Primitive Pursuits

05/14/2026

Ithaca Forest Preschool is a nature immersion program for children ages 3-5. Our program is run in cooperation with Primitive Pursuits, a project of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

05/11/2026

We are now accepting submissions for our annual summer t-shirt design contest! The selected designs will be featured on either our Staff, Camper, or MIT shirts all summer.

-All work must be in black and white
-Please submit your drawing as a PNG
- Submissions do not need to include any words, it is encouraged to create a design that is relevant to the idea of "Taking Flight"

Please submit your work by Friday May 29th via email to [email protected]

In your submission email please include your name, age, and relationship to Primitive Pursuits!

05/07/2026

Our annual summer camp t-shirt design contest is live! Unleash your creativity and make sure to send in your design by the 29th.

05/07/2026

Open Positions: Extended Day Camp Coordinator and Extended Day Camp Instructor for this summer! 🔥🌳🌿
Come join the adventure. We are looking for enthusiastic outdoorsy folk excited about helping kids connect to nature!
Apply Here: https://ccetompkins.bamboohr.com/careers/87
https://ccetompkins.bamboohr.com/careers/88

04/18/2026

Announcement: Week 4 of camp will be held at Ellis hollow again this year! The beloved landscape brings a whole new forest, beautiful stream, and nature playground. 🌳🌿🌈
All other weeks of camp will be held at 4-H Acres. See you in three years!

04/16/2026

Adult Hide Tanning Workshop! May 23-24
Learn the art of hide tanning with Primitive Pursuits and instructor Danielle Prizzi. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll work with natural materials and traditional techniques to transform raw hide into soft, usable leather.

Feel the rhythm of the process, connect with time-honored knowledge, and leave with a deeper appreciation for craft, patience, and the natural world.

Spots are limited. Reserve yours today!
https://primitivepursuits.com/earth-skills-for-adults/

04/16/2026

WE'RE HIRING! Want to join the fun this summer? We are looking for an extended day coordinator and extended day camp instructor.
To read the full position descriptions and application below:
https://primitivepursuits.com/seasonal-employment/

04/08/2026

Last chance to sign up for this Saturday's Adult Workshop: WILD EDIBLES!!! Discover the delicious and sustaining food growing in our environment. An essential skill for any outdoor explorer!

Registration closes this Friday, sign up today at: https://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=567887

03/25/2026

Explore. Discover. Connect.
Community building outdoor program for pre-teens ages 10-12

The forest shows us our own power and provides us with everything we need to build a thriving community. Coyote's Path is the perfect space for pre-teens to learn more about themselves while growing alongside a cohort of fellow outdoor explorers.
What to expect:
Learning to shoot a bow and arrow
foraged feasts over a campfire
building forts and team challenges
imaginary play and games
Plant and animal track identification
and so much more!

Coyote’s path is a unique blend of essential outdoor skills, fun, and the opportunity to find belonging among a tight knit group of peers.
Enroll today for Spring! 🔥🔥🔥
https://primitivepursuits.com/coyote-program/

We meet 1 Saturday a month at 4-H acres in Ithaca 🌿🌳🍃

03/16/2026

Registration is closing soon for Spring Camp! When school is out, join us in the woods to celebrate the new spring season. Play games, sing songs, cook treats over a campfire and more. Kids love spending their vacation on an adventure with Primitive Pursuits. Join us for 2, 3, or all 5 days! 🔥🔥🔥
Register and learn more here:

Fall break days are coming right up! Will it be a TV day or an all-outdoor fun day? Join the fun on Indigenous People's Day (October 10th) and Veteran's Day (November 11th).