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Choose your adventures today! We have something for kids of all ages.

We're now offering an extended day option!

What’s more fun than a day at camp? A day at camp with bonus fun in the afternoon! Spots still available in weeks 8 and 9.

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Check out our School Break Days!

Looking for a way to keep kids engaged outside of the classroom? When school is out, we are in the woods!

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Adult Programs are back!

Join us for a season or a single workshop…

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Preschool Programs

Ages 3-5

Youth Programs

Ages 5-12

teen Programs

Ages 13-17

Adult Opportunities

Ages 18+

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.

Poem of a Day Spent in Arnot Forest

Poem by Primitive Pursuits staff and Wilderness Skills Intensive participant, Sierra Robinson. First shared with us on Facebook, March 18th 2017

I found the freedom of nature embraces asking questions. With so much unknown, it’s only natural to inquire and learn. Jason and Jed tell us to ask questions and continue to question ourselves as we try to identify tracks.

Returning to Our Roots with Arnot Forest

In April, 2016 Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County finalized a lease with Cornell University for the Arnot Teaching and Research Forest, and we at Primitive Pursuits will serve as the lead coordinators for the usage of the land.

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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

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY:

The Primitive Pursuits team recognizes that the land where we live and work exists within the territory of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ (Cayuga Nation). We acknowledge the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy for their enduring stewardship of this place throughout the centuries and still today. We recognize a responsibility to learn about this history while also educating newer generations about how to live in good relation to the earth and with our neighbors. This learning and relationship building is ongoing and we welcome guidance and feedback along the way. If you have feedback or wish to engage with us on this topic please see visit our Cultural Repair Acknowledgment + Action + Reparations page.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.

Office Location:
Cornell Cooperative Extension,
615 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-2292 | email Us

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Primitive Pursuits is a non-profit 4-H program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County.