and athletic classes. He enjoys listening to music, reading, jogging, and doing yoga in his free time.
Dawalky is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from the Dominican Republic and attended college in his native town. Dawalky is excited about the experience of working with the children and the rest of the staff to create amazing new experiences! He is interested in leading any classes related to sports. In his free time, Dawalky enjoys listening to music, watching sports, and practicing different sports.
Daisy is coming to camp for her first summer on staff! She is from Summerfield, NC, and will be at Appalachian State in the fall. Daisy is a long-time camper and attended the Outdoor Academy. She is super excited to make new friends and memories! She also cannot wait to help campers experience the magic of camp. Daisy is interested in leading horseback riding, ceramics, and batik classes. She enjoys mowing grass, riding horses, baking, and crafting in her free time.
Mark is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from England and attended the University of Kent. Mark is excited to take part in new activities, experience other cultures, meet new people, and make sure everyone enjoys their summer. He is interested in leading some music and sports classes. In his free time, Mark enjoys playing and listening to music, playing tennis, going to the gym, and learning Spanish.
Kylie is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from County Roscommon in the West of Ireland. She is excited to meet people from other countries and learn about their unique cultures and customs. Kylie is also very excited to be able to take a break from technology and develop her creativity. She is interested in leading music, arts and crafts, and some outdoor classes. In her free time, you can catch Kylie singing, taking part in trivia quizzes, and exploring the beautiful mountains in the West of Ireland with her dog and friends.
Marlin is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Belmont, NC, and attended UNC Greensboro. Marlin is excited to explore a new place and go on new adventures with many new friends. She is interested in teaching horseback riding and music classes. You can catch marlin listening to all kinds of music, making friendship bracelets, spending time outside, or picking up a new instrument in her free time.
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.
Lucy is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Glasgow and attends the University of St. Andrews. She is very excited to meet new people and learn new things. She is also looking forward to participating in camp activities such as Capture the Flag and making this the best summer for campers and staff! In addition, Lucy is interested in leading any outdoor activity and sports classes. Lucy enjoys going out with friends, listening to music, and reading in her free time.
Beth is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Shropshire, England, and attended the University of Exeter. Beth is excited to bond with campers and fellow staff members, learn about new cultures, jump in the lake, and have some awesome adventures! She is interested in leading some canoeing, horseback riding, campcraft, and athletic classes. Her favorite things to do in her free time are playing netball, experimenting with cooking, drawing, and going to the gym.
Sean is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from North Dublin, Ireland. Sean is excited to experience various new cultures, take a step back from everyday life, and immerse himself in camp surroundings. He is interested in leading some athletic classes, such as soccer. Sean has recently gotten into playing golf in his free time. He also enjoys cycling along the coast out to Howth, Ireland, for coffee with two of his friends.
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.
Flavia is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Spain and attends King Juan Carlos University. Flavia is excited to meet new people and do a great job! She is interested in leading horseback riding and swimming classes. Flavia enjoys going for walks, meeting her friends, and reading in her free time.
Thai is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and attended the Brazilian Conservatory of Music. She is very excited to meet new people, have unforgettable experiences outdoors, and bond with the kids. Thai is interested in leading music, theater, and sports classes. You can catch Thai at the beach, read books, write stories, and watch good movies in her free time.
Michelle is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Raleigh, NC, and attended NC State University. Michelle is excited to get to know new counselors and campers, spend time outdoors, and have fun! She is interested in leading arts and crafts, hiking, and other outdoor activities. In her free time, Michelle likes crafting, traveling, and hanging out with friends.
Ellah is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Zambia and attended the University of Zambia. Ellah is excited to meet new people, experience new cultures, spend time in nature and have fun! She is interested in leading environmental education and arts and craft classes. You can catch Ellah reading, playing music, crafting, visiting new places, and eating good food with friends in her free time.
Dawson is coming to camp for the first time! He is originally from Columbia, SC, and has lived in Little River, NC for the last ten years. He is currently a senior at Brevard College. Dawson is excited about campfire stories, s’mores, and exchanging riddles. He can’t wait to have some fun at camp! He is interested in leading rock climbing, canoeing, backpacking, and photography classes. Dawson enjoys reading books, listening to music, and playing chess in his free time. He also hikes, rock climbs, unicycles, and swims.
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.
Miisa is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Helsinki, Finland, and attended Helsinki Vocational School. Miisa is excited to experience new things, grow as a person, and be more independent. She is interested in leading cooking and arts and craft classes! Some of her favorite things to do in her free time include baking, cooking, going to the cinema, listening to music, and practicing her photography skills.
Amo is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Johannesburg, South Africa, and attends Berea College in Kentucky. She is excited to interact with the campers, take out her inner childhood by experiencing campus life, and experience, learn, and have fun with everyone. She is interested in leading soccer because growing up playing around with family friends and cousins has been a core memory. She is also interested in teaching yoga and bringing peace, tranquility, and fun. Amo enjoys reading fiction and science fiction novels, singing, and being able to bike around with friends to hiking trails and around town.
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.
Cybele is returning to camp! She is from Key Biscayne, FL, and attended US Santa Barbra and UCLA. Cybele is excited to play in the woods, build fairy houses, and make baskets with natural materials. She is interested in leading basketry, Best of the Nest, and anything else in arts or the woods. Cybele’s favorite things to do in her free time are smell the trees, listen to birds, and make things. Cybele has been coming to camp since 1977! Though her children have since aged out of being participants, she continues to come back for part of the summer. One of her favorite memories from camp is seeing fireflies on the Athletic Field.
Rebecca is coming to camp for her first summer on staff! She is from Washington, DC, and will be attending UVM in the fall. As a long-time camper, she is excited to come back to camp, spend time in nature, and have fun. Rebecca is interested in teaching rock climbing and any kind of art. Rebecca enjoys hanging out with her dog, painting, and skateboarding in her free time.
Taylor is coming to camp for her first summer on staff. She is from Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and attends Appalachian State University. She is a long-time camper and Hante Adventures participant. Taylor is super excited to meet new people and learn more grafts like printing, kitting, and pottery. While she’ll be in the kitchen most of the time, she is also interested in leading some rock climbing and yoga classes. Taylor enjoys playing, listening to, and writing music in her free time. She also enjoys playing sports, working out, doing yoga, lying in the sun, reading a good book, and being in the water.
Bethany is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Raleigh, NC, and attends NC State University. She is excited to meet new people, learn new things, and have fun! She is interested in leading gardening and arts and crafts. Bethany’s favorite thing to do in her free time is hanging out and learning new skills.
Ella is coming to camp for her first summer on staff! She is from Summerfield, NC, and attends UNC Chapel Hill. Ella is a long-time camper and attended the Outdoor Academy. She is excited to spend the summer exploring the outdoors and meeting lots of new people. Ella is interested in leading horseback riding, rock climbing, ceramics, and other craft classes. Ella enjoys riding horses, rock climbing, working out, eating good food with friends, and going on hikes to watch the sunset in her free time.
Tina is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Landon, SC, and attended Winthrop University and Trident Technical College. She is excited to spend three weeks outdoors, unplugged and engaged with nature! She can’t wait to share this experience with her 11-year-old daughter! Tina will be working hard in the Health Hut during Session 3, making sure everyone feels loved, accepted, and included. In her free time, Tina likes to work in her yard, go to church, travel to new places, go on walks with her dog, listen to music, and cook.
Hattie is coming to camp for the first time! She is from London, England, and attends Roehampton University, London. Hattie is looking forward to getting out into nature! She feels the happiest when she’s outside. She is also excited to meet new people at the same time. Hattie is interested in leading classes in horseback riding and arts and crafts! She has ridden her whole life, and it will feel very special to introduce kids to the world of horse riding! Hattie loves playing volleyball, reading romance novels, and cycling in her free time.
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.
Sam is coming to camp for the first time! He is from Galway City, Ireland, and attends the Atlantic Technological University. Sam is very excited to learn something new, meet new faces, roast marshmallows over a campfire, and discover the local area. He is also thrilled to make a positive difference in the lives of the campers and people around him. Sam is interested in leading some outdoor adventure classes like canoeing and hiking. You can catch Sam going out for a jog, listening to music, doing arts and crafts, and hanging out with friends in his free time.
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 coming to camp for their first summer! They are from Washington, DC, and attend The College of Wooster. Eleanor went to a different camp as a kid. They loved the pervading sense of adventure and how everyone was always learning something new. They are excited to watch everyone grow with those experiences and to become part of a new camp community. Eleanor is interested in being a rock climbing instructor and teaching some drama and dance classes! Eleanor likes to knit and crochet, cook, bake, and read books in their free time. They also enjoy playing with their dog, Cora.
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.
ZaKiyah is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Columbus, Ohio, and attends Winston-Salem State University. She is most excited to meet new people and create a memorable experience for herself and everyone she connects with! She is interested in leading a few sports and music classes. In her free time, you can catch ZaKiyah coloring and singing.
Philemon is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from Nairobi, Kenya, and attended Maseno University. Being his first time, he is really looking forward to having the time of his life in every way possible, being the best he can be, making memories, and making lifelong friends. Most importantly, he is excited to be a part of the ENC family. Philemon is looking forward to leading some soccer, hiking, and rock climbing classes. Philemon’s favorite thing to do in his free time is to go out with friends for an adventure.
Madi is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Orlando, Florida. Madi attends Piedmont University, where she plays on the soccer team. She is excited to meet new people and make new friends! She is also excited to be in the mountains and experience summer in a different place. She is interested in leading some soccer classes this summer! Some of Madi’s favorite things to do in her free time are playing soccer, wake surfing, bouldering, and anything else outdoors!
Ateeq is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from London, England, and attends the University of Roehampton. Ateeq is excited to have fun, connect with new people and explore new places. He is also excited to make a great impact in the life of the campers and to learn more from his fellow counselors. He is interested in leading some athletics classes, from volleyball to soccer. Ateeq loves watching and playing soccer, reading, and listening to music in his free time.
Andy is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Mexico and attended Tec of Monterrey University. She is excited to learn new camp songs, roast marshmallows for s’mores, make new friends, and explore the surrounding area. She is also excited to be in the memories of the campers as they grow at camp. She is interested in leading some arts and craft classes as well as sports and cooking! Andy loves to go to brunch with friends, do pilates, and read in her free time. Currently, she is trying some new gluten-free baking recipes.
Cate is coming to camp for her first summer! She is originally from New Hampshire but recently moved to Asheville, NC. Cate attends Cornell University. She is excited to join the Eagle’s Nest community! Cate can’t wait to meet the campers, explore Pisgah Forest, and get to spend some quality time outdoors. She is interested in leading some backpacking and other outdoor activities! You can catch Cate running, hiking, or cross country skiing in her free time. Nothing beats exploring a good trail!
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
Charlie is returning to camp for his second summer! He is from Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland, and attends the National University of Ireland, Galway. Charlie is excited about all things Hart Road! He can’t wait to see the sights of Pisgah National Forest, hear the sounds of laughter and music and the campfire crackling, and the smells of Cho Cho’s and spanakopita. He is most excited to get back into the darkroom and teach photography, making a show of himself at Square Dance, and Capture the Flag. Along with Photography, Charlie is interested in teaching drama, improv, and Nature Lore. Charlie loves to do anything music-related in his free time, from practicing the trumpet to messing around on the DJ decks. He also enjoys mountain biking around his local army base. One of Charlie’s favorite memories from camp was his first day into Session One. While in Goodnight Circle, a big group of fireflies appeared in the trees and lit up the sky near the New Lodge. It was his first time seeing fireflies and was so magical.
Ben is returning to camp for a third summer! He is from Salisbury, NC, and attended Appalachian State University. He is excited for the look on camper’s faces when they jump into their first waterfall, funny stories told by the campfire, heartfelt creations presented on Giving Day, and insightful conversations held at Kindred Gathering. He is interested in leading classes such as Walks and Waterfalls, Paddling, X-Craft, and more! In his free time, Ben enjoys anything outside, especially with friends. Whether it’s backpacking, canoeing, climbing, cross country skiing, or ice fishing, he’s ready for it. Ben also enjoys reading, writing, and playing the harmonica. One of Ben’s favorite memories from camp is when he stuck his head inside the Naming Hole. He remembers feeling a bit scared to do it, but the support and encouragement he felt from fellow staff helped him embrace the moment. He can’t wait to dip his head into that beautifully cold water once again!
Tshiamo is returning to camp for his third summer! He is from Johannesburg, South Africa, and attended ETA College Johannesburg. He is excited to be at a place he considers home, especially after international border closures. He is also excited to be teaching classes again and for lunchtime singing! He is interested in leading classes such as Basketball, Soccer, and Bodies in Motion. Outside of camp, Tee loves photography and exploring new and exciting locations to take photos. He also likes reading, playing basketball, and ice skating. One of Tee’s favorite memories from camp is “The Little Mermaids” musical. He absolutely enjoyed the performance and appreciated the hard work that the campers put into the musical.
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.
Isa is returning to camp for her 5th summer on staff and her 10th summer at camp! She is from Asheville, NC. She is so excited for all the Lodges at camp, to see the returning campers’ familiar faces and meet the new ones. She loves to cook for camp while also being involved in the Eagle’s Nest community and daily camp activities. This summer, she will be heading up our kitchen, whipping up some delicious meals! She hopes to get some participants back into the kitchen to cook with her. You can catch Isa rollerblading, hiking, road biking, skiing, and hanging out with friends when she’s not working in the kitchen. She has gotten into reading more over the last year and has set a goal to read 15 books this year!. One of Isa’s favorite memories from camp is when she was in Cabin 4. Her counselor took the cabin down to the bridge by the Ironwood shed during cabin bonding. It was early in the summer, and there were still some bioluminescent underneath the bridge and glow blue on the ground they were on. She’ll never forget how much fun and meaningful that experience was to her.
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.
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!
Meet Our summer 2022 Camp interns
Click on a Camp intern member’s photo or name to learn more about each person.
Mei is joining the camp staff as a Garden Intern. She is from Decatur, GA, and will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall. Mei is excited to see the blooming rhododendrons and for the return of table families! She is interested in helping lead ceramics and gardening classes. In her free time, Mei enjoys running, hiking, sitting in coffee shops, and reading.
Isabella is joining the camp staff as an intern. She is from Winston-Salem, NC, and a long-time camper. Isabella is excited to work in the garden and help plan evening activities. She is interested in teaching any outdoor class. She enjoys hiking, camping, and being in nature and would love to share her passion with others. Isabella enjoys skiing with friends, playing the guitar, reading, and writing in her free time.
Jack is joining the camp staff as an intern. He is from Madison, WI. He is excited to spend time outdoors and be a part of the ENF community, giving campers a great summer. Jack is interested in leading outdoor activities, craft classes, and any athletic class. Jack likes to swim, climb outdoors, paddle, and hike around, seeing the sights in his free time.
Hannah is joining our staff as a Kitchen Intern! They are from Atlanta, GA, and will be attending Washington College in the fall. Hannah is excited to be back at camp again as a staff member this time! They cannot wait to see their friends and make new ones. The connections they make at Eagle’s Nest are always the strongest, and they cannot wait to be back in the community. In addition to working in the kitchen, Hannah is interested in helping with some art and archery classes. Hannah can be found doing anything creative in their free time, from reading, writing, or drawing in a sketchbook.
Emily is joining our staff as a Kitchen Intern! She is originally from Miami, FL but has been living abroad in Milan, Italy for about seven years. Emily is very excited to be more involved in the Eagle’s Nest community. She has always felt so welcomed and is happy to help pass on the amazing experience. Emily is most excited about seeing all the campers she got to know from when she was a Junior Counselor last year! She cannot wait to be back in nature and participate in fun activities like Kindred Hike and Capture the Flag. In addition to working in the kitchen, Emily is interested in helping with improv and athletics classes. Emily tries to get in touch with nature as much as possible in her free time. She enjoys walking to the park to read, study, and play the ukulele or guitar. When the weather is not as great, she enjoys baking sweets with friends and family.
Mia is joining our staff as a Kitchen Intern. She is from Chapel Hill, NC, and will be attending the University of Vermont in the fall. Mia is excited to make more fun memories at camp and spend time outdoors in Pisgah National Forest. She absolutely loves the Appalachian Mountains! In addition to working in the kitchen, Mia is interested in helping with arts and crafts and horseback riding classes. In her free time, Mia enjoys reading and all kinds of art, especially singing and dancing. She also spends lots of time outside and loves running.
Ronan is joining the camp staff as a Kitchen Intern. He is from Charlotte, NC, and is a long-time camper. Ronan is excited to be an intern this year! He is so excited to meet everyone. He is interested in helping with arts and crafts and photography. Ronan’s favorite thing to do in his free time is writing and produce music. He also enjoys watching movies with friends, going on walks, and taking and editing photos and videos.