Can you build a fire without matches? Do you know which wild plants are safe to eat? Reconnect with nature at the Second Annual Two Coyotes Wilderness School Family Fun Day scheduled for Sunday, May 4, from 1 to 4 pm, at Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Road. The event is free and residents are encouraged to bring the whole family.

The annual Family Fun Day is a unique spring get back to nature event. 

According to Two Coyotes Wilderness School Executive Director Justin Pegnataro, Two Coyotes is a nature-based mentoring non-profit that works with children and families to connect people to nature, themselves, and to community.  

The Family Fun Day is “a great event to showcase our programs and staff,” he said. “It allows families to come and get a taste of our nature camps and programs.” 

He notes “an epic marshmallow roast and a live band, which is donating its time to celebration,” will be part of this year’s event. The day of an anticipated 400-plus guests will begin with a gratitude circle, he said.

“It is very special to see so many strangers coming together to give thanks and celebrate,” he wrote in an email to The Bee.

The day will include Wild Nature activities that will get families involved in the Two Coyotes experience. Among the day’s activities are making fire without matches, wildlife tracking, storytelling, gratitude circles, nature games, natural art, drumming, roasting marshmallows, wild edible plant hikes, and live music by My Dad’s Truck. Parents must remain with children during the family Nature Stations. 

Food and beverages donated by the Big Y and Trader Joe’s will also be available. 

Two Coyotes Wilderness School offers children ages 5–16 unique ongoing, year-round outdoor programs, as well as summer camps. Programs are based on the “enduring wisdom of the ages and ancient wilderness skills.” The school’s philosophy, which is derived from the acclaimed book Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature, is nature education at its best. The wilderness awareness experience and teaching method has been called “mysterious, timeless, hopeful, evocative and playful.”

Visitors on May 4 will be able to ask questions, tour the camp grounds and watch videos. Camp volunteers and alumni will be at hand to discuss the camp experience and answer questions.

All participants who attend will also be eligible to win a free one week camp session.

Reservations for the Second Annual Family Fun Day can be made online at TwoCoyotes.eventbrite.com, by calling 917-767-5283, or by sending email to MelissaLopata@gmail.com.

Guests of the Family Fun Day will also have the opportunity to explore the host site, Sticks and Stones Farm, a farm and retreat center that offers holistic workshops, yoga, meditation, organic produce, a bed and breakfast, and hiking.