This Year’s WAC Gathering Was Like the Most Epic Summer Camp
August 13th, 2026Reflections from the WAC Team
Cold plunges in a 50*F summer bay. Sunglasses at 10pm, because the sun is acting like it’s two in the afternoon. The revelation of tiny carnivorous plants growing on the peat moss in Homer (the revelation of peat moss itself!) The moment a humpback whale does a full-body breach while we’re sailing back to Homer from Seldovia.
These are just a few of the details recounted in the semi-annual WAC team gathering, one of the most immersive ways that Wild Alaskan Company helps to create shared experiences with everyone on the team. And this year it was held in Homer, the hometown of my husband Arron (WAC founder + CEO).
Caption: While it’s not midnight in this picture, they call Alaska “the land of the midnight sun” for a reason. As of this week, the sun is still setting after 10pm in Homer, Alaska.
Among multitudes of experiences, there was a hike to a glacier, a stop at the natural history museum, sport fishing excursions, a visit to Kasilof Buying Station, a float trip on the Kenai River, and a trip to Seldovia — one of many places in Alaska that can only be reached by boat, yet is still part of the vast, interconnected tapestry of this planet.
Caption: An obligatory moose pic, to set the tone of the newsletter. This one was spotted on a team hike and photographed with plenty of zoom — it’s safest and best to admire this incredible creature from afar.
While I am still reeling from, processing and integrating the epicness of this year’s gathering, this week I’d like to hold space in this newsletter to share some of the reflections from the team.
On the unscripted magic of Alaska:
Sierra C., Sr. Analyst II - Growth & Product Analytics: “I had near religious experiences with the views of the mountains and glaciers. Homer, Alaska has one of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen and it left a feeling of profound joy in my soul.”
Chris M., Quality Assurance Analyst I: “Seeing a humpback whale fully breach and plop back into the ocean was a bucket list experience.”
Matt L., Senior Software Engineer: “Every turn, every new experience just showcased the wildness and beauty of Alaska. It is impossible not to feel small, in a good way, when you are there. And now I get to tell my disc golf friends that I have accidentally thrown in on a moose in the fairway.”
Caption: In hindsight, we should have added “seeing a whale breach” to our bingo board.
On halibut fishing charters with the team, which took the us into rougher-than-comfortable waters:
Lisa B., Merchandising Lead: “The massive amount of sea sickness on our halibut fishing day continues to be hilarious. The shared trauma cannot be beat.”
Monique M., Sr. Director of Food Safety: “The halibut fishing was a reminder that we are at the mercy of nature and that our support and love for each other is far greater than I can ever imagine when it comes to taking care of each other.”
Victoria L., Member Experience Specialist: “Instead of that fateful day being remembered as a ‘bad day’ it was immediately a reminder that we are there for each other and through the many ups and downs, we were all embraced with love and, hopefully, a funny memory. To the Yack Pack!”
Caption: The “Yack Pack” all smiles back on land — even after faring the swells that would make the already challenging task of reeling in halibut even more challenging.
On the notion of having the opportunity to fish (even simply a day of sport fishing!) can spark gratitude and heightened sense of purpose:
Heather M., Member Experience Lead: “It gave me a deeper appreciation for the fishermen and women who are out there day in and day out, no matter the weather. It is incredible what they have to face in order to provide Alaskan seafood and I have the utmost respect for them.”
Craig E., Senior R&D Chef: “You can't help but see how much the fishing industry means to the locals and the amount of pride people have there is incredible.”
Caption: A group of WAC teammates, including Arron Kallenberg (WAC founder & CEO, centered), at the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust.
On leaning into the connections with the land and the locals:
Bethany M., Director of Value Added Sourcing: “I walked away feeling even more inspired by the land and from my conversation with the locals and other WAC team members, to source more Alaskan specific products, all with the intent of bringing our members as close to Alaska and her people as possible.”
Helen D., Quality Assurance Analyst II:“When I visited Seldovia, I stopped by a Russian Orthodox church. I met a woman who owned a nearby lodge. When I told her I used to live in Siberia, not far from Alaska, she smiled and said, ‘Welcome, sister.’ It was such a sweet moment.”
Caption: This is the type of photograph that has taken over my camera roll — a big moon rising over a dramatic ridge, seemingly floating on the sea.
As someone who is lucky enough to call Homer home, sweet home, there are simply so many awe-some quirks and details and layers that have become a familiar part of my life in Alaska. And yet years into this life, my camera rolls are still filled and refilled with epic sunsets, mountain vistas, and sparkling expanses. All of this is revived and recast in new ways, when experienced in the company of your company colleagues — not unlike how a meal tastes better when you’re breaking bread with others.
To close out with a quote Derek G, Senior Software Engineer: “My key takeaways were how awesome the team is as a whole, and how special the place that makes this all possible is. I am so thankful to be part of this amazing team, with a mission and connection as impactful as ours is.”
Caption: Breaking bread on a rocky beach for the semi-annual wild salmon bake.
Live Wild,
Monica
Pictured above: A WAC portrait! The team has gotten so big, expanding and evolving in step with the company — it’s getting harder and harder to fit everyone in the frame while still being able to see our faces, but I hope that this portrait evokes the sense of unity, teamwork, and deep intention that we bring to the table every day as a company.
