Seasonal To-Bring Lists

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Summer Day Camps

Growing Wild Camp

Fall Programs

Winter Programs

At Primitive Pursuits, we like to say “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!” Our programs are outside, rain or shine, and we rely on each participant coming prepared to ensure safety for everyone. Please read the list of required gear and make a plan of how you will have these things ready before the program begins. Please be aware of the weather forecast each day of your child’s program, and prepare accordingly. We reserve the right to send children home, without a refund, when they are insufficiently prepared for the day. Please contact us if getting access to proper gear is a barrier to participation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 607-272-2292. We’ll be happy to talk with you!

Expandable To-Bring Lists

Winter To-Bring List

Winter can be a wonderful time to be outdoors! While we have an indoor space to use if needed, please be aware that we will be outside for the majority of our time together. It is therefore essential that each child comes prepared with the appropriate clothing and food to have a fun day. Please read the list of required gear below and make a plan of how you will have these things ready before the program begins. Please be aware of the weather forecast each day of your child’s program, and prepare accordingly. We reserve the right to send children home, without a refund, when they are insufficiently prepared for the day.

Must-Have Items

Weather appropriate clothing. Please dress in non-cotton (fleece, silk, synthetic, wool) layers that can be added and removed. A weatherproof jacket that is large enough to fit over multiple layers of clothing and blocks wind and rain (if temperatures are above freezing) or snow (if it is below freezing). Water resistant or waterproof pants are also required. If the weather is above freezing, rain gear with layers underneath is best. For more information about dressing for winter, read Top Dos and Don’ts for Dressing for Winter Fun and see our Weather Dressing Chart. Your child will have the option to leave bulky/heavy items in a central location if needed. Please label them.
At least one clean face covering, as defined by the NYS Department of Health: “Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth (e.g. homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana), surgical masks, N95 respirators, and face shields.” Your child must be able to put this face covering on by themselves. We strongly recommend packing at least one additional face covering in case the one worn to program becomes soiled or wet during the day.
Two pairs of thick, non-cotton socks, one to be worn and another to go in backpack.
Insulated footwear. Thick neoprene boots (like Muck boots or Bogs—look for the thickest they offer) are both warm and waterproof and can be worn in all kinds of winter weather. Snow boots are only appropriate if the ground is not too wet.
Hat, waterproof mittens/gloves and neck warmer (scarf or balaclava). We encourage children to wear mittens as they are much warmer than gloves.
Snack and lunch* in an easy to carry container (like Tupperware or a plastic bag) that can fit in a backpack. On cold days, calorie-rich, warm food that your child will be excited to eat is best. While heating food on a camp fire may be an option, please do not pack food that relies on cooking for your child to be fully nourished for the day.
Water bottle that can hold about 1 liter/32 oz. If using an insulated bottle, please fill with warm, not hot, water.
A non-breakable hot cup for drinking wild tea.
A backpack/daypack to hold your child’s gear that fits well and is easy for them to carry. Backpacks with zippers and padded straps are best. Use extra plastic bags inside to keep things dry when precipitation is in the forecast.

Optional Items

Hand sanitizer (recommended)
Hand towel or Bandana (recommended)
Knifes & Tools: If your child brings a knife or any other sharp tool, purchased or homemade, then they must “check them in” with an instructor when they arrive. Children under 8 may not bring these items to program. To be used at program all knives must be fixed-blade and judged as appropriate for the child’s use.
A Field Guide of interest

Whenever possible, please label ALL items with your child’s name (including lunch containers, face masks, water bottles, etc.). This saves time and reduces waste.

Group snacks: Bringing snack/treats for the whole group is a nice gesture. But due to present concerns of hygiene, you will need to pre-approve anything intended to be distributed. Please speak with the on-site Program Coordinator for further guidelines.

Please note that it is not necessary to purchase any of the items above as new. Check out local thrift stores and stores like Old Goat that sell lightly used outdoor gear. Ask family and friends for hand-me-downs or loaners. If you are looking for new gear, here is a list of some brands and local suppliers:

Brands – L.L Bean , Puddlegear , Biddle & Bop, Polarn O. Pyret, The Original Muck Boot Company Bogs, Kamik
Local stores – Agway, Fontana’s, Tractor Supply

What NOT to bring?

No electronic devices or potentially hazardous objects (knives, for example) without checking in with an instructor.
Cell phones are not recommended. If you must send your child with a cell phone, it must stay in the participant’s bag out of sight with the ringer turned off during the program.
Do not bring gum. Gum is a choking hazard in such an active program, and it creates litter.

Fall To-Bring List

What to bring?

Weather appropriate clothing. Be prepared for the most adverse conditions possible for each day’s forecast. If your child is not a weather-dressing pro, then please pack extra, dry layers in a plastic bag in your child’s backpack. Refer to our Weather Dressing Chart for more information on how to dress for all kinds of weather. Your child will have the option to leave bulky/heavy items in a central location if needed. Please label them.
At least one clean face covering, as defined by the NYS Department of Health: “Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth (e.g. homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana), surgical masks, N95 respirators, and face shields.” Your child must be able to put this face covering on by themselves. We strongly recommend packing at least one additional face covering in case the one worn to program becomes soiled or wet during the day.
Snacks and lunch* in an easy to carry container (like Tupperware or a plastic bag) that can fit in a backpack. While heating food on a fire may be an option on some days, do not pack food that relies on cooking for your child to be fully nourished for the day.
Water bottle(s) that can hold about 1 liter/32 oz.
Small, non-breakable hot cup for drinking tea.
Daypack to hold everything that fits well and is easy for them to carry. Backpacks with zippers and padded straps are best. Use extra plastic bags inside to keep things dry when precipitation is in the forecast.
Optional Items:
- Sunhat (recommended) and/or sunscreen to keep cool and protect your child’s face from the sun.
- Hand sanitizer (recommended)
- Hand towel or Bandana (recommended)
- Knifes & Tools: If your child brings a knife or any other sharp tool, purchased or homemade, then they must “check them in” with an instructor when they arrive. Children under 8 may not bring these items to program. To be used at program all knives must be fixed-blade and judged as appropriate for the child’s use.
- A Field Guide of interest

Whenever possible, please label ALL items with your child’s name (including lunch containers, face masks, water bottles, etc.). This saves time and reduces waste.

Brands – L.L Bean , Puddlegear , Biddle & Bop, Polarn O. Pyret, The Original Muck Boot Company Bogs, Kamik, REI

Local stores – Agway, Fontana’s, Tractor Supply

What NOT to bring?

No electronic devices or potentially hazardous objects (knives, for example) without checking in with an instructor.
Cell phones are not recommended. If you must send your child with a cell phone, it must stay in the participant’s bag out of sight with the ringer turned off during the program.
Do not bring gum. Gum is a choking hazard in such an active program, and it creates litter.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 607-272-2292. We’ll be happy to talk with you!

The Primitive Pursuits Team

Summer To-Bring List (Day Camps)

What to bring?

Weather appropriate and layered clothing that can get wet and/or muddy. Even on a hot day, children need a warm, non-cotton layer in case it rains or they get cold. Avoid clothing made of cotton, which steals away body heat when wet and takes a long time to dry. Even in hot weather, long pants are good to wear as they can protect legs from poison ivy and mosquitoes. Please pack extra dry, layers in a plastic bag in your child’s backpack. Refer to our Weather Dressing Chart for more information on how to dress for all kinds of weather.
Socks, preferably thin wool or a synthetic (like polyester or polypropylene). Please avoid sending your child in cotton socks if the forecast calls for chilly and/or wet weather.
Durable rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants or suit along with rain boots.
Footwear that let your child run around, splash in the creek and also hike through the woods. In warm and dry weather, please send your child in sturdy and durable shoes or hiking boots but also pack shoes they can wear in the creek (rain boots or close-toed water shoes/sandals with a back strap. Please no flip-flops or Crocs; open-toed sandals are not recommended either). In wet weather, your child should wear rain boots or outdoor sandals that can get wet. Refer to our Weather Dressing Chart for more information on footwear.
At least one clean face covering, as defined by the NYS Department of Health: “Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth (e.g. homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana), surgical masks, N95 respirators, and face shields.” Your camper must be able to put this face covering on by themselves.
Bandana (Optional) – This bandana will be used by your child specifically for games and activities while at camp. It will not be shared. Preferably they should be a larger size, 22″ on a side. We plan to have these available at the camp store.
Snacks and lunch* in an easy-to-carry container (like Tupperware or a plastic bag) that can fit in a backpack. Heating food on a campfire may NOT be an option this year; please do not pack food that would rely on a fire to be cooked.
Water bottle(s) that can hold about 1 liter/32 oz.

Small, non-breakable hot cup for drinking wild tea.
Sunhat (like a baseball cap) to keep cool and protect your child’s face from the sun.
Sunscreen and/or bug repellent that will be kept in bin along with your child’s extra gear (see below) for the duration of the week to be used when needed.
Small backpack to hold your child’s gear that fits well and is easy for them to carry. Backpacks with zippers and padded straps are best.

Optional Items

Field guides
Primitive crafts or tools
Bandanas

If possible, please label all items with your child’s name.

*Bringing snack/treats for the whole group is a nice gesture, but please help out our staff by letting your child’s instructor hold onto any such items. The instructor will decide when/if it is appropriate to hand them out.

Please note that it is not necessary to purchase any of the items above as new. Check out local thrift stores or ask family and friends for hand-me-downs. If you are looking for new gear, below is a list of some of our favorite brands, some of which are available locally (Ithaca, NY).

For rain gear– L.L Bean , Puddlegear , Biddle & Bop, Polarn O. Pyret

For rain boots- The Original Muck Boot Company (can be found at Agway), Bogs (sold at Fontanas), Kamik , L.L. Bean

For other gear- REI , L.L. Bean

What NOT to bring?

No electronic devices or potentially hazardous objects (knives, for example) without checking in with an instructor.
Cell phones are not recommended. If you must send your child with a cell phone, it must stay in the participant’s bag out of sight with the ringer turned off during the program.
Do not bring gum. Gum is a choking hazard in such an active program, and it creates litter.

Summer To-Bring List (Growing Wild Camp)

Welcome to Growing Wild Summer Camp! We are so excited that your child has chosen to spend a week exploring the woods, playing in the creek and learning more about the natural world with us. Since we will be outside, rain or shine, for the duration of our time together, it is important that your child comes prepared with the appropriate gear. Please pay attention to daily weather forecasts and dress your child appropriately and in clothes that can get wet and muddy. If your child arrives to program without the proper gear, our staff may decide it is not safe for them to stay and they will be sent home (no refund will be issued).

If possible, please label ALL items with your child’s name.

What to bring?

Weather appropriate and layered clothing that can get wet and/or muddy. Even on a hot day, children need a warm, non-cotton layer in case it rains or they get cold. Avoid clothing made of cotton, which steals away body heat when wet and takes a long time to dry. Even in hot weather, long pants are good to wear as they can protect legs from poison ivy and mosquitoes. Refer to our Weather Dressing Chart for more information on how to dress for all kinds of weather.
Socks, preferably thin wool or a synthetic (like polyester or polypropylene). Please avoid sending your child in cotton socks if the forecast calls for chilly and/or wet weather. • Durable rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants or suit along with rain boots.
Durable rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants or suit along with rain boots.
Footwear that let your child run around, splash in the creek and also hike through the woods. In warm and dry weather, please send your child in sturdy and durable shoes or hiking boots but also pack shoes they can wear in the creek (rain boots or close-toed water shoes/sandals with a back strap. Please no flip-flops or Crocs; open-toed sandals are not recommended either). In wet weather, your child should wear rain boots or outdoor sandals that can get wet. Refer to our Weather Dressing Chart for more information on footwear.
At least one clean face covering, as defined by the NYS Department of Health. Appropriate face coverings include but are not limited to cloth-based 2-ply face coverings and disposable masks that securely cover both the mouth and nose (Not acceptable face coverings include bandanas, buffs and face shields).
Snacks and lunch* in an easy-to-carry container (like Tupperware or a plastic bag) that can fit in a backpack. Heating food on a campfire will likely NOT be an option this year; please do not pack food that would rely on a fire to be cooked.
Water bottle(s) that can hold at least half a liter.
Small, non-breakable hot cup for drinking wild tea.
Sunhat (like a baseball cap) to keep cool and protect your child’s face from the sun.
Sunscreen and/or bug repellent that will be kept in bin along with your child’s extra gear (see below) for the duration of the week to be used when needed.
Small backpack to hold your child’s gear that fits well and is easy for them to carry. Backpacks with zippers and padded straps are best.
Plastic bag with your child’s name on it containing a dry change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear and socks) brought on the first day of the camp week. These will be kept in a bin with your child’s name on it for the duration of the week to use if needed. They will be returned on Friday.

If possible, please label all items with your child’s name.

*While bringing snack/treats for the whole group is a nice gesture, please do not bring items intending to be shared unless you have confirmed this with your camper’s instructor. Please note that it is not necessary to purchase any of the items above as new. Check out local thrift stores or ask family and friends for hand-me-downs. If you are looking for new gear, below is a list of some of our favorite brands, some of which are available locally (Ithaca, NY).

For rain gear– L.L Bean , Puddlegear , Biddle & Bop, Polarn O. Pyret Reima

For rain boots- The Original Muck Boot Company (can be found at Agway), Bogs (sold at Fontanas), Kamik , L.L. Bean

For other gear- REI , L.L. Bean

What NOT to bring?

Glass water or glass food containers.
Favorite toy or security object. Sometimes children at this age feel a need to bring something special from home with them to camp. Please try to minimize this if possible, as these items can be distracting and may get dirty, damaged or lost.
No electronic devices or potentially hazardous objects without checking in with an instructor.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 607-272-2292. We’ll be happy to talk with you! The Primitive Pursuits Team