What is Coyote Mentoring?

Coyote Mentoring (CM) workshops focus on the 8-Shields Model, a highly effective educational approach that synthesizes age-old indigenous techniques with the benefits of 21st century technology. Developed by Jon Young and endorsed by Richard Louv, it has been utilized by a variety of organizations over the past 25 years. In this model, the focus shifts from information transmission characteristic of most Western didactic educational models, to a cultural mentoring model of “learn it, do it, model it, mentor it”, allowing nature to be the teacher. The method fosters scientific inquiry while allowing the content to be learner-driven.

From dynamic sensory awareness exercises to animal mimicry games, the 8-Shields Model includes some of the most effective tools available for fostering Deep Nature Connection which subsequently cultivates authentic Environmental Stewardship among mentors and mentees. Developing an effective, viable mentoring community with the goal of connecting people to nature, this program is tailor-made for formal and informal educators, parents, scout leaders, camp counselors, and anyone wanting to join a community of people who love nature and want to preserve it for future generations.

Recently, Jon Young et. al. published Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature which will serve as the fundamental curriculum for the CM workshops.

Click here to register for Coyote Mentoring!

Where and when is it happening?

Our next CM workshop will be February 3-5, at Lake Fort Smith State Park in Mountainburg, Arkansas. This workshop will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and will end at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. We will be lodging (included in the $25 fee) in the new cabins at the park or you can choose to camp in the campground.

The first workshop will take place September 23rd-25th on the Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge at the Mary & Murray Looney Education and Research Center in Colcord, Oklahoma (MMLERC). The MMLERC is more than one-hundred acres of lush mountain forest and natural springs adjoining crystal clear Spavinaw Creek. This workshop will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and will end at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The third workshop in the summer of 2012 is TBD location at this time. Please check back!

How much will it cost and what does it include?

All participants will receive a Coyote’s Guide with their $25 workshop fee which includes all supplies, room, and board (or camping depending on location) and a spot in our online mentoring community. These workshops cost HUNDREDS of dollars with other organizations. We are very fortunate to have the support of the EPA and our partners to bring these amazing techniques to this area of the country. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, please spread the word! Workshops are limited to 30 participants. We have stipends to cover in-service teacher costs.

Who should attend this training?

This program is tailor-made for formal and informal educators, parents, scout leaders, camp counselors, and anyone wanting to join a community of people who love nature and want to preserve it for future generations. If you are interested in developing a native connection to place, this is for you! This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, please spread the word!

Click here to register for Coyote Mentoring!

What should I expect from a Coyote Mentoring workshop?

CM workshops include a combination of lecture, storytelling, discussions, group games and peer mentoring. Participants will learn::

• Essential routines, modeled after traditional cultures, that heighten and expand sensory awareness through utilization of the senses.
• How heightened awareness relates to critical thinking, problem solving, and deep connection to place
• The role of brain patterning and the natural flow of the human learning process.
• How stories, song and other artistic expressions open a doorway to authentic learning
• Techniques to uncover individual curiosity through questions, stories, mysteries, and challenges
• Cultivate authentic bonds with self, others, and nature

Learning Outcomes As a result of taking this course, participants will:

• Experience firsthand how powerful the “cultural context” is in all education.
• Recognize and utilize student passions and curiosities as educational tools.
• Learn how to use stories and storytelling as an educational tool.
• Understand the primary teaching styles of the Coyote Mentoring approach and how to appropriately utilize them in a variety of settings and contexts
• Have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of a community of nature enthusiasts.

For further information please contact us at ozarktracker@gmail.com or 479.267.0420.

See what people are saying about Coyote’s Guide from our affiliate Wilderness Awareness School

Coyote Mentoring Schedule:

Coyote Mentoring 2: February 3rd-5th, 2012, Lake Fort Smith State Park, Mountainburg, Ar. Click here to register for Coyote Mentoring!

Coyote Mentoring 1: September 23rd-25th; Mary and Murray Looney Education and Research Center, Colcord, Ok- Click here to register for Coyote Mentoring!

 

Coyote Mentoring 3: Date and location TBD