4 Elements Earth Education

Dear Tracker Family,

As we honor the legacy of Tom Brown Jr., we also look to the land that he shared with us. The Primitive Camp has been an important site for Tracker students for over 40 years. From the Lenape people to the enduring legacy of Grandfather Stalking Wolf and now Tom Brown Jr., this land has long been a site of learning, growth, and connection with the earth and each other. It holds deep significance for us, the Tracker Family, and is a living testament to our shared commitment to being Caretakers upholding Grandfather’s Vision.

We want to ensure the continued sharing of knowledge and healing that Grandfather’s Pine Barrens Primitive Camp has given to all of us for decades continues for generations to come. This has motivated 4 Elements Earth Education (4EEE) and the Tracker School into a partnership to renew the primitive camp lease into 4EEE’s name or negotiate a land transfer in order to continue our use of the camp. Tom, who signed the original lease, had requested that we put the camp into the non-profit to ensure we keep the sacred Pine Barrens Primitive Camp in the Tracker Family.

We need your support at this critical time to ensure continued use of the Primitive Camp!

A brief history of the Primitive Camp:

In 1998, Frazee donated the land lots that would make up the Primitive Camp to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) with continued logging rights in the Cedar Swamps. Rick Berry was present when the paperwork was signed for a 99-year lease to the Tracker School. Shortly after, Tom had us open up Grandfather’s Camp as now the area was protected through the NJCF.

In the past couple of years there have been concerns by the NJCF with insurance, liability, and disagreements over the original 99-year lease of the Tracker School’s use of the Primitive Camp.

Why should 4EEE renew the lease of the Primitive Camp?

4EEE is a dedicated, educational non-profit 501(c)(3) that was founded by Tracker students, Rick Berry and Juan Villarreal in 2010. Rick began at Tracker School in 1986 at age 15 and was a caretaker in the Primitive Camp from 1998 to 2001. Rick has been involved with Tracker’s Family/Youth programs, Coyote Tracks and Children of the Earth Foundation (COTEF) since 1999 and was the Director of COTEF for 8 years before creating 4EEE. In 2019 Tom requested that Rick take over COTEF, ultimately the decision was made for 4EEE to absorb COTEF. Since that time 4EEE has been running family and youth programs at the Primitive Camp approximately 4 times a year.

The decision for 4EEE to care for the camp is supported by: The Tracker School, Juan Villarreal, Jorge Brana, David Ott, Matt and Carmen Corradino, and others.

What lies ahead for the Primitive Camp?

Tracker School and 4EEE will maintain the camp and continue with different Tracker affiliates in a collaborative effort. 4EEE, once the lease is renewed, will have administrative responsibilities to make sure the site stays in continued use for Tracker, 4EEE, and affiliated programs.

Specifically, we need to address the following expenses:

● Insurance: $25,000 annually

● Facility Upkeep at Camp: $10,000 annually

● Sand Road Maintenance: $10,000 annually

● Office, Storage, and Communications: $50,000 annually

● Personnel & Legal Expenses: $50,000 annually

In total, we seek to raise $145,000 per year to cover baseline operations.

If everyone gave $20 – we would have enough to move forward.

Your generous contribution will directly support the continuation of vital programs and preserve the Primitive Camp for future generations. Together, we can honor the rich history of this land and ensure it remains a sacred place of learning and connection.

Alternatively, you can send a check payable to: 4 Elements Earth Education / 4EEE, PO Box 1823, Nevada City, CA 95959 with a note stating: Primitive Camp

We would love to hear from you, share your stories/experiences about what the Primitive Camp means to you - Share Here!

“…if you love the Earth,

if you hear her crying and feel her dying,

then do whatever it takes to save her,

but do not walk away…

give of yourself,

give of your Visions and dreams,

give financially,

give your time,

lead someone back to the Earth,

give children the gift of pure protected wilderness,

give anything,

but please do something…”

Tom Brown Jr.

Thank you for your support and dedication.

Rick Berry, Juan Villarreal, 4EEE, and The Tracker School

Learn more:

4 Elements Earth Education | The Tracker School