May 2026

April Mentoring Camp 

HOWA second Mentoring Camp took place on BLM land in Pahrump, Nevada. Twelve nomads, four mentors, and three support volunteers camped together for seven days. The goal of Mentoring Camps is to provide guidance to those new to dry camping (boondocking) and help them gain essential skills while building confidence in their ability to thrive on the road. The ratio of three nomads to one mentor allowed for in-depth discussions at the morning sessions. Evening sessions saw the entire group gathered around the campfire ring to continue the discussions and review the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. Activities included a gadget show and tell, potluck dinner, ice cream social, open house tours, and a pizza party. New friendships were made, confidence was built, and a good time was had by all!

The next Mentoring Camp is scheduled for early November in Pahrump Nevada.

Spring Caravans!

HOWA Caravan camps have traditionally been held in the southwest during the fall and winter seasons. This year we plan to hold them all year round! The locations will depend on where the anchors/hosts choose to camp. Most likely the camps will be in forested locations -maybe even in the Pacific Northwest or the eastern US during the summer months.

A caravan is tentatively scheduled for May in New Mexico anchored/hosted by Sandi and Jennifer.

Another caravan is tentatively scheduled for June near Mammoth Lakes, California.

Check the HOWA website for exciting updates!

Save on Camping in Washington State

Staying in campgrounds is expensive and free camp spots are no always easy to find so buying a pass like the Washington State Discovery Pass can be a good option. At the very least, anyone visiting Washington state should consider buying a pass which is required for day use parking at any of the over 100 state parks, 350 recreation sites, 700 water access spots, 90 natural areas and 33 wildlife areas. The pass, good for a year, is well worth the $50 charge.

Many states sell yearly passes that cover daily entrance fees to state run sites however the Discover Pass has an important added benefit. Pass holders can camp for free at any of the 80 campgrounds managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Most campgrounds are equipped with tables, fire rings and vault toilets. This is primitive camping in beautiful locations and water and electric hookups are not provided. DNR Campgrounds

Free camping is also available to pass holders on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife public lands. These sites are often a parking area without any amenities but provide easy access to lakes and rivers. Research before going as each site has different rules.

Support HOWA's Emergency Fund

A heartfelt email from recipient Karen D. to Tracey who manages HOWA's eFund:

"...To everyone involved in this process, especially to the eFund Committee and Tracey, you have my sincere appreciation and gratitude. This support made a real and lasting difference for me. It gave me the stability I needed to keep moving forward. Not only with this specific car repair that I now don’t need to address again for years, but also in my healing. To the donors, please know these aren’t just car repairs to grant recipients, but often lifelines."

Your donations make a difference! Donate to the eFund HERE.

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