COULD THIS BE THE PLACE FOR YOU?
A FEW OPEN POSITIONS Remain FOR SUMMER 2024
With an exceptional core of seasoned year-round staff, low instructor to student ratios and a supportive environment, a job with Primitive Pursuits offers many opportunities to grow and master valuable skills.
We are always interested in those with a passion for what we do! If you don’t see the position or internship you are looking for, reach out to us at [email protected].
Primitive Pursuits of Ithaca, NY is a renowned outdoor youth development program in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H Youth Development. We offer nature-based skills and experiences that foster youth development and connections with nature. Our summer programs utilize time-honored mentoring techniques and an outdoor immersion curriculum. By learning and teaching wilderness living skills in small groups, locally, we create unique experiences of wilderness adventure and community building in a format that is inclusive for families of all income levels.
A presentation about summer 2024 and working with us
A short video about working at Primitive Pursuits
Open Camp Position Descriptions and Application Links
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Logistics Coordinator
The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. We have been providing nature connection programming to people of all ages for over twenty years and are excited to bring back our overnight summer camp at Arnot Forest.
The Logistics Coordinator supports the behind-the-scenes of summer camp to ensure a safe, fun, and smooth-running operation. This is a 25 hour a week seasonal position that provides logistical and organizational support to all aspects of camp including, but not limited to lost and found, camp expenses, camp store orders, and laundry systems. This position requires the ability to be an organized, a systems thinker and have an efficient work ethic.
View or Download Full Description
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [email protected].
Day Camp Wilderness Instructor
The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. We have been providing nature connection programming to people of all ages for over twenty years and are excited to bring back our overnight summer camp at Arnot Forest.
A Wilderness Instructor facilitates the core aim of Primitive Pursuits; bringing groups of youth into natural areas, away from facilities and without modern gear, and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep, meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. The key role of a Wilderness Instructor is to assist and instruct youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to: primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction and procurement of food and water. Wilderness instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment. Wilderness Instructors may work with Growing Wild (3-5 yr olds) or Day Camp (5-16 yr olds).
View or Download Full Description
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [email protected].
Summer Day Camp Director
The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. We have been providing nature connection programming to people of all ages for over twenty years and are excited to bring back our overnight summer camp at Arnot Forest.
The Summer Day Camp Director works collaboratively with the Year-Round Camp Director and Assistant Summer Day Camp Directors to support the summer camp operations. Prior to summer the Summer Day Camp Director will assist in a variety of tasks including but not limited to staff hiring, staff scheduling, camper registrations, crafting staff training week, ordering supplies, scheduling medical trainings, and submitting all required documentation to the New York State Department of Health. During the summer the Day Camp Director will be responsible for overseeing all the summer day camp staff including instructors, assistant camp directors, logistics coordinator, and others. The Director will be the point person for responding to emergencies, facilitating staff meetings and planning, maintaining camp resources and supplies, overseeing the summer camp budget and interacting with parents, campers, staff, and administration.
This is a great position for someone who has ample experience in summer day camp and has a deep connection to the natural world.
View or Download Full Description
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [email protected].
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Lead Day Camp Wilderness Instructor
The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. We have been providing nature connection programming to people of all ages for over twenty years and are excited to bring back our overnight summer camp at Arnot Forest.
A Lead Wilderness Instructor facilitates the core aim of Primitive Pursuits; bringing groups of youth into natural areas, away from facilities and without modern gear, and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep, meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. The key role of a Lead Wilderness Instructor is to design and implement the flow of the week centered on assisting and instructing youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction and procurement of food and water. Lead Wilderness instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment. Lead Wilderness Instructors may work with Growing Wild (3-5 yr olds) or Day Camp (5-16 yr olds).
View or Download Full Description
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [email protected].
Assistant Summer Day Camp Director
The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. We have been providing nature connection programming to people of all ages for over twenty years and are excited to bring back our overnight summer camp at Arnot Forest.
The Assistant Day Camp Director works collaboratively with the Summer Leadership team to support the summer camp operations. Responsibilities include mentorship of staff, responding to emergencies, facilitating staff meetings and planning, maintaining camp resources and supplies, assisting instructors with camper supervision, and interacting with parents, campers, staff and administration as needed. Prior to the summer camp season, this position also assists the Day Camp Director with staff training preparation and implementation, site and resource organization, and other administrative tasks. This is a great role for someone who would like to become more involved with the leadership side of summer camp.
View or Download Full Description
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [email protected].
Assistant Day Camp Director and Teen Program Coordinator
The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. We have been providing nature connection programming to people of all ages for over twenty years and are excited to bring back our overnight summer camp at Arnot Forest.
The Assistant Day Camp Director/Teen Program Coordinator is a brand-new position that will assist in the typical assistant camp director responsibilities and oversee the Mentor-In-Training (MIT) program for youth ages 13-15. This person works collaboratively with the Summer Leadership team to support the overall summer camp operations and success of the MIT program. Prior to the summer camp season, the main responsibilities are to review MIT applications, conduct, and schedule interviews and create summer MIT schedules. Prior to the summer camp season, this position also assists the Day Camp Director with staff training preparation and implementation, site and resource organization, and other administrative tasks. Once summer begins responsibilities include mentorship of staff, responding to emergencies, facilitating staff meetings and planning, maintaining camp resources and supplies, assisting instructors with camper supervision, and interacting with parents, campers, staff and administration as needed. This is a great role for someone who can connect positively to teens and would like to develop their mentoring skills and be involved with the leadership side of summer camp.
View or Download Full Description
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [email protected].
JOIN US FOR…FRICTION FIRE. EPIC GAMES. LAUGHTER. STORIES AND SONGS. COMMUNITY BUILDING. GRATITUDE. PRIMITIVE SKILL BUILDING. ALL-OUTDOOR FUN.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. At Primitive Pursuits, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for the benefit of our employees, our programs, and the communities we serve.
If you have any questions send us an email at [email protected]
Who should apply?
We are looking for people who value time spent in nature in all weather, are inspired by connecting with youth of all ages in the outdoors, enjoy working in a collaborative enviornment, and strongly believe this work is contributing to the future sustainability of our community and the world.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants who are interested in applying for the Assistant Summer Camp Director should apply by March 1, 2024. Applicants who are interested in Logistics Coordinator, Lead Wilderness Instructor, Wilderness Instructor, or Internship position are encouraged to apply by May 1, 2024.
Interviews will continue until all positions are filled which is usually in May. The earlier you apply, the better!
What happens after I submit my application?
Ideally, within a week of receiving your application, you will receive an email from us letting you know whether you have qualified for an interview. Interviews will happen in person, if possible. If not possible, video calls will be the second choice.
How can I strengthen my application?
• Work or volunteer for an outdoor education organization with direct experience with youth
• Attend a primitive skills gathering or workshop
• Participate in adult development opportunities related to naturalist skills and nature mentoring such as the Primitive Pursuits Wilderness Year program, Alderleaf Wilderness School, programs through Wilderness Awareness School and others with similar outcomes.
• Become familiar with nature mentoring, such as by reading The Coyote’s Guide by Jon Young
Staff Expectations
• Spend entire days immersed in the fields, forests and waterways of undeveloped nature in the Finger Lakes Region, in all weather conditions
• Be punctual and present for required trainings, planning sessions and assigned hours
• Explore your own personal connection with nature so you can share stories, experiences, learning and inquiries with others
• Engage and connect with children in nature in meaningful and inspiring ways
• Work collaboratively on teams to create meaningful and memorable experiences
• Promote inclusive and welcoming environments that value diversity of staff and participants
• Value and practice self-awareness, professionalism and positive communication skills
• Have a good sense of humor, be creative and flexible, and have a deep love for learning
• Believe that connecting kids to the natural world in meaningful ways plays a big part in improving the health of our planet for future generations
• Role-model engaged, compassionate, inspired, curious learners
• Ask questions!
What training is offered?
We provide required week-long training for our new and returning day camp staff.
Over the course of the week new day camp staff will:
- Be introduced to our methods, philosophy, and culture of nature connection
- Be exposed to a range of games, activities, and camp spaces
- Learn and develop their naturalist and primitive skills
- Understand our risk management policy, why it is important, and how it guides our overall program
- Get to connect and learn with other summer staff
- Immerse into the Primitive Pursuits culture
- Practice and learn effective forms of feedback
- And More!
In addition to everything listed above, lead day camp staff will:
- Dive deeply into what Coyote Mentoring and the Eight Sheilds Teaching Model are and how we incorporate them into our programs
- Learn how to plan a fun, meaningful, and impactful arc (plan) for the week
- Understand the various roles of an instructor team and how to provide support for each person
- Learn how to be an effective mentor and support for their instructor team
For our overnight camp staff we provide a more in-depth training over the course of a week and a half. Staff will learn the topics above in additon to:
- Daily and weekly camp schedule
- Learn how to create rapport and safe spaces within camper groups
- Learn how to navigate difficult conversations with campers
- Learn self-care methods and strategies that can be applied in applicable of settings
- And More!
We also offer opportunities outside of camp hours for further skill training and community building throughout the summer!
What are past staff members saying?
“I made so many friendships with other instructors during this summer, and I loved coming to work. This definitely felt like a community. I also felt like I gained a lot of good experience and ideas after working with skilled lead counselors.”
“I loved getting to work with many different people and both learn from and mentor so many. It was great to work with people who have a different leadership style and energy than I do.”
“The sentiment of “meeting everyone where they are at” has left me with a lifelong lesson to practice. My heart beams with gratitude for the empowerment, empathy, and support I felt from my time at Primitive Pursuits. This experience allowed me to grow as a leader, teammate, and individual.”
Time Commitment
- All staff are required to attend staff training the week of June 24th-28th.
- Summer camp runs from July 1-August 30. We would like all day camp wilderness instructors to work a minimum of 5 weeks and a maximum of 9 weeks during the camp season in addition to staff training. Interns are required to work a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 9 weeks in addition to staff training week.
- Admin and Photojournalist Interns will create a schedule based on the camp’s needs and expectations
Do I need to be vaccinated?
Cornell Cooperative Extension is following all guidance and recommendations by the CDC, NYS Health Department, and Tompkins Health Department.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County provides equal program and job opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or qualified disability. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [email protected].