Open Circle Foundation
Open Circle is dedicated to revitalizing and healing community. We do this by restoring connection and fostering belonging in the wisdom of nature.
Through wilderness experiences, deep listening, mentorship, and community service, we support young adults, frontline warriors, and people across divides to build a more caring and connected world.
“Open Circle’s philosophy is about helping people become the best version of themselves. It’s not just another feel-good experience that fades away; people walk away with important answers, profound shifts, and a renewed sense of self.”
— Atz Kilcher, Founder of Heroes Healing Homestead, Alaska
Current Projects
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Wayfinders: Wilderness Rite of Passage
Wayfinders guides young people who have carried too much, too soon and are ready to be believed in.
This intergenerational wilderness journey awakens essential virtues—positive identity, gratitude, courage and purposeful service. By restoring connection to self, community, and nature, Wayfinders cultivates interdependence and prepares people to contribute and thrive in a changing world.
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Heroes Healing Homestead Alaska
Heroes Healing Homestead was envisioned by Alaskan legend Atz Kilcher as a sanctuary where the healing power of nature, the strength of the warrior spirit, and the resourcefulness of the homesteading way of life come together.
Through wilderness retreats, rites of passage, and community mentorship, we honor the warrior spirit while preparing the next generation of leaders.
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Strength To Serve 2026
Those committed to grassroots service are often underpaid, overworked, and left without meaningful support. This program seeks to rebalance that equation by giving frontline workers the time and space to heal, recalibrate, and focus on their own growth. .
When we care for those on the frontlines, their capacity to care for others multiplies. It creates a ripple effect — restoring individuals, sustaining vital organizations, and ultimately fortifying the very fabric of our communities.
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Guiding Change: Scholarships for Training
Today’s leaders are called to navigate rising complexity, persistent conflict, and constant change—all while holding communities together and fostering hope. We strengthen the capacity of community and nonprofit leaders by equipping them with the insight and practical tools they need to do the difficult work of guiding their organizations forward in the midst of uncertainty.
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Walking Wild: Womens Leadership
Womens Leadership impacts us in all areas in our society. Every woman has gifts the world needs. Not every woman has the opportunity to discover and use them.
Walking Wild offers something different: permission to lead from authenticity, tools to navigate uncertainty, and community to sustain the journey.
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Wellness in the Wild: Brain Research
Support our ongoing research partnership with the University of Utah’s Cognition Center, building the science behind the powerful results we’re seeing and shaping future public policy. After statistically significant findings in social connection, self-efficacy, and mental health, we are expanding our studies to further measure the impact of our wilderness programs.
“This trip has forever changed the lives of everyone who went on it for the better, and I know that for the rest of my life, I will always remember this trip and I will cherish the memories and emotions felt until my final breath.”
– Isaac, Youth Wilderness Rite of Passage Program Participant
Wayfinders 2026
“On embarking on Open Circle’s program, I was hoping for a life-changing experience, but I didn't know the depths of that change and what would be required to elicit it. I was faced with challenges, both physical and mental, but the guides "led without leading" and steered me up the mountain. During our fireside circles, we delved deep into pain points and unpacked years of suffering and trauma. I came out with a renewed belief in myself and what I was capable of. This trip definitely changed my life, and I am now putting in the work to ensure others receive value from the work that was done up there.”
– Antonio DeAscanis, Marine Corps Veteran
Nature x Mental Health
Nature heals and science proves it. University of Utah Cognition Lab and Open Circle are studying how nature impacts mental health and social connectivity. It has shown that nature immersion lowers stress, anxiety and rumination. It has proven benefits for people with PTSD and depression, increasing emotional resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.
Our Work
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We lead nature based developmental retreats and wilderness trips to heal; nourish; restore and grow connection and purpose. We do this for a broad spectrum of people from families to teams; from young adults to elders; from veterans to chaplains to frontline service workers.
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We provide coaching and mentoring to support people and organizations navigating transitions and developmental thresholds.
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We train leaders as guides to revitalize their communities through catalyzing connection and collaboration.
PARTNER PROFILE
Atz Kilcher
Heroes Healing Homestead, Alaska
Atz Kilcher is not only known as a military veteran and cowboy poet but also as an Alaskan treasure for his contributions to music and his dedication to supporting veterans. He gained national recognition through the Discovery Channel series The Last Frontier, which follows him and his extended family as they navigate life in the rugged Alaskan wilderness. However, it’s what Atz has chosen to do with that fame that truly makes him a hero.
Passionate about veterans' healing through nature and music, Atz founded Heroes Healing Homestead in Alaska. This sanctuary provides veterans an opportunity to reconnect with themselves and nature, offering a space for healing, reflection, and renewal.
Our partnership with Atz Kilcher began in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, through a shared Veterans Wilderness Program. Driven by our mutual belief in the transformative power of the wilderness, our collaboration has grown into a vital partnership, expanding our work with Veterans and inviting young adults affected by trauma to experience the healing power of nature.
Hear more of Atz’s stories and his songs in the Beyond Listening podcast with Miriam and Adam, founders of Open Circle.
Contact us.
foundation@weareopencircle.com
PO Box 1233
Brookings, OR 97415
Our Board
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Adam Rumack
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Miriam Jones
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Atz Kilcher
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Jeremy Moore
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Christopher Arlen
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Steve Cahn
Open Circle
Open Circle is a human development company that works with purpose driven leaders and organizations to remove obstacles to growth, broaden perspectives, and deepen connections.
The Open Circle mission is to realign humanity with nature, reigniting soulful purpose in the world.