HoWL: Homer Wilderness Leaders

HoWL’s mission is to empower young leaders through fun and dynamic Alaskan wilderness adventures.

On HoWL Expeditions we: hike, camp, backpack, rock climb, sea kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle-board, explore and forage in the wilderness near Homer, Alaska.

HoWLers are youth (ages 10-18) who learn Alaskan wilderness survival, leadership, teamwork and expedition skills while exploring Kachemak Bay State Park and beyond. 

HoWL is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit. HoWLers give back to our community through trail work service projects and our DiRtBaG Clean-Up Week.

HoWL is proud to partner with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies to offer a wide variety of outdoor opportunities for Alaskan youth.

Why Choose HoWL?

Are you ready to challenge yourself to a fun outdoor adventure? On HoWL trips, Alaskan youth come together to form a cohesive group of adventurers that 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 backcountry 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 and the idea of camping in Alaska, you probably have what it takes to be a HoWLer. Join us on an expedition where you will learn leadership skills and backcountry survival techniques, while building lasting relationships and experiencing unforgettable adventures.

  • Testimonials

    “We are so lucky to have HoWL in our community. My 13yo attended his first overnight camp across the bay last year after doing several day camps in the past. He gained confidence in himself as an outdoorsman and made memories he still talks about, and will last a lifetime. I'm pretty sure that swimming to an iceberg (growler/bergy bit??) will be something that sticks with him! HoWL offers camps and experiences like no other!”

    Lacy Epperson, HoWL mom since 2019

  • Testimonials

    “As a professional outdoors person, with over a decade of guiding hunters and fishermen in Alaska, I have been impressed by HoWL’s preparedness, attention to safety, and high quality of provided gear. I trust HoWL to teach participants good decision-making skills and instill a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship in our next generation of outdoors men and women.”

    Dave Lyon, HoWL dad since 2012, Captain and Owner of Ashore Water Taxi

  • Testimonials

    “From hiking tall mountains and glaciers to rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, and being prepared for all weather, HoWL makes my husband and I feel good about sending our kids out into great adventures. We know they are safe and we know they are having experiences that they will remember for a life time. We also love the educational team leaders on these trips. Our kids consider them not only mentors but friends.”

    Rachel Livingston, HoWL mom since 2009