People
Our team of talented wilderness instructors works behind the scenes all year round to bring our programming to life.
Year-Round Staff
Sarah Chaffee
Lead Field Instructor
Sarah is so excited to be back for her 7th summer with Primitive Pursuits! The wooded world was the background to many of her adventures as a child, which included creek wanders in search of frogs, building forts and fairy houses, and countless other experiences that had a lasting impression on her.
Jed Jordan
Founding Director
Aspiring tracker, devoted farmer, and fearless wrangler of details
Danielle Prizzi
Lead Instructor
Heroic homesteader, humble herbalist, and wild food enthusiast, Danielle is a full time staffer who serves as an inspiration to campers and summer staff alike.
Sean Cornell
Lead Instructor
Fire wizard, primitive bow hunter, wilderness chef, and keeper of legends, Sean is a year round staffer who sets the bar and inspires our summer staff.
Rachel Bortin
Summer Camp Director
Hiker, biker, birder, and tireless outdoor adventurer
Megan Pugh
Director of Marketing
Passionate designer, strategist, vegan chef, and aspiring yogi
Melissa Blake
Lead Field Instructor
Melissa is one of the founders of our preschool program and a long-time Primitive Pursuits staff member. Her background includes Melissa completed a graduate program in Environmental Education at the Teton Science Schools in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and a two-year mentorship with master tracker Jon Young.
Lyla White
Lead Instructor
Barefoot explorer, silliness seeker, and master multitasker. Lyla run Ithaca Forest Preschool during the school year and Growing Wild during the summer.
Monica Bosworth
Field Instructor
Alternative educator, bird lover and friend to native plants
Liz Jesch
Field Instructor
Creative kid whisperer, community advocate, and singer of songs, Liz is looking forward to another summer in the fields and streams.
Ian Statema
Field Instructor
Ian’s work with nature connection began in his youth with his extensive backpacking.
Jesse Worden
Field Instructor
“Finding Primitive Pursuits was the best mistake of my life”