Pioneers & Veterans Base Camp
Pioneers & Veterans Base Camp
Women Veteran Listening Circle Training
July 3-5, 2026
Homer Alaska
Want to attend?
For information, click here:
Listening Circle & Mentor Development Retreat for Women Veterans
Hosted & Sponsored by Pioneer and Veteran Base Camp (Alaska) Kilcher Homestead
In Partnership with Heroes Healing Homestead (HHH) and Facilitated by Open Circle
This retreat is hosted and sponsored by Pioneer and Veteran Base Camp, an Alaska-based initiative dedicated to supporting veterans through nature-based restoration, leadership development, and peer connection.
The Listening Circle & Mentor Development Retreat for Women Veterans brings together women veterans for a two-day immersive experience grounded in deep listening, mentorship, and community-building. Open Circle serves as the primary facilitator, providing its evidence-based Listening Circle methodology and training framework. Heroes Healing Homestead (HHH) partners in mission alignment, outreach, and support of women veteran participants.
Listening Circle and Mentor Development and Training
Alaska • June/July 2026
Cost: $1,000 per person • Group size: 8–16 participants
Pioneer and Veterans Base Camp
Mission • Vision • Values • Programs
Mission
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Pioneer and Veterans Base Camp exists to support healing, purpose, and reintegration for
veterans and pioneers through nature-based expeditions and grounded base camp support. -
We provide land-based infrastructure and logistical services—including reception, staging,
safety coordination, expedition support, and reintegration—to help individuals and partner
organizations bridge immersive experiences with meaningful civilian, educational, and
community life.
Vision
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We envision Pioneer and Veterans Base Camp as a modern homestead and operational hub
where the pioneering spirit and veteran ethos converge to support enduring
transformation. Rooted in land stewardship, service, and partnership, Base Camp honors
legacy while preparing people for what comes next.
Values
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Base Camp First – Safety, clarity, and preparation come before challenge.
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Nature as Healing Partner – Land and wilderness are active teachers.
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Dignity and Agency – We honor experience without defining people by injury.
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Belonging Through Shared Experience – Connection is built through shared effort.
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Stewardship and Legacy – We leave people and places stronger than we found them.
Programs
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Pioneer & Veteran Expeditions and Training
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Nature-immersive expeditions supporting healing, connection, and renewed purpose through shared challenge and wilderness experience.
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Uniform to University Pathways for veterans transitioning from service to education through structure, grounded support, routine, land-based living, and reintegration planning. (add link from Catkin’s thesis and Announce 2027 U to U Cohort in Summer 2027)
Announcing
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Women’s Retreat 2026 2-5 July Sign up now!
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2027 U to U Cohort in Summer 2027
Base Camp Operations & Partnerships
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​The Jack Kagan Foundation​
Land-based infrastructure and RSOI
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Informed logistics supporting partner organizations and sustained program impact.
Honoring Pioneer Legacy
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Archival stewardship and internships preserving the legacy of Ruth Kilcher, the Kilcher family, and Alaska homesteading history.
Thesis by Catkin Kilcher Burton
The thesis is about wilderness-immersion program best practices for veteran transition to college.
(Click for thesis)
Our Team
