Youth Programs

Ages 5-12

teen Programs

Ages 13-17

Latest News and Stories

Head over to our blog for stories from the forest, our latest news and periodic videos, and activities you can do at home.

More Kids in the Woods

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.

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Developing a Culture of Connection

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.

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We were BLOWN away by the community and engagement our son felt this summer. He came home excited to share all the new things he had learned that day (from day 1!) – as well as show us his impressive collection of sticks, rocks, bows and arrows, cordage, etc. Primitive Pursuits has fostered such a love of outdoor learning and he loved seeing counselors through the weeks (especially Pickle!) who shared his excitement for being outside and exploring. We can’t wait to send him – and his younger sister – again next year, and we’ll be ready for the muddy clothes, collection of sticks, and stories of their adventures each afternoon. Thank you, Primitive Pursuits, for making this nervous mom feel great about dropping my kiddo off at camp each day!!”
S. W.

Parent