The Eagle’s Nest Foundation is rich in history dating back to 1927. Our foundation is rooted in our mission of experiential education for young people, promoting the natural world and the betterment of human character.
The History of the Eagle's Nest Foundation
1927
Mrs. Oppenheimer (Bailey) purchases Eagle’s Nest Camp and moves it from Eagle’s Nest Mountain, Haywood County, NC to our current site in the Little River Valley. The program was only for girls and closed due to WWII.
1945
Dr. Alex and Hannah Waite purchase Eagle’s Nest and open camp for boys and girls the summer of 1945 with the war still ongoing in the Pacific.
1946
Polio outbreak in Florida causes quarantine for the entire camp for two weeks.
1950
Charter as a 501c3 educational, charitable organization with John D’Albora as President.
1968
Carolina’s Camp for Children with Diabetes opens with help from Duke University on the Eagle’s Nest campus. This partnership with the American Diabetes Associations of North and South Carolina and Georgia ran until 1984.
1973
Hante has its first Adventure on the Appalachian Trail.
1977
Helen Valentine Waite becomes director of Eagle’s Nest Camp and Dr. Alex Waite retires.
1980’s
“Off Season” programs for adults including yoga retreats, bike treks, canoe adventures.
1992
Birch Tree Programs providing transformational experiences for school groups officially opens and runs until 1999.
1993
Eagle’s Nest Camp becomes Eagle’s Nest Foundation overseeing Camp, Hante, The Outdoor Academy and Birch Tree.
1994
The Outdoor Academy officially opens with thanks to the vision of Helen Waite. Ted Wesemann is founding Head of School.
1995
The first OA students matriculate
2000
Noni Waite-Kucera becomes Executive Director of Eagle’s Nest Foundation
2001
Eagle’s Nest purchases 125 acres from P.H. Glatfelter Company including the horse pasture and most of the watershed.
2002
The Traditional Arts Center (Wayah and Cheoah) opens thanks to the generous donors of the Roots and Wings Campaign.
2012
Eagle’s Nest celebrates 85 years!
2016
Protected in perpetuity: Eagle’s Nest places 76% of its land – 143 acres- under a conservation easement
