Trip Leader

Do you value kindness, inclusion, nature, and community? Are you looking to build your resume while also building character and meaningful relationships? Come play, learn, teach, and create memories in Pisgah Forest as a counselor at Eagle’s Nest Camp. We are looking for hard-working, FUN folks to create magic, be role models, and explore the outdoors with our campers. Eagle’s Nest Camp is a place where campers and counselors grow in confidence, independence, and become the best versions of themselves. If you’re up for the challenge, the rewards are plenty. Hear from a few of our former staff about why they chose to work at The Nest.

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!

Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a leader for off-campus trips, including rock climbing classes, overnights, and whitewater canoeing
• Support leadership with packing, issuing, and deissuing gear
• Provide mentorship to other staff members related to outdoor programming
• Teach classes daily in areas that match your skills and passions (examples include Backpacking, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, and more)

Dates: Position is from mid May to August 10th, 2026

How to Apply: Please complete this short application . Once we receive it, we will review your application and reach out about next steps. You can visit our webpage to learn more about Eagle's Nest Camp!

Working at Eagle’s Nest Camp can be a great option for internship credit. During your time at Eagle’s Nest Camp, you will build meaningful job preparation skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, work ethic, flexibility, and more. We can work with you and your advisors to meet your internship requirements. We can also help you craft an individual internship that will meet your goals. Past internships have included Outdoor Recreation Management, logistics, non-profit leadership, and cooking. For more information about completing an internship at Eagle’s Nest Camp, reach out to Lia Messersmith at [email protected] .

Special Benefits

Benefits: 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, and access to laundry facilities provided.

Requirements

Required Qualifications: Minimum age of 21 years, Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification or higher. Experience with camping, canoeing, or rock climbing. Clean driving record and a willingness and ability to drive participants and staff in vehicles as large as a 15 passenger mini bus.

Preferred Qualifications: Wilderness First Responder certification. Experience leading backcountry trips. Proficiency in whitewater canoeing or toprope outdoor climbing.

Why work here

Do you value kindness, inclusion, nature, and community? Are you looking to build your resume while also building character and meaningful relationships? Come play, learn, teach, and create memories in Pisgah Forest as a counselor at Eagle’s Nest Camp. We are looking for hard-working, FUN folks to create magic, be role models, and explore the outdoors with our campers. Eagle’s Nest Camp is a place where campers and counselors grow in confidence, independence, and become the best versions of themselves. If you’re up for the challenge, the rewards are plenty. Hear from a few of our former staff about why they chose to work at The Nest.