Would You Take This Job? - 2026 Eagle's Nest Camp Counselor

Camp Counselor
Employer: Eagle’s Nest Foundation
Location: Pisgah Forest, NC
Pay: Not listed (competitive salary)
Type: Seasonal — Overnight summer camp (mid/late May – Aug 10, 2026)

What You’ll Do:
• Plan and teach daily classes in areas matching your skills (arts, backpacking, horseback, canoeing, rock climbing, athletics, swimming, music, drama, etc.).
• Live in a cabin with 10–12 campers — supervise routines, safety, and community life.
• Serve as a Table Family member (meals, community building) and lead whole-camp activities.
• Provide day-to-day care, mentorship, and emergency response as part of the counseling team.
• Adapt plans, be spontaneous, and contribute ideas to make camp more inclusive and nature-focused.

Why It Stands Out:
• On-campus housing and delicious home-cooked meals (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options).
• Certifications offered (CPR/First Aid, Lifeguarding) and resume-building experience; internship credit possible.
• Small, tight-knit camp community on 200 wooded acres near Pisgah National Forest.
• Staff perks: one day off per week, nights off, lunches out, professional outdoor gear discounts, staff lounge with Wi-Fi, laundry access.

Potential Trade-offs:
• Seasonal commitment (mid/late May → Aug 10) — short-term but intense.
• Living and working in close quarters with campers/staff; emotional and physical demands.
• Pay not publicly listed — you’ll need to confirm stipend/salary and deductions (if any).
• Must obtain CPR/First Aid by season start; some roles require additional certs/skills.

Qualifications / Requirements:
• At least 18 years old and one full year out of high school.
• CPR and First Aid certification required by season start (camp offers training options).
• Ability to teach/lead activities, care for youth, and work in an outdoor/residential setting.
• Willingness to live on site and participate in communal life and duties.

Perks / Benefits:
• Competitive salary (details upon inquiry), housing, meals, and staff amenities.
• Training and certifications provided; internship / professional development opportunities.
• Outdoor, community-oriented work that strengthens leadership and teamwork skills.

Here is the link to view more job details or apply.

Would you take this job?
If you were applying, what would be your top three non-negotiables: (A) a guaranteed hourly rate or pay range, (B) a formal training plan and measurable quality metrics, or (C) a guaranteed minimum weekly schedule? Which would you pick and why — and what would you ask the employer before accepting (pay, trial period, or sample task to verify legitimacy)?

1 Like

Worked overnight in Pisgah; bring ‘quick-dry’ layers and a spare headlamp; ask about days off.

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Moisture sneaks up on you there — string a short paracord drying line above your bunk to air out wet socks nightly; if that’s not allowed, clip a mesh bag near the fan instead. @jensmit’s “a spare headlamp; ask about days off.” is spot on — do they let staff set up drying lines?

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I’d take it; for those daily classes, prep a tiny ‘rain plan’ kit (deck of cards + dry-erase markers) and bring a cheap analog watch — phones stay locked up and the constant ‘what time is archery?’ will drive you nuts. Only caveat is Pisgah’s pop-up storms; have a covered-space activity ready.

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Leaning yes — if you want to teach canoeing or rock, snag WFA or lifeguard; it got me better classes and a small bump, and Eagle’s Nest sometimes covers WFA during the late-May staff week. @jensmit is right on airflow; early season in Pisgah runs cold, so a 20°F bag liner saved my sleep.

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