The mission of the Hurricane Island Foundation is to create and preserve an open sustainable island community that supports and enhances the educational opportunities of Maine youth.


How did we get here?


As many of you know, Hurricane Island has lost its community, again, as history repeated itself.  Peter Willauer visited the island in July after many years and felt the only difference between 2008 and when he stepped ashore in 1964 is that now the trees are bigger and all the buildings are up! Jim Gaston, the long-time island owner, had invited Peter to meet with him to discuss Hurricane's future. In the end, they both wanted to save this incredible place that has changed thousands of lives over so many years.


Since July, the news that Hurricane Island might be reopened has been met with much enthusiasm. Present and past instructors and staff, OB alumni and friends, past trustees and donors, leaders of the youth-serving community of Maine – everyone we’ve talked to has been excited and supportive.


Encouraged, we spoke further with many of these interested people about how we could nurture this phoenix back to life again. We wrote a mission statement and we have received approval from the IRS for status as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation.


Our goal is to share the resources of Hurricane Island with the entire educational community of Maine, including Outward Bound which has expressed interest in using the island again through the Sea Program. And, we want to protect the Island in perpetuity.


You are needed


If you have ever wondered what it was like to start from scratch in 1964 with nothing but an idea and an island - now is your chance to find out.  Help us to create the new Hurricane Island.


Give us your name


The first thing you can give us is your name. With your permission, we will post all who sign up which will help us attract others in our effort to reunite those who love Hurricane Island.


Spread the news


The second thing you can do is to spread the news; forward the link to this website to former staff, alumni and friends. Help us connect with others who are part of this “Hurricane Nation”.


We  need your time


In the months ahead, we need your time. From crafting an operating plan to repairing buildings and island systems, from creating marketing strategies to driving donated boats, we need enthusiastic helpers. So let us know how you can help and when.


We need money


We also need money. We do not intend to grow beyond our resources. Your contributions should be made to the Hurricane Island Foundation. Our application for non-profit/tax-exempt status is under review by the IRS. Once we are approved, you can deduct your contribution as of the date the donation was made.


We need your experience.


Many of us have gone off to other careers (or are retired!). If you have direct knowledge in Island construction, remote systems engineering, expeditionary program design, climbing, operating in the fog or financial horticulture we would like to hear from you. 



Let us know what you can do. With your help, this will work!


~ Ben Willauer