I joined the Primitive Pursuits homeschool groups for two days of fantastic, hands-on learning! During the last two weeks of October, homeschoolers chose one of three specialized “guilds” to dive into: Pathfinders, Cavity Creators, or Everything Apples.
Pathfinders focused on exploration and trail maintenance. Cavity Creators learned woodworking skills and built birdhouses. Everything Apples spent their time making delicious apple creations over a campfire.
I started with the Pathfinders. Students ages 6–16 came together in a vibrant, cross-age learning environment. I watched older kids guide the younger ones through their trail work with patience and enthusiasm. We began in the dry creek bed by Trillium Camp, pruning back branches that blocked the trail. Some kids acted as documenters, taking notes on the natural conditions around us. When we hit a section where fallen branches completely obstructed the path, the kids were thrilled — not discouraged. They dove right in, crawling on their stomachs to make it through. By the time I wriggled through after them, everyone was laughing and covered in leaves. On their second guild day, the Pathfinders ventured to the cliffs to explore the cool creek below, surrounded by the golden glow of changing leaves.
Over in the Cavity Creators guild, there was plenty of hard work and teamwork. Under the guidance of Shep, Monica, and Abby, students measured planks, sawed them to size, and assembled sturdy birdhouses complete with little doors. These homes will offer safe nesting spots for the birds of the Acres come spring. Working in teams of three, the kids balanced precision with playfulness, cheering each other on. By the end of the two days, each child was beaming with pride, eager to show off their finished birdhouse masterpiece.
I could smell the Everything Apples guild before I even arrived. Over a cozy campfire, the group was stirring up a fragrant apple-oat crumble. Using a mix of local apples from instructor Monica and store-bought ones from Danielle and Sean, the homeschoolers created a spread of mouthwatering apple dishes. My favorite? A savory apple, cheese, and bacon pie — Sean even declared it “the best campfire food ever!” The cider press was another highlight. It took everyone’s teamwork to mash the apples into pulp before placing them in Sean’s homemade press. When the first drops of cider began to flow, the group erupted in cheers. It was the sweetest, crispest cider I’ve ever tasted! Before heading back, the guild packed up a few apple chips to share with the rest of the homeschool community.
This year’s fall guild days were brimming with creativity, laughter, experiments, and delicious treats. I had an absolute blast joining such imaginative kids as they learned, explored, and built together in the autumn woods.
Until next time,
Photographer Isa