Rock Climbing Head

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: 

• Mentor the climbing staff (3-4 people)
• Oversee the progression of classes
• Coordinate trip logistics with the Outdoor Program Manager and health staff
• Oversee the safety of the rock site and typically serve as the lead climber for setup and breakdown, in addition to providing instruction
• Plan and lead rock-climbing expeditions in Western North Carolina for young climbers ranging from beginning to advanced skill levels
• Teach campers techniques and skills to maximize their enjoyment of climbing and improve their abilities

Beginning climbers will be introduced to all aspects of climbing, and advanced campers can progress to multi-pitch routes and mock leading. The climbing program utilizes our climbing tower, as well as many local natural climbing areas, including Looking Glass, Cedar Rock, Linville Gorge, and Rumbling Bald.

Required Qualifications: The Rock Climbing Head must be at least 21-years-old and have Experience in traditional rock climbing techniques and teaching. Ability to lead 5.7 trad. CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certifications.

Preferred Qualifications: Ability to lead 5.9 trad. AMGA or PCIA certification. Wilderness First Responder or higher certification.

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

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 lia@enf.org.