Coyote Mentoring Core Routines: Story of the Day
What It Is—and Why It Matters
Story of the Day is the daily practice of sharing personal stories from time spent outdoors. It is a routine of reflection, meaning-making, and cultural weaving. As described in Coyote’s Guide, it helps “build awareness of the patterns of nature, mentoring, and personal growth” by inviting each participant—child or adult—to revisit and re-tell their own lived experience.
This is not formal reporting or a summary of events. Instead, it’s a chance to recall the magic of a moment, the trail of a question, or the humor of a mistake. When a group gathers to share their stories from the day, something deeper begins to happen: individuals begin to recognize that their experiences matter, that others are listening, and that each story is a thread in the larger fabric of community and place.
This core routine matters because it gives learners the chance to slow down, digest, and reflect. It helps track change over time—“Who were you at the beginning of the season? Who are you now?”—and encourages the development of voice, memory, and perspective. Story of the Day is also a diagnostic tool for mentors, offering insight into what landed, what was missed, and where curiosity is growing.
What It Might Look Like
The circle gathers near the end of the day.
After packs are set down and snacks are shared, a mentor asks gently, “What’s a story from your day?” One learner tells of watching an ant colony at work. Another recalls a moment of stillness when the forest went silent. There is no pressure to be profound—only to share what is alive in memory.
Stories begin to teach each other.
A story about getting caught in a sudden rain leads to a group discussion about shelter and animal behavior. A story about watching a hawk dive stirs wonder in another learner who had missed it. Story of the Day becomes more than a practice—it becomes a field guide to each other’s discoveries.
Mentors participate vulnerably.
Rather than just listening, mentors offer their own authentic stories. “I felt frustrated when I couldn’t identify that bird. But then I sat down, and it just… landed next to me.” In sharing uncertainty, mentors model humility, curiosity, and growth.
Over time, storytelling deepens.
By the end of a season, learners don’t just recall events—they reflect. “At first I was scared of the dark, but now I look forward to it.” The Story of the Day becomes a living record of personal and communal transformation. In this practice, nature connection becomes story—and story becomes culture.