Latest News and Stories
Join us here for stories from the forest, our latest news and periodic videos, and activities you can do at home.
Stories from the Forest
Tagging Along with Coyote Howl
When I started this semester of college, I can’t say that I was expecting to spend a Saturday afternoon crouched in the snow, smelling the urine left behind by a fisher.
Homeschool December Diaries
Greetings from the 4-H Acres Forest! Thursday 12/3 with the Crows! This week the Crow flock played...
Spring Camp Fun
Kelsey Chatterton, April 23, 2017 Spring Writing Intern, Ithaca College Primitive Pursuits hosted...
Meet Primitive Pursuits Sponsor, Joe Nolan
We can’t really say enough about the organizations that put time and resources into supporting our cause. As we say on our donor page, these folks are special people!
Honoring Vulnerability
The intention for our November overnight at primitive camp were to sleep in debris shelters without sleeping bags, practice natural navigation over several miles while carrying burning coals, and to reflect on our experiences around sacred fires held by elders in the community.
Seeing Critters
Imagine having the ability to catch fish with your hands, sneak up to an unsuspecting whitetail or have a chickadee land on your head, all unaware of your presence. The skill of “invisibility” is a skill of utmost importance to any survivalist.
The Goals of Wilderness Mentoring
This article first appeared in the Primitive Pursuits introductory guide “Not Your Typical Classroom.” Booklet was prepared by Melissa Mueller in November 2009. Contributors included Heidi Bardy, Beth Bannister, Tim Drake, Dave Hall, and Jed Jordan.
Forest Errands
This article first appeared in the Primitive Pursuits introductory guide “Not Your Typical Classroom.” Booklet was prepared by Melissa Mueller in November 2009. Contributors included Heidi Bardy, Beth Bannister, Tim Drake, Dave Hall, and Jed Jordan.
More Kids in the Woods
In 2007-08, Primitive Pursuits got outside every week with the Urban Forest Adventures (UFA) Program. This after school program, generously funded by the More Kids in the Woods grant from the USDA Forest Service, provided five sessions of free Primitive Pursuits programs to underserved youth in the greater Ithaca Area.
Bear Tracks at the Arnot Forest!
Black bears are one of only 2 modern bear species that are not considered to be under threat or extinction by the IUCN.
Developing a Culture of Connection
Some people say outdoor preschool is a no-brainer. “Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls,” says Erin Kenny, founder of Cedarsong Forest Kindergarten on Vashon Island, Washington. Ithaca Forest Preschool, begun in 2013, took away the walls and added a very special culture.
Reflections from Overnight Camp
At the fire, campers shared their favorite memory of the week. No one was shy, and everyone easily was able to share an original thing that was special to them, from fire making to bow making and some funny inside jokes that got everyone laughing.
News & Updates
4-H Simple Interactions Project
Doctors Charlie Izzo and Debbie Sellers, of the Bronfenbrenner Center on Translational Research, have been collaborating with Primitive Pursuits staff on an innovative field project since January 2016. Their project helps people examine the interaction, connection, and communication that occurs within mentoring or helping relationships.
Gratitude Appeal 2020
Our future depends on nature-connected kids! Please consider a gift to our annual appeal to help sustain our efforts for local youth regardless of their ability to pay.
An Important Pre-Thanksgiving Gathering and Travel Message
The following was sent to all attendees of our school-age programs. We have separate guidelines for our preschool programs.
Activities
Tools of Mentoring
Here are some of the tools of mentoring we use when working with young people. You can use them too.
Flaming Bundle Challenge
Fire is a wonderful teacher. This is an activity we often do, even with first-time groups. As you read this activity, identify the core routines participants would be using. What mentoring tools could you use?
Fall Recipes from the Archive
This post originally appeared on the discontinued Primitive Pursuits online ‘Wilderness Mentoring Guild’ on October 23rd, 2007.