Meet Our Camp Staff

Beth Venable is the Executive Director of the Eagle’s Nest Foundation. Though new to the organization, the ENF mission resonates deeply with both her professional goals and personal values. She believes strongly there are no better resources for children than those offering real connection and experiences, the natural world, and a chance to know and be known in community.

Though she did not know to call it experiential education in the early 90’s, being an “arts kid” in an outdoor oriented family had a profoundly positive impact on how Beth would orient herself in adulthood. This began with an undergraduate degree in Theater from Florida State University, and was followed by arts in education programming in the late 90s before expanding with addition of outdoor programming. Wanting to better understand child development and families, Beth found her way back to school to study adventure based psychotherapy at Prescott College where she earned an MS in Counseling with a specialization in couples and families.

Beth, her husband Drake, and their daughter Laurel have a strong sense of place on the trails and rivers of Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. As longtime residents of the “golden corner” of SC, they frequently made their way up the winding road to ride in Pisgah and Dupont, to paddle the Tuckaseegee and Nantalala Rivers, and sink deep into the rhythms and culture of local music festivals.

Paige graduated with a B.A. degree in English from Salem College in Winston-Salem. While studying education in college, she applied to work at Eagle’s Nest Camp because she loved her own camp experiences as a child and thought that working at a camp would give her invaluable teaching experience. Her first summer at camp, Paige helped direct the musical and taught soccer. Throughout college, she continued to spend her summers at Eagle’s Nest teaching everything from ceramics to swimming to Explorer’s Club and leading Hante Appalachian Trail treks and bike treks. After graduating, she started working full time with Eagle’s Nest and has now worked here for more than 15 years. During that time, she served as the Hante Director, Head Counselor, Junior Counselor Coordinator and Associate Director. Her husband, Andy, whom she met at Eagle’s Nest, is also an educator.

Cara, a North Carolina transplant from Ohio, now calls Brevard and the Blue Ridge Mountains “home.”  After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014 she took the role of Paddling Director for ENC before moving to the development office full-time.

Not only is Cara a skilled paddling instructor, she’s a talented experiential educator and an avid outdoorswoman. She holds a BS in Recreation from Ohio University and has worked in the field of outdoor education since 2003 as a wilderness instructor, outdoor program manager, camp counselor and challenge course facilitator. Cara spends her free time paddling, climbing, and hiking, tending to her impressive garden, and adventuring with her family.

Elizabeth Waite-Kucera (Noni) served as the Executive Director of Eagle’s Nest Foundation from 2000 to October of 2024.  She graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., with a B.A. degree in anthropology.  Noni was Camp Director at Eagle’s Nest Camp from 1993-2003 and Business Manager from 1989-1999 for Eagle’s Nest Foundation. She has also been the Swimming Director, and Paddling Director.  Additionally, Noni developed Eagle’s Nest whitewater canoeing and Hante Bicycling programs.

Noni’s grandfather, Alex Waite, head of psychology at Rollins College, founded Eagle’s Nest Camp in 1945. Helen and Mo Waite, Noni’s parents, served as directors for the Eagle’s Nest Carolinas’ Camp for Diabetic Children. Her mother served as director of Eagle’s Nest Camp and executive director of Eagle’s Nest Foundation for many years. Noni spent her childhood years growing up at camp and is honored to carry on the mission of Eagle’s Nest as an advisor.

After being born and raised in the concrete flatlands of suburban Chicago, Ed was ready for some place different. It began with attending the University of the South, where he studied ecology and fell in love with camping and trail running amongst pristine old-growth deciduous forests. After graduating in 2016, he passed on that love of nature by teaching biology and environmental science at a boarding school in western Maryland. But as his summer trips to Bolivia, Patagonia, Tanzania, Japan, and Alaska compelled him to lead backpacking and canoeing trips at residential camps in Maine, he realized his passion for the outdoors came from experiencing it for oneself. Thus, he moved west to earn a Master degree in outdoor adventure and expedition leadership from Southern Oregon University, where he gained a foundational understanding of experiential education through research, planning, leading, and teaching in the field. In 2022, he found his way back to southern Appalachia, joining the Eagle’s Nest community as the Hante Adventures and Outdoor Program Manager. He is excited to facilitate new experiences for participants so that they can learn and grow from the challenges they encounter.

Molly Herrmann joined the Eagle’s Nest staff in May of 2014 as the Camp and Hante Registrar and Winston-Salem Office Manager.  Previous to joining the Eagle’s Nest, Molly was a PhD candidate at the University of Buffalo in the History Department studying slavery in Charleston, SC.  Molly brings to the Eagle’s Nest her passion for experiential education and a love of outdoor activities.  In her spare time, Molly can be found hiking, camping, or playing with her two dogs.

Lia graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Computer Science. She has been a part of the Eagle’s Nest community since 2010, beginning as a camper. Since then, Lia has served as a Junior Counselor, an intern in the garden and kitchen, and a camp counselor for several years. Lia has also been a member of the Peer Leadership Team, functioning as the Assistant Program Manager and the Outdoor Logistics Coordinator. Working at Eagle’s Nest has given Lia a passion for helping children connect to the natural world and discover their own passions. Lia is excited to join the full-time Camp staff and create magic for children of all ages.

Hannah (she/they) grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania off the Appalachian Trail and spent her childhood hiking, playing outside, and going to summer camp. This sparked their love for outdoor education and led them to Warren Wilson College. Hannah graduated in December of 2024 with a B.A. in Outdoor Leadership and a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Education. Hannah spent her last two summers of college as part of the leadership staff for a summer camp in Massachusetts, which included the role of Ropes Course Director. 

Hannah is passionate about the integration of social-emotional learning, experiential education, and connection to the natural world. She is excited to support summer adventures for campers and staff!

Alex is originally from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand and immigrated to the United States at a young age. He had been a photographer in western North Carolina for about five years before joining Eagle’s Nest Foundation in 2022. Alex is fluent in Thai, plays the piano, and spends lots of time with his friends. He spends his free time playing board games with his wife, learning new recipes, and lazing around his dog and cat.  Alex works closely with The Outdoor Academy, Eagle’s Nest Camp, and Hante Adventures; photographing the authentic experiences of the day to day life of these programs.

Isa is a Camp, Outdoor Academy, and Hante alum from Asheville, NC. She has previously worked in the camp kitchen and will now be heading up our kitchen full time as our Whole Foods Program Manager. As someone who grew up attending Eagle’s Nest programming and living in the Blue Ridge Mountains, she was super excited to be able to join the full time team. She has worked in kitchens previously and is excited to work with Eagle’s Nest and bring whole foods and local vendors into our menus. Outside of Eagle’s Nest you can find Isa hanging out with her cat, hiking, playing with computers, and eating lots of good food!

Isabel is coming back to Session 4 as a Parent Counselor. She is from Saint Paul, MN. Isabel is excited for singing, laughing, and enjoying the magic of the natural world. In their free time, Isabel enjoys going for long walks in the woods, playing silly games, playing music, reading, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Duvan is coming back to camp for his second summer all the way from Colombia. He is excited to teach skills to as many people as possible and help them have an awesome summer! He will be teaching guitar and arts classes. In his free time, Duvan enjoys practicing guitar, drawing things, and producing musical covers with his friends.

Mia is joining the kitchen staff for her second year! She is from Atlanta, GA, and attends Appalachian State University. She is excited to meet new campers and see familiar faces, and spend another summer in her favorite place. In her free time, Mia enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, and baking.

Anne is a long time Eagle’s Nester from camper to counselor and now Parent Counselor. She is from Charlottesville, VA. Ann is excited to forage wisteria with willing young basketeers, music, morning hikes and Cho Cho’s. In her free time, Ann enjoys playing in the soil, making new plant friends, harvesting, writing songs, and yoga.

Phoebe is coming back to camp to join the staff! Long time camper and JC, Phoebe is from Durham, NC, and attends the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. They are excited to meet all the campers in the cabin. “It is my first time as a cabin counselor, and I can’t wait to make it a cozy and welcoming place for everyone there. I am also super psyched for our cabin activities and/or trips, pretty much anything that we’re doing together!” In their free time, Phoebe enjoys playing music, practicing their instruments, being with friends, baking, and going on hikes.

Juno is returning to camp for her second year on staff! Long time camper, JC, Hante participant, and OA alum, Juno is from Lewiston, ME, and attends Bates College. She is excited to continue the traditions and magic she experienced as a camper. “Some of my favorite parts of camp besides the strong and loving community are kindred games like capture the flag (love the fun + hype), cookout, and square dance.” Juno will be all over the place, teaching rock climbing, athletics, and the occasional art class. “When I’m not running track, I prefer to climb trees (not at camp, of course), ride public transportation (shoutout MARTA!), and toss around the old pigskin. I also like to have a good laugh with my friends, make 3D art, and ride my blue and red penny board.

Emily is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! She is from Kent, England and just graduated from the University of Lincoln. She is excited to meet so many different people and explore the beauty of North Carolina. “This will be my first summer at camp, and I can’t wait to experience all the different activities that camp has to offer!” In her free time, Emily enjoys going on walks, swimming, and spending time with friends and family. “I love spending as much time as I can outside! I also really enjoy reading books in my spare time, listening to music and watching films.”

Joe is coming back to Eagle’s Nest to work in the Health Hut! He is from Decatur, GA. He is excited for campfires, open mics, and meals together in the Dining Hall. “ I’m excited to spend a beautiful summer in the mountains of Brevard among the most accepting and fun community I have ever met.” In the Health Hut, Joe will work with the other staff to keep campers safe and ensure a summer filled with great memories and new friends. In his free time, Joe enjoys reading new books and biking.

Ava is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! She is from Worcester, England. Ava is excited to meet the kids and camp and be a part of their experience creating unforgettable memories. “I’m looking forward to being active and outdoors in the mountains, meeting new friends and fully immersing myself in all that Eagle’s Nest has to offer. I can’t wait to meet my table family and build strong bonds with everyone at camp!” In her free time, Ava enjoys listening to music, hiking, socializing with friends, ziplining, playing basketball, and traveling.

Asia is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! She is from Asheville, NC, and attends UNC Asheville. She is excited to step outside her comfort zone, meet new friends, and have an opportunity to leave a helpful and positive impact on future generations. In her free time, Asia enjoys playing basketball and softball, drawing, and hiking.

Sarah, a past camper and staff member, is coming back to Eagle’s Nest as a Parent Counselor! She is excited to have fun with kids, watch then learn and grow, and spend time in Pisgah Forest. In her free time, Sarah enjoys mountain biking, trail running, swimming, and gardening.

Bek is coming back to Eagle’s Nest! She has been a counselor for many years and returns to be a Parent Counselor while her kiddo is a camper. Bek is excited for many things. “I am excited to be back in the magical woods of Eagle’s Nest! To spend time among all the plants, fungi, and critters, and to get to introduce campers to them all as we explore the creeks and forest. I am excited for all the happy energy of campers and counselors getting to play and dive into all the activities that light them up, to see the joy of campers reuniting with their friends from summers past, and to be in community with Nesters new and old!” In their free time, Bek enjoys foraging wild food, exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, drinking tea with friends, and spending time with her daughter.

Past Camper, JC, Hante Participant, OA student, and Summer Staff member, Olivia is coming back to camp! She is from Key West, FL, and attended Warren Wilson College.” I’m so excited to be back in the ENC kitchen! I’m really looking forward to putting a smile on the campers’ faces through delicious healthy food that will fuel them for their busy days at camp!” In her free time, Olivia enjoys taking her dog out to play in nature, cooking, swimming, and gardening.

Hannah is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! She is from Ashe County, NC, and attends Lees McRae College. She is excited to get to know anyone and be friends. “I am also excited to spend my summer having fun in the beautiful outdoors of North Carolina!” In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, photography, hiking, swimming, yoga, nature arts and crafts, and playing with her dog.

Cait is coming to Eagle’s Nest for her first summer! She is from Sleaford, England. Cait is excited to see the amazing landscape of America and meet new people. As our Riding Director, Cait will be in charge of taking care of the horses and teaching campers new skills around horses. In her free time, Cait enjoys hiking, riding her horse, swimming, and hanging out with friends.

Kai is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! They are from New Paltz, NY, and attend Warren Wilson College. They are excited to spend the summer outside in the mountains and within an intentional community. “I’m looking forward to exploring Pisgah forest, swimming as much as possible, and seeing the Rhododendron bloom.” They will be teaching lots of horseback riding as well as some outdoor activities. In their free time, Kai enjoys cooking, camping, swimming, reading, writing, and making silly art.

Josie is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! She is from Surf City, NC, and attends Appalachian State University. She will be teaching all kinds of music activities. Josie is excited for the opportunity to grow though working at camp! “I love meeting new people and spending time outdoors, and getting to be a part of the Eagles Nest community!” In her free time, Josie enjoys skiing, roller skating, reading, hiking, baking, and thrifting.

Bliss is coming to Eagle’s Nest for her first summer! She is from Winston-Salem, NC and attends Winston-Salem State University. She is excited to connect with kids, make memories, and be part of all the fun camp activities! “I can’t wait to build relationships, encourage kindness, and learn new skills right alongside them.” In her free time, Bliss enjoys diving into a good book, singing, dancing, drawing, and playing games that challenge her mind and spark creativity.

Katy is a long time participant of Eagle’s Nest and will be on staff for the first time! She is from Dallas, TX and London and attends UC Berkeley. She is excited for cookouts and square dances. Katy will be helping our Marketing Coordinator, Alex, in getting tons of great photos and videos of camp this summer! In her free time, Katy enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, toga, watching movies, and reading.

Zoe is coming to Eagle’s Nest for her first summer! She is from Cedar Rapids, IA, and attends Clarke University. She is excited to work with all the campers and to spend the summer in North Carolina. In her free time, Zoe enjoys organized recreation, especially basketball, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with friends.

Tyson is coming to Eagle’s Nest for his first summer! He is from North Liberty, Iowa and attends the University of Iowa. He is excited to learn everything about Eagle’s Nest. “I’m especially excited to get to meet all of its amazing campers and staff!” In his free time, Tyson enjoys music, sports, and being outdoors.

Paloma is returning to Eagle’s Nest for her second year on staff! She is from Atlanta, GA, and attends the University Of North Carolina Asheville. A long-time camper, Paloma is excited to play music at lunch, explore the woods, and learn new things! She will be teaching climbing, outdoor classes, and arts and crafts. In her free time, Paloma enjoys writing, reading, and going on long walks.

Emerson is coming to Eagle’s Nest for her first summer! They are from Blacksburg, VA, and attend Emory and Henry University. Emerson is most excited to help campers use their imaginations to create unique art projects and for long-lasting friendships. In her free time, Emerson enjoys making pottery, going on hikes, finding artistic inspiration in nature, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat.

Cybele is a long-time Eagle’s Nester. She is from Key Biscayne, FL, and will join camp this year during Session 2b as an activity instructor teaching arts and crafts and basketry. Cybele is excited to meet new people and see returning campers and staff. She is also excited to hang out in nature, sing, and build fairy houses. In her free time, Cybele enjoys watching movies, playing games with her family, listening to music, cooking, and being out in nature.

Carlos is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from Tlaxcala, Mexico, and will be working in the kitchen. He is excited “by the idea of ​​being part of a team that transforms normal weeks into unforgettable memories for everyone, also that I will be able to learn new things but also share my experiences.” In his free time, Carlos enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and learning new things.

Jamison is coming back to camp for their third summer! They are from Dunn, NC, and went to UNC Greensboro. Jamison will be teaching dance, garden, and other fun classes. They are most excited to see familiar faces and make new memories. “I also can’t wait to jump in the lake!!!!! And Dolly’s.” In their free time, Jamison enjoys dancing, reading, being outside with friends, and watercoloring.

Dane is coming to Eagle’s Nest for his first summer! He is from Coventry, England. Dane is excited to meet lots of people from all different places and backgrounds, and to grow from all the new experience. “ Being out in nature is the best so to be living in the midst of it for the summer is like a dream come true.” In his free time, Dane enjoys playing guitar, learning new songs, and kickboxing.

Cat is coming back to camp for her second summer! She is from Bogota, Colombia, and attends Distrital University. Cat is excited to see the North Carolina stars again, meet new friends, and connect with camp while developing her skills. She will be teaching drama, dancing, and arts and crafts classes. In her free time, Cat enjoys having great conversations, playing board games, and dancing.

Sasha is returning to Eagle’s Nest for her second summer! She is from Caen, France. Sasha is excited about so many things this summer! “I’m VERY excited to return to the amazing community at Eagle’s Nest! I can’t wait to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new campers and staff. I’m so tired of missing the delicious meals from Isa, the pottery classes, and the camping trips! I’m excited to bring my responsibility and creativity back to make sure the whole camp community has an awesome summer. Love love love!!” In her free time, Sasha enjoys reading books and staying active.

Tessa is coming back to be a counselor for their second summer! Tessa is from Chapel Hill, NC. They are excited for so many things! “I am excited for another magical Eagles Nest summer full of square dances, rainstorms, creek hikes, capture the flag, mountains, friends, and lots of music. My favorite part of last summer was finding ways to create that camp magic for other people. I am so excited to be a part of the creative and compassionate community building that happens every year at camp. Seeing both campers and staff building this community together year after year, session after session, is inspiring every time. There is almost too much to be excited about, I can’t write it all!” Tessa will be teaching a mix of outdoor adventure and art classes. In their free time, Tessa enjoys running in the woods with their dog, spending time in a creek, and reading.

Veda is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! She is from Iowa City, IA, and attends UW-Madison. She is excited to learn about all the activities at Eagle’s Nest and get to know all the smiling faces of every camper this summer! In her free time, Veda enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, doing yoga, and playing with her dogs.

Vanessa is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time all the way from Mexico. She is excited to share her culture, traditions, and skills with campers and fellow counselors, while also learning from theirs. “I look forward to creating meaningful connections, exploring the outdoors, and contributing to an environment where creativity, teamwork, and personal growth thrive.” She will be teaching art, dance, and explorers classes. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys going for walks, learning new languages, and playing games.

Vallery will be coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Eagle Pass, TX, and attends Texas State University. Vallery is excited to make life-long memories with campers and staff. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and taking long walks with her pup.

Marisa is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! She is from Columbus, OH, and attends Oberlin College. She is looking forward to joining the Eagle’s Nest community and enjoying the North Carolina summer. In her free time, Marisa enjoys cooking with friends, singing karaoke, dancing, and rolling around on muddy river banks.

Margo is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! They are from Ithica, NY, and attended Oberlin College. Margo is excited to “be back in the eastern US to explore the woods, make fairy houses, and build community with awesome people.” They will be teaching lots of classes exploring the ecology around camp.  In their free time, Margo enjoys running through trails, making collages, doing puzzles, listening to music, and frolicking with friends.

Josie is a long time Eagle’s Nest participant. She has been a camper and Junior Counselor and attended the Outdoor Academy. This will be Josie’s first year on staff! She is from Winston-Salem, NC, and attends Sewanee. Josie is excited to get to know the campers and other counselors this summer. In her free time, Josie enjoys being outside, journaling, and spending time with her friends.

Johnny is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! They are from Hillsborough, CA, and attend Oberlin College. “I am most excited to spend time playing in the sun, running through the forest, and dipping in the lake!” In their free time, Johnny enjoys listening to music, going for runs, playing guitar, and playing games with friends.

Ellen is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Cary, NC, and will be working in the Health Hu,t helping to keep our campers and staff healthy and safe. She is looking forward to getting to know the campers and staff and becoming a part of the Eagle’s Nest community. In her free time, Ellen enjoys theater, reading, taking walks with her dog, and traveling to new places with family.

Chris will be working in the Health Hut during Session 2, and is looking forward to helping everyone stay healthy and have fun this summer! In his free time, he enjoys watching his kids play sports.

Bailey is coming to Eagle’s Nest for the first time! She is from Charlottesville, VA, and attends Radford University. Bailey is excited for lots of things this summer. “I am extremely excited to meet all the wonderful faces that come into camp! I am thrilled to be able to teach courses, help students learn and grow more throughout their summer time, provide once in a lifetime experiences and have fun together!” They will be teaching a variety of arts classes this summer. In their free time, Bailey loves to read, write letters, and be around people.

Lucy is coming back to camp for her second year on staff! A long-time Eagle’s Nester, Lucy grew up going to camp, was a JC, and participated in Hante. She is originally from Pisgah Forest, NC, and attends Wesleyan University. Lucy is excited for so much this summer! “I am really looking forward to being back in the Nest community. I am excited to get back into the woods and lead some rock climbing and backcountry trips. I have missed all the joyful energy of summer and can’t wait to be back teaching, leading trips, and creating some amazing outdoor experiences. Also excited to have some time for creativity and the lunch time sing band.” As Rock Climbing Head she will be teaching a lot of climbing and running more off-campus climbing trips this summer. In her free time, Lucy enjoys rock climbing with friends, running,  water coloring, ceramics, and playing guitar.

Merritt is coming back to camp for his second year on staff! Long-time camper Merritt is from Chicago, IL, and attends Emerson College. He is excited to be back and create more camp magic this summer! “I can’t wait to foster a love for the outdoors, make up goofy dances and songs, and play guitar in the lunchtime sing band.” Merritt will be teaching lots of campcraft skills as well as guitar. He is also one of our JC Coordinators, helping to inspire leadership and awareness in our JCs! In his free time, Merritt enjoys taking photos, dancing in the kitchen, practicing guitar, making short films, and sailing.

David is coming back to the Health Hut for the second time! He is from Winston-Salem, NC and attended Ohio Wesleyan University for undergrad. He is excited to be part of another fun summer at camp. In his free time, David enjoys being outdoors in the woods, running, swimming, working out, and reading.

Clara is returning to the Nest for her second summer! She is from Summerville, SC, and attends Converse College. Clara is excited to come back to the Eagle’s Nest community and meet new people. She will be teaching lots of music and art classes. In her free time, Clara enjoys playing guitar and flute, crocheting, going on walks, and playing with her cat Cheese.

Angie is coming back to camp for her third summer! She is from Bogata, Colombia. Angie is excited to have new experiences. “I am excited about having new experiences, discovering myself in challenging situations, meeting new people and old friends, sharing my knowledge in areas that I enjoy and helping others, but also learning new skills and aptitudes from the entire ENC community to improve my growth. I can’t wait to have fun with the kids and counselors.” She will be teaching acting, improv, and arts and crafts classes. In her free time, Angie enjoys reading books, watching movies, exercising, being with family and friends, listening to music, dancing, and learning new things.