HoWL Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in Homer in 2009. HoWL’s mission is to empower young leaders through outdoor experiential education by providing fun and dynamic adventures in Alaska. HoWL operates primarily in and around Homer and Kachemak Bay, taking youth on wilderness Expeditions where they learn survival skills, leadership skills, and participate in activities like rock climbing, hiking, camping, sea kayaking, foraging for edible plants, and community service projects through our DiRtBaG programs.
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HoWL is excited to continue collaborating with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies in 2023. Like HoWL, the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies aims to empower young people through outdoor, experiential education. Exploring local environments and forging strong, sustainable relationships with our natural surroundings are mutual goals.
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HoWL's mission
Our mission is to empower young leaders through outdoor experiential education, by providing fun and dynamic adventures in Alaska.
The Vision we hope to foster through our programs is a community in which people engage in the world joyfully, with confidence, competence and care.
Just as we are proud of the smiling, muddy Faces of HoWLers when they arrive back from an expedition, we are also proud of HoWL’s Values: F.A.C.E.S.
F. Fun.
A. Accessibility.
C. Conservation.
E. Education.
S. Safety.
Fun:
We at HoWL encourage exploration, creativity, zaniness, independence, joking, laughing, and getting muddy! The activities on our courses are all challenge-by-choice, which means that we only do things that are going to be fun. Through fun and games, students learn more about themselves, their teammates, the environment, and the inter-connectivity of it all, than any textbook could ever teach. It is this awareness, and the skills learned on every course that provide a solid foundation for the kind of future leaders that our world needs. It is also because we emphasize “fun first” that our students want to take our courses again and again.
Accessibility:
At HoWL we are dedicated to making our adventures available to everyone, regardless of income or other barriers to participation. Studies have consistently shown that participation in outdoor experiential education contributes to healthier decision-making, considerate and compassionate attitudes, and environmentally-conscious leadership. At HoWL, we don’t want to deny anyone the chance to experience our life-changing courses.
Conservation:
HoWL exists because of the wild lands of Alaska. Preservation of our earth is integral to the organization, to our enjoyment, as well as to all life on our planet. We believe that conservation begins with appreciation, and that survival skills and wilderness leadership inspire confidence and build character, laying the foundation for our environmentally-conscious leaders of tomorrow. At HoWL, the Leave No Trace principles are at the core of our curriculum, making environmental conservation easy and routine.
Education:
HoWL is not a guiding service. Even though we take people into remote places that they would not necessarily be able to access on their own, our group leaders are not referred to as guides. They are instructors, and they teach HoWL students how to survive and return to the wilderness on trips of their own, as competent wilderness leaders, respectful of the environment, their teammates and themselves.
Safety
A backcountry setting is full of inherent risks. That is what makes it such a dynamic learning environment and such a good place for students to challenge themselves and grow. HoWL instructors are aware of the objective and subjective hazards of the area and the group, and transfer that awareness to the students by empowering them to lead the group and make important decisions.
The Vision we hope to foster through our programs is a community in which people engage in the world joyfully, with confidence, competence and care.
Just as we are proud of the smiling, muddy Faces of HoWLers when they arrive back from an expedition, we are also proud of HoWL’s Values: F.A.C.E.S.
F. Fun.
A. Accessibility.
C. Conservation.
E. Education.
S. Safety.
Fun:
We at HoWL encourage exploration, creativity, zaniness, independence, joking, laughing, and getting muddy! The activities on our courses are all challenge-by-choice, which means that we only do things that are going to be fun. Through fun and games, students learn more about themselves, their teammates, the environment, and the inter-connectivity of it all, than any textbook could ever teach. It is this awareness, and the skills learned on every course that provide a solid foundation for the kind of future leaders that our world needs. It is also because we emphasize “fun first” that our students want to take our courses again and again.
Accessibility:
At HoWL we are dedicated to making our adventures available to everyone, regardless of income or other barriers to participation. Studies have consistently shown that participation in outdoor experiential education contributes to healthier decision-making, considerate and compassionate attitudes, and environmentally-conscious leadership. At HoWL, we don’t want to deny anyone the chance to experience our life-changing courses.
Conservation:
HoWL exists because of the wild lands of Alaska. Preservation of our earth is integral to the organization, to our enjoyment, as well as to all life on our planet. We believe that conservation begins with appreciation, and that survival skills and wilderness leadership inspire confidence and build character, laying the foundation for our environmentally-conscious leaders of tomorrow. At HoWL, the Leave No Trace principles are at the core of our curriculum, making environmental conservation easy and routine.
Education:
HoWL is not a guiding service. Even though we take people into remote places that they would not necessarily be able to access on their own, our group leaders are not referred to as guides. They are instructors, and they teach HoWL students how to survive and return to the wilderness on trips of their own, as competent wilderness leaders, respectful of the environment, their teammates and themselves.
Safety
A backcountry setting is full of inherent risks. That is what makes it such a dynamic learning environment and such a good place for students to challenge themselves and grow. HoWL instructors are aware of the objective and subjective hazards of the area and the group, and transfer that awareness to the students by empowering them to lead the group and make important decisions.
Our History
HoWL began in 2009. Founder and Executive Director Libby Bushell started with a dream of adventure beyond the End of the Road, purely in wilderness, open to every kid who wanted to go. Eivin Kilcher and Libby led 52 youth on 6 week-long expeditions in Kachemak Bay.
In 2010, HoWL incorporated as a non-profit corporation. We hosted a Benefit Concert to raise money for our programs and created our first HoWL Movie. Libby, Eivin, and 3 other instructors led 87 youth on 9 trips. We awarded 8 full scholarships through our litter clean-up program.
In 2011, 120 youth participated in our programs. Seven instructors led 13 multi-day expeditions and seven Day Trips. We held our first instructor training trip and developed the DiRtBaG Clean-Up Week into the booming success it’s become. We awarded 13 scholarships to our participants.
In 2012 we had 291 participants in our 30 programs (Day trips and Expeditions). We awarded 57 scholarships and started exploring the upper Kenai Peninsula with our canoes at Swanson River, Swan Lakes and Skilak Lake. We began the Peer Leader program with 5 participants who cleared the Emerald Lake Trail.
In 2013, 519 youth participated in our 39 programs, 75 of whom received scholarships for their expeditions. We began our official partnership with the Kachemak Bay State Park by adopting the Emerald Lake Trail and working on other trail restoration projects through our State of Alaska Recreational Trails Program grant.
In 2014, HoWL increased our Day Trips in a major way, by including the Wild Sustainable Summer program every week. We also implemented the DiRtBaG Service Corps program and offered four different school field trips.
In 2015, HoWL had our most days in the field ever. We partnered with Colorado College and offered a 24-day expedition called Wilderness and Spirit. We received a grant to purchase the HoWL Van from the Rasmuson Foundation and we had a ton of fun on over 100 days in the field. HoWL’s founder, Libby Bushell, transitioned out of the organization, and a group of dedicated volunteers, with Rick MacBean as the new Executive Director, stepped in to carry on her bright vision for what Homer-centered wilderness leadership could be.
In the spring of 2016, the sudden passing of Rick left the HoWL community in a state of shock and grief. Leah Lamdin stepped in as Programs Director and with support from the board, staff and volunteers she was able to continue programming through the summer. Leah faced this enormous challenge with grace and her leadership saved the summer for many Homer youth. But regardless of this enormous effort, HoWL struggled heading into the off season and faced a leadership crisis.
A strengthened volunteer board of directors was determined to carry HoWL’s vision forward. The difficult decision was made to suspend regular programming for the 2017 season and focus energy on rebuilding the organization. In December, 2017 Dr. Mike Sturm was hired as the new Executive Director and planning began for a robust and exciting 2018 season!
Under Mike's leadership, the 2018 and 2019 seasons were hugely successful. HoWL expanded to run fall and winter programs, including winter camping, small game hunting, and after school and day trip options. In the fall of 2019, Mike accepted a full-time teaching position and HoWL's board of directors made the decision to take the winter off from programming and re-evaluate HoWL's options.
In January of 2020, HoWL began talks with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies to work toward a collaborative summer season. Planning began in earnest in February. Due to the Covid-19 situation in March, HoWL made the difficult decision to suspend programming for the rest of the year.
In 2021, HoWL re-established a cooperative relationship with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies to provide an exciting line-up of summer trips for our youth. We paddle-boarded, backpacked, picked berries, discussed leadership, and worked on 10 miles of trail in the Kachemak Bay State Park. Molly Mitchell, one of the first HoWLers in 2009, joined the HoWL team as Programs Coordinator.
In 2022, HoWL re-connected to its roots: after-school programming and rock-climbing at the Woz. 53 participants participated in 7 summer expeditions, and HoWL awarded 9 scholarships. HoWL re-instituted our annual DiRtBaG clean-up week to celebrate Earth Day and involve youth in local stewardship. In 2022, 80 HoWLers helped pick up garbage and debris from Homer's roads and trails.
It has always been the enthusiasm and support of not only the parents and kids, but our entire community, along with business leaders, that has made HoWL a vibrant force through the years. We welcome your continued support!
Instructors
All HoWL, instructors have a passion for the outdoors and a long history of exploring the mountains, rivers, lakes, glaciers, oceans, cliffs, canyons, valleys, deserts, beaches, and woods of our world. HoWL instructors are trained in emergency wilderness medicine, are seasoned and familiar with the area in which we operate, and are stoked to share their skills and knowledge with HoWL students.
HoWL hires its instructors and staff based on: professional experience, a commitment to experiential education, fostering leadership, and a dedication to preserving the environment and teaching environmental ethics. If an aspiring instructor can pass all those criteria, then they are hired based on the most important attribute: Fun-ness!
Every year, HoWL instructors and volunteers participate in our IT Trip (Instructor Training). Here they learn the unique methodology through which HoWL imparts its curriculum.
HoWL hires its instructors and staff based on: professional experience, a commitment to experiential education, fostering leadership, and a dedication to preserving the environment and teaching environmental ethics. If an aspiring instructor can pass all those criteria, then they are hired based on the most important attribute: Fun-ness!
Every year, HoWL instructors and volunteers participate in our IT Trip (Instructor Training). Here they learn the unique methodology through which HoWL imparts its curriculum.
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Molly Mitchell, Program CoordinatorMolly loves plants, cultivated and wild, and enjoys foraging, plant medicine, and plant crafts. She is completing a B.S. in Botany, and holds a certificate in Ethnobotany. Molly grew up HoWL-ing and developed a deep affection for the backcountry spaces of southern Alaska. After HoWL, she developed her leadership skills and backcountry knowledge in New Mexico, Maine, and British Columbia. Throughout her outdoor leadership education, Molly missed HoWL, where fun and youth engagement were core values. She is thrilled to have spent the last two years back with HoWL, helping others develop strong relationships with local wilderness areas, and can't wait for another year of HoWL adventures!
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Joscie Norris, InstructorJoscie is returning to Homer after overwintering in Vermont and is excited to be the rock climbing specialist for HoWL this summer! She explored her love of teaching and plants as a naturalist and researcher in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Mongolia, and for the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. Joscie studied Environmental Studies and Art and is an exuberant lover of botany, wild edibles and medicinals, lichens, and nature drawing. She began leading rock and ice climbing courses six years ago as a student at the University of Vermont and now with her AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification, she has continued to instruct introductory programs that connect people to nature. She cannot wait for the summer shenanigans!
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Kayla Rivers, InstructorKayla grew up in North Pole, Alaska spending lots of time outdoors under the aurora and the midnight sun. She attended CSU for her business degree and UAF for her MBA. Working aboard Semester at Sea, Kayla led trips worldwide, ranging from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco to the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. While living in Fort Collins, Colorado Kayla taught ecology to kids at the Gardens on Spring Creek. Outside of work you can find her trail running, reading or finding a new artistic hobby. Occasionally, you can catch her practicing unicycling or juggling!
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Mel 나라 Kim, InstructorMel grew up exploring the sandy beaches, sweeping deserts, and rugged mountains of California. This love of the natural environment led to an education in environmental science and resource management as well as a field science career working with endangered butterflies, bat ecology, Arctic plankton, and micro-plastics. Outdoor education and recreation has molded Mel into someone who loves the people and the environment we share. It also inspires him to share it with next generation. When he is not exploring, Mel works as a yurt maker, lives on a farm, and does acrobatics with the local circus!
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Our Board
Todd Hindman, Co-President
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Todd Hindman moved to Homer from Nome in 2016, where he had spent 17 years working as the principal/teacher at Anvil City Science Academy. While vacationing in Alaska in 1992 he knew Homer was where he wanted to end up, It took 24 years, but that goal was met. In his spare time Todd enjoys art, photography, cooking, bicycling, swimming, music, and spending time outdoors. Having worked with youth for many years as an educator, he was eager to join the HoWL organization.
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Todd Hindman moved to Homer from Nome in 2016, where he had spent 17 years working as the principal/teacher at Anvil City Science Academy. While vacationing in Alaska in 1992 he knew Homer was where he wanted to end up, It took 24 years, but that goal was met. In his spare time Todd enjoys art, photography, cooking, bicycling, swimming, music, and spending time outdoors. Having worked with youth for many years as an educator, he was eager to join the HoWL organization.
Kate Crowley, Co-President
Kate moved to Homer in the Fall of 1996 and wondered how Homer kids gained access to all the wonders and opportunities for exploring Kachemak Bay State Park. Three years earlier, Kate had attended the National Outdoor Leadership School (N.O.L.S) in the Rocky Mountains outside of Lander Wyoming. Three months of expedition group hiking and camping, climbing and caving, skiing and winter camping with a strict Leave No Trace philosophy gave Kate an entirely different outlook on life from her East Coast upbringing. Kate spent several college summers working at N.O.L.S.’ Palmer branch, where she learned what it takes to run safe and supported trips for teens and young adults in Alaska. Kate now works for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. She loves to “romp” around with her husband and two sons, and she looks forward to the day when her sons can experience a HOWL trip and fall in love with Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Peninsula and all it has to offer and teach them.
Kate moved to Homer in the Fall of 1996 and wondered how Homer kids gained access to all the wonders and opportunities for exploring Kachemak Bay State Park. Three years earlier, Kate had attended the National Outdoor Leadership School (N.O.L.S) in the Rocky Mountains outside of Lander Wyoming. Three months of expedition group hiking and camping, climbing and caving, skiing and winter camping with a strict Leave No Trace philosophy gave Kate an entirely different outlook on life from her East Coast upbringing. Kate spent several college summers working at N.O.L.S.’ Palmer branch, where she learned what it takes to run safe and supported trips for teens and young adults in Alaska. Kate now works for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. She loves to “romp” around with her husband and two sons, and she looks forward to the day when her sons can experience a HOWL trip and fall in love with Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Peninsula and all it has to offer and teach them.
Delane Blackstock, Treasurer
Delane Blackstock, maiden name Hamik, was born and raised in Homer, Alaska. She graduated from Homer High with the honor of being elected “Worst Driver” in 1999. Delane dropped out of college in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and the final time of 2004 to open Flux, a ceramics gallery in Chinatown, Los Angeles in 2005. Learning quickly that owning a ceramics gallery with a best friend is a better hobby than a business, she moved to Portland, Oregon with her now husband in pursuit of opening a restaurant. Dove Vivi was established in 2007. After several years of changing one customer’s mind at a time about deep dish pizza (its just as good or better than wood fired!), she handed to reigns to her sister, and headed to the coast of Oregon with her husband and two young girls to help rehabilitate a compound they had acquired out of desperation for a “fun project” they could “all work on together” in 2016. The place was prettier than ever after several years of gardening and painting everything a stylish black, but the rain and isolation was a real bummer. Ironically, the revelation that those factors were weighing their family down came after a season of set netting in Area M, the alien-sounding fishing district where her father’s commercial permit is held just shy of the Aleutians. Delane returned to her hometown, and was delighted to receive a warm welcome and an actual jersey at her graduating class’ 20 year anniversary customized with “Honorary Class Clown”, considered now to be her greatest achievement. Well, besides being entrusted with the finances at HoWL, which is an organization that empowers older leaders through indoor experiential education by providing fun and dynamic adventures with Zoom, Excel, DropBox, Gmail, Quickbooks, the State of Alaska gaming board, and Kenai Peninsula Sales tax division.
Delane Blackstock, maiden name Hamik, was born and raised in Homer, Alaska. She graduated from Homer High with the honor of being elected “Worst Driver” in 1999. Delane dropped out of college in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and the final time of 2004 to open Flux, a ceramics gallery in Chinatown, Los Angeles in 2005. Learning quickly that owning a ceramics gallery with a best friend is a better hobby than a business, she moved to Portland, Oregon with her now husband in pursuit of opening a restaurant. Dove Vivi was established in 2007. After several years of changing one customer’s mind at a time about deep dish pizza (its just as good or better than wood fired!), she handed to reigns to her sister, and headed to the coast of Oregon with her husband and two young girls to help rehabilitate a compound they had acquired out of desperation for a “fun project” they could “all work on together” in 2016. The place was prettier than ever after several years of gardening and painting everything a stylish black, but the rain and isolation was a real bummer. Ironically, the revelation that those factors were weighing their family down came after a season of set netting in Area M, the alien-sounding fishing district where her father’s commercial permit is held just shy of the Aleutians. Delane returned to her hometown, and was delighted to receive a warm welcome and an actual jersey at her graduating class’ 20 year anniversary customized with “Honorary Class Clown”, considered now to be her greatest achievement. Well, besides being entrusted with the finances at HoWL, which is an organization that empowers older leaders through indoor experiential education by providing fun and dynamic adventures with Zoom, Excel, DropBox, Gmail, Quickbooks, the State of Alaska gaming board, and Kenai Peninsula Sales tax division.
Libby B. Bushell, Founder
Libby, born and raised in Homer, founded HoWL in 2009 at age 24. Libby loves extended time in the back country for the beauty and the challenge of it, but more importantly, for the community that develops when a group of kids (or kids at heart) become expedition teammates. Libby's community grew dramatically in the 7 years that she was Programs Director for HoWL, and she still meets up with many of her "kids" to go on adventures. After 6 years away from Homer, Libby has returned and joined HoWL's board of directors to continue the tradition of HoWL's fun-first methodology for teaching leadership and wilderness skills to our youth.
Libby, born and raised in Homer, founded HoWL in 2009 at age 24. Libby loves extended time in the back country for the beauty and the challenge of it, but more importantly, for the community that develops when a group of kids (or kids at heart) become expedition teammates. Libby's community grew dramatically in the 7 years that she was Programs Director for HoWL, and she still meets up with many of her "kids" to go on adventures. After 6 years away from Homer, Libby has returned and joined HoWL's board of directors to continue the tradition of HoWL's fun-first methodology for teaching leadership and wilderness skills to our youth.
Jamie Cloud
Jamie was born (figuratively) and raised (for reals!) in the bleachers at the Homer High School. Her hair was styled by teenage girls in the fashion of the day, and the teachers actually let her bring puppies to school. This could have corrupted a child with less integrity, but somehow the freedom and access crafted character and an unparalleled obsession with having as much fun as possible at all times. More on that later. She enrolled in college in Montana, and then tended to her adventures on motorcycles, boats and abroad. Jamie is no fool; she knew instinctively that she needed to raise her future kids in Homer with a man that could handle high seas and fast tracks. She moved back solo and opened Spit Sisters, where her home cooking could flourish. Skip ahead ten years-o-so, the rest of the family-life puzzle came together, and Jamie is dedicated to trying to recreate all the great memories of her youth. Not only for her own spirited children, but for everyone who can keep up with her runaway fun train, is able to ignore time and emails, and loves ice cream.
Jamie was born (figuratively) and raised (for reals!) in the bleachers at the Homer High School. Her hair was styled by teenage girls in the fashion of the day, and the teachers actually let her bring puppies to school. This could have corrupted a child with less integrity, but somehow the freedom and access crafted character and an unparalleled obsession with having as much fun as possible at all times. More on that later. She enrolled in college in Montana, and then tended to her adventures on motorcycles, boats and abroad. Jamie is no fool; she knew instinctively that she needed to raise her future kids in Homer with a man that could handle high seas and fast tracks. She moved back solo and opened Spit Sisters, where her home cooking could flourish. Skip ahead ten years-o-so, the rest of the family-life puzzle came together, and Jamie is dedicated to trying to recreate all the great memories of her youth. Not only for her own spirited children, but for everyone who can keep up with her runaway fun train, is able to ignore time and emails, and loves ice cream.
Tela O'Donnell
Tela is a mother, wrestling coach, gender equality advocate, and 2004 Olympic wrestler. Her passion is empowering youth and women to live to their full potential and capability, and developing a culture that recognizes sports and recreation as powerful tools of social change and personal growth.
She is a founding board member of Wrestle Like A Girl where she has supported the development of girls wrestling across 20 states and participated in initiatives, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, to utilize sport to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) and mental health in indigionous populations in Alaska, Canada, and Pakistan. Tela was raised by a single mother in Homer and grew up in the woods living from, and close the Alaskan wilderness. Here, her spirit and fortitude were formed and in 2007, Tela and her husband returned to Homer raise their 3 children.
Tela is a mother, wrestling coach, gender equality advocate, and 2004 Olympic wrestler. Her passion is empowering youth and women to live to their full potential and capability, and developing a culture that recognizes sports and recreation as powerful tools of social change and personal growth.
She is a founding board member of Wrestle Like A Girl where she has supported the development of girls wrestling across 20 states and participated in initiatives, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, to utilize sport to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) and mental health in indigionous populations in Alaska, Canada, and Pakistan. Tela was raised by a single mother in Homer and grew up in the woods living from, and close the Alaskan wilderness. Here, her spirit and fortitude were formed and in 2007, Tela and her husband returned to Homer raise their 3 children.
Eliza Mills
Eliza grew up in Ketchum, Idaho and there attended The Community School- a high school with an awesome outdoor program that focused on cultivating an appreciation for wilderness education through many different venues, some of which included rock climbing, backcountry skiing, all season camping, river rafting, backpacking and mountaineering, to name a few. Spending summers across the bay in Halibut Cove since she was a small child further instilled in her a deep passion for nature. After receiving a degree in Sociology from Mills College, and exploring the world through travel, she then studied Fiber Arts at Savannah of Art design in Savannah, Georgia. In 206, Eliza moved to Homer with her three children to enable them to have some of the same kinds of experiences she had appreciated in her life! Eliza enjoys seeing the excitement for nature and outdoor/survival skills that HoWL has sparked in them! Eliza has served on the HoWL board since 2018.
Eliza grew up in Ketchum, Idaho and there attended The Community School- a high school with an awesome outdoor program that focused on cultivating an appreciation for wilderness education through many different venues, some of which included rock climbing, backcountry skiing, all season camping, river rafting, backpacking and mountaineering, to name a few. Spending summers across the bay in Halibut Cove since she was a small child further instilled in her a deep passion for nature. After receiving a degree in Sociology from Mills College, and exploring the world through travel, she then studied Fiber Arts at Savannah of Art design in Savannah, Georgia. In 206, Eliza moved to Homer with her three children to enable them to have some of the same kinds of experiences she had appreciated in her life! Eliza enjoys seeing the excitement for nature and outdoor/survival skills that HoWL has sparked in them! Eliza has served on the HoWL board since 2018.
board members emeritus
Olga VonZiegesar
Kate Thompson
Loreta Miller
Levi Kilcher
Joel Cooper
Courtney Dodge
Susannah Webster
Our HoWLers
HoWL runs fun-first Alaska wilderness expeditions, and the desire to get out and have an adventure is what makes a HoWLer a HoWLer.
On HoWL trips, individual students come together to form a tight cohesive group of adventurers that can not only survive but thrive in the Alaskan wilderness. HoWLers learn to plan ahead and prepare for known backcountry elements. However, it is when the unknown presents itself that HoWLers shine. They are self-motivated kids who learn to make smart, time-sensitive decisions that maximize the potential for safe adventure.
Although HoWLers are excellent at handling serious situations, they truly excel at having fun. From inventing a back country hot tub, to sipping cocoa and hunkering out a storm, to building a driftwood raft and sailing it out to the horizon and back, Fun is really what HoWL is all about. Legitimate, ridiculous, exuberant fun.
If you like Fun, you probably have what it takes to be a HoWLer. You won’t believe the adventures you can have or how your life will change in a summer or in a day with HoWL.
On HoWL trips, individual students come together to form a tight cohesive group of adventurers that can not only survive but thrive in the Alaskan wilderness. HoWLers learn to plan ahead and prepare for known backcountry elements. However, it is when the unknown presents itself that HoWLers shine. They are self-motivated kids who learn to make smart, time-sensitive decisions that maximize the potential for safe adventure.
Although HoWLers are excellent at handling serious situations, they truly excel at having fun. From inventing a back country hot tub, to sipping cocoa and hunkering out a storm, to building a driftwood raft and sailing it out to the horizon and back, Fun is really what HoWL is all about. Legitimate, ridiculous, exuberant fun.
If you like Fun, you probably have what it takes to be a HoWLer. You won’t believe the adventures you can have or how your life will change in a summer or in a day with HoWL.