PROGRAMS
We're starting with the little ones, creating an alterinative space for them to socialize, learn directly from nature, and develop their muscles of awareness and responsibility.
Wandering Wednesdays (5-12)
Once a week on Wednesdays.
Guided by adult mentors holding space for activities, games, skill development, exploring, and questions.
Smaller and high-needs children are welcome accompanied by their parents or designated guardians.
Parents are welcome to join for all or part of the day.
The day has a rhythm that holds us through games, circling, food, activities and integrating what we’ve learned.
We use the seasons, the weather, and the children’s learning goals and curiosity to craft the activities of the day.
HOW DOES IT GO?
The school is a central element of the village that holds a sacred space for learning, playing and practicing.
Nature connects us with the world and is an open laboratory for questions, exploration, and discovery.
Free Learning
Open air. Open curriculum.
Learning is led by curiosity and meeting the learners where their edge is at.
Initiations into Knife Safety, Fire Making, Shelter Making, Staying Warm, Storytelling, Game Making, Game Playing, Collaboration, Authentic Communication and more.
Learning is not limited to the children, also the mentors and participants are on a learning journey.
Storytelling & Storymaking
Storytelling connects us, shapes our understanding of the world, and allows us to share experiences and values in profound ways.
Through narratives, we foster empathy and explore diverse perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of shared human experience.
What deeper truths might stories reveal about us?
Natural Playground
Using the seasons, the weather, the moon cycles, and the life/death cycles as a place of growing and finding ourselves in it.
Branches, rocks, puddles, bushes, leaves and imagination, all come together to create an evolving infinite playground.
Asking Questions
We embrace the power of questions.
We encourage children to explore, wonder, and inquire about the world around them.
By fostering a questioning mindset, we nurture critical thinking skills and a lifelong love for learning, helping children become active participants in their own education.
OUR APPROACH
Our approach has roots in our own connection with nature, which sparked a lifetime of inspiration and vision. This connection lead us years later to Coyote Mentoring.
Coyote Mentoring is an approach to nature-based mentoring that encourages curiosity, self-discovery, and a deep connection with the natural world. It is rooted in indigenous traditions and was popularized by Jon Young, who developed it through his work with the Wilderness Awareness School.
The coyote mentoring method is designed to guide learners through subtle forms of questioning, storytelling, and leading by example, often without providing direct answers. This approach encourages exploration and learning through personal experiences rather than rote instruction.
The name "coyote" comes from the spirit of the coyote in Native American lore, representing a trickster and teacher who imparts wisdom in indirect, playful, and often mysterious ways.
Key elements of coyote mentoring include:
Mentoring through curiosity
Asking questions that provoke curiosity and reflection rather than giving answers.
Storytelling
Sharing knowledge and cultural values through stories, which makes learning memorable.
Nature connection
Encouraging learners to build a relationship with nature by spending time outdoors, observing patterns, and experiencing natural systems firsthand.
Edgework
Challenging learners to explore their comfort zones and engage with the unknown in a safe and supportive environment.
