This week, we welcomed campers to 4-H Acres to kick off the summer. After campers arrived, group Instructors like to start the week by going over some of our core values here at Primitive Pursuits. We practice the 3 Respects, which are to respect ourselves, respect others, and respect nature. We also acknowledge the land that we are on and give thanks and respect.

The first group I stopped by was Capture the Flag group, where they were playing their favorite game in the Hemlocks. I was happy to recognize almost all of the campers in the group! This group is fiercely competitive and not afraid to get a little muddy to win. I then stopped by the Pathfinders, who were building shelters at Cedar Camp. Campers used sticks, leaves, mud, and other natural materials they could find. In Sherwood Forest camp, the Forest Engineers also built shelters. They were working on a large one that leaned up against a tree.

Tuesday morning I stopped by one of the Growing Wild Flocks. They trekked up to Turkey Knoll where they explored around the camp and started a scavenger hunt led by Instructor Rowan. Their first task was to look for maple seeds, so we checked under the large maples trees. The group was very fun and silly and enjoyed the scavenger hunt. Behind the Pole Barn, our MIT training group Coyote Camp had an exciting activity. Led by Instructors Danielle and Sean, the campers held on to a rope as they walked through the forest blindfolded. This activity helped them with their awareness skills and encouraged them to practice relying on their senses besides sight. The activity required a lot of patience and trust, and the group did great. The Yellow Warblers made face paint and morphed into different animals for the afternoon including tigers and lions.

A Yellow Warblers camper holding up a cool treasure

Groups had loads of fun on Wednesday. I stopped by Coyote Camp, where they were practicing knots and hitches in the Hemlocks. Instructors Sean and Danielle put them up to a task: in small groups, tie a tarp sturdy enough that it both protect campers and withstand a rainstorm, built in less than 15 minutes. Groups had to use teamwork and problem solving skills to finish their tarps on time. We went around all together and decided that everyone passed, meaning that Sean and Danielle had to withstand the rainstorm (a 5 gallon bucket of ice cold water dumped on their head). A few brave campers decided to also withstand the storm, leading to a lot of laughs. Being with the Coyote Camp never fails to put a smile on my face. In the afternoon, I went up to the Meadow where the Pathfinders and the Forest Engineers were playing a game of capture the flag. 

Thursday, to start the day, I hung out with Growing Wild. Growing Wild loves singing songs in the morning, so we started with a song. We then went to Turkey Knoll where the campers explored and played with sticks. Turkey Knoll has lots of shelters built with logs and leaves, so the campers enjoyed hiding in them. I stopped by the Purple Finches group, where they were playing tag games at White Pine Camp. The group was very energetic! At Muskrat camp,  campers were learning how to build fires in stations. Instructor Sol’s station was teaching the campers about different types of fire structures, including log cabins and teepees. Another group collected wispies to fuel the fires. Each camper was able to have their own fire after their hard work of building and collecting. A storm brought us under the pole barn to finish out the afternoon. The gloomy skies overhead were intense but very pretty and the sound of the rain provided a calming backdrop for storytelling. 

Friday, the groups enjoyed lots of yummy treats. The Yellow Warblers roasted some snacks over a fire and also made s’mores. At Trillium Camp, Growing Wild went on a scavenger hunt for lemons and made fresh lemonade.  Later in the day, Forest Village also hung out in trillium and made popcorn, tea, and roasted fruits. The week finished peacefully and with nice weather. We are excited to welcome campers to Arnot Forest next week for our overnight camp! 

A Growing Wild camper showing us a cool skull

Photo Gallery – June 30-July 4 – Hallie Allport, Isa Goico, Elle Schumacher