About Us

Who We Are . . .

In the forest we are taken directly to the being place of human. By expanding our awareness, engaging our senses, practicing the skills that connect us directly to the land, laughing and playing we learn to know ourselves. Through sharing stories and experiences, working as a group, and providing for our basic needs, we learn to communicate, trust and honor our selves within a community. In thanksgiving and by practicing mindfulness we become caretakers of the land, seeking a sustainable way of life.

In our modern times, there is a growing interest in simplifying our lives and living in more direct relation with the cycles of nature. Primitive Pursuits strives to equip people with the knowledge and skills to do this. We offer a variety of programs to meet our communities diverse needs - from youth development programs and teen environmental leadership programs, to community gatherings and adult apprenticeships and workshops.

Our experienced staff practice what we preach. Collectively, we have dedicated over 10,000 hours to practicing and teaching all of the wilderness skills we present.

We accredit much of our curriculum to time spent learning from nationally recognized instructors and schools such as Tom Brown Jr., Jon Young, Paul Rezendes, Hawk Circle, Barry Keegan, Wilderness Way, Vermont Wilderness School, North East School of Botanical Medicine and The Institute for Natural Learning.

We have taught for the Adirondack Mountain Club, Cornell Outdoor Education, Ithaca College Adventure Recreation Degree Program, Rune Hill Earth Awareness Center, Manice Education Center, Fairview Lake Environmental Education Center, Lime Hollow Center for Environment and Culture, The Cayuga Nature Center, The Boy Scouts of America and many local church groups, youth groups and clubs.