Founded in 2000, Two Coyotes is a non-profit nature mentoring organization that connects people to nature, community, and self. We provide long-term, nature-based mentoring to more than 500 children in Connecticut each year, to help young people thrive and navigate the many stages of their lives. Our mentors help children understand who they are, what their gifts are, and how to bring them into the world in ways that honor reciprocity and inclusion. Learn more about our work and Our Vision for the Future.
Two Coyotes’ mission goes deeper than environmental education for youth. Through our programs, we seek to raise future ancestors who are whole, healthy beings that embody their interconnection with nature, foster caring community, and who are committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive world for the next generation. For more than 20 years, we have seen the profound effects of Two Coyotes’ mentorship on the young people who have grown up in our community. We are proud that our next generation is stepping into adulthood as:
- Fierce protectors of the Earth, driven by a deep love for the natural world, cultivated during hundreds of hours playing outside in streams, chasing frogs, building shelters, and struggling with fire.
- Committed community-builders, rooted in the knowing of how it feels to be seen, accepted, and to truly belong, who now seek to create that for others wherever they land next – whether in a job, social circle, or new school.
- Conscious leaders who know their own gifts and how to work with others to make a positive impact in their relationships and their communities.
Our Values
At Two Coyotes our values are what define our work in the world. At a community gathering, families from our programs, our staff team, and elders gathered to share their values. These are our collective values and what we are living into the world.
We believe catching frogs, muddy knees, and exploring wild places are essential to growing up strong and healthy. They are our birthright. Yet they are sadly disappearing in the lives of children.
We believe there is no better way to fall in love with the Earth than feeling mud squish between your toes, or tasting the cool zest of a black birch twig.
We believe every child carries gifts inside them. At Two Coyotes, our mentors help kids understand who they are, what their gifts are, and how to bring them to the world.
We are committed to working with your children and family. We believe long-term nature mentoring can help kids to thrive and navigate through the many years and stages of their life.
In our programs, whether they last for a day, a week, a season, or a year, we create an environment of love, respect and community. We create places of safety where kids can be their authentic, silly, curious selves and develop the courage to take the great risk of discovering who they are.
We also challenge kids to reassess their beliefs in what they are capable of and hold a high bar for their achievements. We help them to realize that nothing can stop them from bringing their dreams to life.
Inclusion & Belonging
Everything that we do at Two Coyotes is to foster connection. When individuals feel seen, they are able to develop a true sense of belonging within a community. Please read more about how we help our kids feel seen and heard.
At Two Coyotes we grow vibrant, strong, healthy change-makers who love people and the Earth.
We would love for your family to be part of ours.
Welcome to Two Coyotes. We can’t wait to meet you!