Sustainability Education in Appalachian Ohio
Tenderfoot / ten·der·foot / noun
· a novice or beginner
· one who walks with a light footprint on natural resources
· a long-distance hiker at the beginning of their journey
Our Core Programs
Tenderfoot Classic
Experience our flagship program: 7 days immersed in sustainable living, farm-to-table meals, reflection, & outdoor recreation. For groups of 6 to 8.
Custom Experience
Put your own twist on the Classic. Use our experience builder to select number of days, lodging type, meals, and educational programs. For groups of 5 to 28.
Workshops
A chance to focus on a specific skill or sustainability topic. Choose one or stack a few workshops to create a full day of learning. Open by request to groups of 4+.
Events
Open houses, volunteer days, festivals, classes, eco retreats…there’s always something interesting coming up on our calendar. Open to the general public.
Vote with your pennies.
How we spend our money tells producers what we care about. Your gift to Tenderfoot is a vote for a sustainable future. With your help, we’re offering affordable programs, from one-day workshops to month-long residencies. We’re building green infrastructure, preserving an ecosystem, and fostering love for people and planet.
Learn, Serve, Stay With Us
Summer Internships
Join a cohort of students with interdisciplinary skills living together to work on local sustainable projects.
Workshops
Choose from an array of topics and we’ll customize the workshop to your group’s age, size, and purpose. Great for scout troops, school clubs, church groups, professional teambuilding, or friends looking for a unique way to hang out.
HipCamp
Rent Tenderfoot’s campsites to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. All proceeds from our campsites directly support our sustainability education programs.
Upcoming Events
Earth Week Open House
+ Partner Preview Day
April 22
Celebrate Planet A with nature hikes, natural crafts, local snacks, sustainable skills workshops, electricity-free games, and an evening campfire. An info session and tour will be held for prospective partners.
Spring volunteer day
+ Lunch
April 27
Wrap up Earth Week festivities by getting your hands dirty in the garden, working on small building projects, and mixing compost. As always, volunteers are served a homemade meal.
climate action
eco retreat
May 24 – 27
Take advantage of a long holiday weekend to relax in nature, eat delicious nutritious food, and learn new sustainable skills. Leave with a plan to take action for the climate, reducing your own carbon footprint or that of your organization.
What Students Are Saying
“Tenderfoot has given me an experience of a lifetime. Practically learning skills through gardening, cooking, project collaboration, and adventure have all greatly impacted my knowledge of sustainability.”
— Anna Grabowsky, Ohio University, ’25
“Tenderfoot has provided me with the perfect environment for learning… everyone is patient and accepting of the inevitable learning curve. And there isn’t any pressure to be perfect as everyone, including the teachers, is learning with us!”
— Veronica Jennings, Ohio University, ’26
“Eating is universal. It’s a great starting point for living more sustainably. That’s why we make food the heart of the Tenderfoot experience. “
Lindsey Rudibaugh, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Tenderfoot
Photo credit: Robert Buchanan
What We’re Cooking
