A nationwide, faith-based youth ministry sharing the love of Jesus Christ through adventure camps, mentorship, and youth hunts.
Who We Are
Kicking Bear Foundation is a nationwide, faith-based, non-denominational youth ministry dedicated to reaching young people, especially those growing up without strong father figures, with the hope of the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.
Through outdoor adventure camps, mentorship, and youth hunting & fishing trips, we create environments where kids can build confidence, grow in character, and develop a personal relationship with Christ.
By partnering with churches, families, businesses, and volunteers, we strengthen communities and provide consistent, Christ-centered role models who walk alongside youth as they grow in faith.
Our Mission
Put a bow in a kid’s hand and lead their family to the Lord—one-on-one.
Founder’s Testimony
Kicking Bear was founded by world-renowned bow hunter Ray Howell, whose personal journey from growing up fatherless to becoming a man of faith shaped the heart of the ministry.
After encountering Christ, Ray felt called to use his passion for the outdoors as a way to mentor young people and share the hope of the Gospel. By combining outdoor adventure with Christ-centered mentorship, Kicking Bear creates an environment where youth can grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally.
What began as a simple outreach has grown into a nationwide ministry serving youth through camps, events, and partnerships with churches and communities.
Ray Howell shares the origin story of Kicking Bear.
Our Faith & Values
Kicking Bear Foundation is rooted in the belief that every person is created by God and has inherent value and purpose. Our programs are guided by biblical principles and are designed to point youth toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Faith in God
We openly share the Gospel and encourage spiritual growth grounded in biblical truth.
Youth Mentorship
We believe strong, faith-driven role models can positively influence the next generation.
Respect & Compassion
Every participant is welcomed, respected, and valued.
Stewardship of Creation
We use outdoor experiences to help youth appreciate and respect God’s creation.
Statement of Faith
As Christians, we follow the beliefs as written in the bible. We do our best to let everyone attending a Kicking Bear event know that the great outdoors is one of God’s creations, and a special gift to us meant to be shared by all!
1. We believe in the Triune God ~ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Creator of all things.
2. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, was buried, was resurrected, ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father and is true God and true man.
3. We believe the Bible in its entirety to be the inspired Word of God (God breathed) and the infallible rule of faith and conduct.
4. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, we human beings are sinners by nature and by choice alienated from God and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled, and renewed.
5. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only way for salvation.
6. We believe every believer is called to live so in the power of the indwelling Spirit that he will not fulfill the lust of the flesh but will bear fruit to the glory of God.
7. We believe in personal salvation of believers through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We believe in sanctification through the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit.
8. We believe in the Christian’s hope ~ the soon-coming, personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
9. We believe we will live forever—and not just live forever, but we will live forever with Christ—and not just that, but we will have glorious bodies that are like his, with power and glory and life that’s far better than what we know now.
10. We believe the Lord Jesus Christ commanded all believers to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and to disciple people of every nation. The fulfillment of that Great Commission requires that all worldly and personal ambitions be subordinated to a total commitment to “Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.” We believe we are disciples sent into the world to make disciples.
James
1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Our Impact
Youth Impacted Annual
Camps Hosted Annually
Years Serving
Partner Organizations
By God’s grace and through faithful partners, thousands of youth have encountered Christ through Kicking Bear.
Join the Mission
Your support helps introduce young people to the love of Jesus while providing life-changing outdoor experiences and Christ-centered mentorship.