Support the Ava jane Howerton Memorial Fund

Each year, Paul Sutera rides his bike in support of causes that he believes in. One summer he embarked on a week-long, 500-mile ride to establish a scholarship fund in memory of Ava Jane Howerton, the daughter of a family he’s become close to over the years as their dentist.

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Trillium Camp Cabin Campaign

Support our campaign to upgrade our Trillium Camp Cabin!

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winter programs open now

Join us at our youth programs this winter!

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Preschool Programs

Ages 3-5

Youth Programs

Ages 5-12

teen Programs

Ages 13-17

Adult Opportunities

Ages 18+

Stories from our Programs!

Head over to our blog for stories from the forest, our latest news and periodic videos, and activities you can do at home.

Homeschool is Off and Running – Weekly Updates

Our fall '26 homeschool flocks are bigger than ever! weekly updates here: November 5 Update - It has been such a warm and sunny week! Groups enjoyed the sun as they worked on their various projects. The Ovenbirds group took a van to Ithaca College to harvest some...

“Eat, ride, sleep, repeat!” Paul Rides Again to Get More Kids in Nature

“This is about keeping Ava’s spirit alive. Even though she is no longer here, her spirit will live on in giving to others.”Each year, Paul Sutera embarks on an extended bicycle ride of over 2000 miles to support the Ava Jane Howerton Memorial Fund, which provides...

Lost and Found Summer 2026

Do any of these items look familiar to you? If they are yours please email primitivepursuits@cornell.edu to claim them! This is just a fraction of the items we have, so please contact us if you are missing anything. Items not claimed soon will be donated.

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We were BLOWN away by the community and engagement our son felt this summer. He came home excited to share all the new things he had learned that day (from day 1!) – as well as show us his impressive collection of sticks, rocks, bows and arrows, cordage, etc. Primitive Pursuits has fostered such a love of outdoor learning and he loved seeing counselors through the weeks (especially Pickle!) who shared his excitement for being outside and exploring. We can’t wait to send him – and his younger sister – again next year, and we’ll be ready for the muddy clothes, collection of sticks, and stories of their adventures each afternoon. Thank you, Primitive Pursuits, for making this nervous mom feel great about dropping my kiddo off at camp each day!!”

S. W.

Parent