Camp Flash sale!

Special deals for new and returning families now live.

Support the Ava jane Howerton Memorial Fund

Each year, Paul Sutera rides his bike in support of causes that he believes in. One summer he embarked on a week-long, 500-mile ride to establish a scholarship fund in memory of Ava Jane Howerton, the daughter of a family he’s become close to over the years as their dentist.

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Trillium Camp Cabin Campaign

Support our campaign to upgrade our Trillium Camp Cabin!

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We're Hiring! Year Round and Summer Positions

Get paid to play outside…. We are looking for passionate folks who love being outside and making a positive difference in kids lives!

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Preschool Programs

Ages 3-5

Youth Programs

Ages 5-12

teen Programs

Ages 13-17

Adult Opportunities

Ages 18+

Stories from our Programs!

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

Early Spring Hike!

This week, the kids used maps of the 4-H property and chose a destination for our hike. After much deliberation, they chose the Raccoon Motel, a site named for a downed tree that once housed a family of raccoons. We marched on, crossing streams flowing from melted...

Afterschool Farewell!

Last Friday afternoon, we had a bittersweet send-off for A's last day at Primitive Pursuits. We celebrated with his request for fire making, banana boats, and exploring Beaver Pond. The kids worked together to build a campfire using mostly wispy twigs and “pencil and...

4-H Snowy Afterschool Adventures!

Feb 30, 2026 I had the opportunity to attend the Primitive Pursuits Friday After-School Program at 4-H Acres. The kids spent the afternoon scouring for animal tracks, exploring the property, playing together, and finished the day with sledding. Despite the deep snow...

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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.

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