Rock Climbing Director and Instructors

Do you love working with kids? Are you excited about the outdoors, teaching kindness, cooking, arts and crafts, rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, sports, telling stories, and being creative? Do you dream of spending the summer in the mountains, star gazing, laughing with true friends and having the best summer of your life? If so, you might be a wonderful Eagle’s Nest Camp Counselor!

Job Overview

Rock Climbing Director and Rock Climbing Staff 

Eagle’s Nest Camp, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina 

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding summer job? Do you love working with kids? Are you excited about the outdoors, teaching kindness, cooking, arts and crafts, rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, sports, telling stories, and being creative? Do you dream of spending the summer in the mountains, star gazing, laughing with true friends and having the best summer of your life? If so, we hope you’ll apply to join our team at Eagle’s Nest for the summer of 2024! 

Who We Are: Eagle’s Nest Camp is 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. Eagle’s Nest provides a joyful, inclusive community where campers finishing kindergarten – 11th grade are treated with respect and compassion. Campers have the opportunity to participate in 1-3 week long sessions which emphasize nature, arts, and community living while taking visual and performing arts, athletic and outdoor classes. Eagle’s Nest is an independent non-profit organization. We also host an outdoor adventure program for teens giving them the opportunity to spend two – three weeks backpacking, rock climbing and white water canoeing in North Carolina, across the country, and internationally.  

Responsibilities: The Rock Climbing Director is responsible for mentoring the climbing staff (3-4 people), overseeing the progression of classes, and coordinating trip logistics with the Outdoor Program Manager and health staff. In the field, they oversee the safety of the rock site and typically serve as the lead climber for setup and breakdown, in addition to providing instruction. All climbing staff are responsible for planning and leading rock-climbing expeditions in Western North Carolina for young climbers ranging from beginning to advanced skill levels. You will 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. Our summer staff teach classes every day in areas reflecting their expertise and interests. We also offer classes including, but not limited to, Arts and Crafts, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Whitewater Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Athletics, Swimming, Music, and Drama. 

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. Climbing staff must be at least 18-years-old and have one year out of high school. 

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

Benefits: Competitive salary and one full day off each week. On campus housing, delicious healthy meals (including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options), extensive professional discounts, staff lounge with wifi and access to laundry facilities provided.

Dates: Position is from May 25th  to August 12th, 2024

How to Apply: Please complete this short application. Once we receive it you’ll be invited to schedule a Zoom interview and informational chat with Paige Lester-Niles, the Camp Director, and with other members of the camp leadership staff. The interviews are fun opportunities for us to get to know each other

You can visit our staff webpage to learn more about Eagle’s Nest Camp!