Summer is Right Around the Corner!

Choose your adventures today! If you are having trouble finding an open camp, call our registrar for help.

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!

Some Camps Still Have Openings!

Choose your adventures today! If you are having trouble finding an open camp, call our registrar

We're Offering Just ONE WEEK of Overnight Camp

Don’t miss out on our week of wild adventure at the Arnot Forest, register today!

Adult Programs are back!

Join us for a season or a single workshop…

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.

A Letter from Co-Founder Tim Drake

A Letter from Co-Founder Tim Drake

I picked up the “ball” called Primitive Pursuits when I was 20 years old and ran with it because every child I had ever worked with, had ever met for that matter needed it. From those at Cornell’s daycare center to my own nieces and nephews.

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A Beautiful Day Off

A Beautiful Day Off

On one of the most gorgeous days of autumn, kids in the Ithaca area were fortunate to have the day off of school! Many were out and about in town, or playing in their yards, and maybe a few were inside watching cartoons. Dozens were exploring the grounds of 4-H Acres as part of our first Hunter-Gatherer school break day of the season.

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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