Heidi Nydam

Heidi Nydam

Heidi has been in love with the ecology in and around Ithaca since she started as a camper at Primitive Pursuits more than 10 years ago. The connection she developed with the woods, all its creatures, and the other kiddos at camp inspired her to help foster more of those connections and she is excited to be a counselor again.

Kelby Woodside

Kelby Woodside

Hello! My name is Kelby and I am so very excited to spend my first summer with Primitive Pursuits. I love the outdoors and am incredibly passionate about working with and empowering children to be their best selves.

Jake Balkman

Jake Balkman

Field Instructor
Jake was a camper at Primitive Pursuits for many years and had so many great experiences. He finds it rewarding to be able to give back to a program that gave me so much as a kid.