Eagle's Nest Foundation

2026 Eagle's Nest Camp New Staff

Pisgah Forest, NC - Seasonal

Whitewater Canoeing Head

Eagle’s Nest Camp, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina 

Seasonal Position (mid May to early August)

Who We Are: Eagle’s Nest Camp is non-profit, overnight camp located on 200 acres of wooded land in the lush mountains of Western North Carolina, just southwest of Asheville and down the road from Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest. Since 1927, we’ve provided a joyful, inclusive community where campers ages 6 to 18 are treated with respect, compassion, and care. Campers have the opportunity to participate in 1 to 3-week long sessions that emphasize community living while choosing to take classes in visual and performing arts, athletics, appreciation of nature, outdoor adventure, horseback riding, and more. Our population is diverse and smaller in size than most camps, which allows our campers and staff to feel seen, heard, and valued no matter how long they attend camp! Hear from a few of our former staff about why they chose to work at The Nest.  

Responsibilities: 

  • Programming: teach lake canoeing and river canoeing classes. 
  • Risk Management: Work with the Outdoor Program Manager and canoeing instructors to plan and run safe canoe expeditions in Western North Carolina on rivers with class I-II rapids.
  • Supervising Staff: mentor, teach, and support a canoe staff of up to 12 people.
  • Community Support: engage with community events and promote belonging!

The canoeing program utilizes our lake as well as many local rivers including the Green, Nantahala, Tuckaseegee, and French Broad Rivers.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Have a passion for and understanding of flatwater and whitewater canoeing
  • At least 21 years of age and one year of experience out of high school
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification or higher level of Wilderness Medicine training or willingness and ability to obtain this certification through staff training
  • Can confidently and safely navigate a tandem canoe on Class II Rapids and swim in rivers
  • Experience identifying river features and using canoe rescue techniques
  • Able to teach others paddle signals, strokes, and skills
  • Experience leading outdoor trips
  • Able to adapt programming to meet participant needs based on age, skill level, experience, and physical ability

Desired Qualifications

  • Swiftwater Rescue Certification
  • Lifeguard Certification
  • Any American Canoe Association Certifications
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification
  • At least 21 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a clean driving record, and a willingness and ability to drive participants and staff in vehicles as large as a minibus
  • Able to attach a trailer to a vehicle and drive it
  • Experience supervising others

Benefits: 

  • Potential for Swift Water Rescue Certification (depending on class enrollment).
  • Competitive salary and one full day off each week, plus nights off and lunches out.
  • On-campus housing. 
  • Delicious, home-cooked meals (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options)
  • Professional discounts on outdoor gear and equipment.
  • Staff lounge with wifi.
  • Access to laundry facilities provided.
Apply: 2026 Eagle's Nest Camp New Staff
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Here are some qualities of exceptional counselors: takes initiative, able to give and receive feedback, asks for support, collaborates with teammates, has a growth mindset. Check all that apply to you. Please be prepared to speak to your checked qualities in an interview. We recognize most of our counselors grow into these skills while working at camp.*
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