2024 Calendar of Events
Climate Action Eco Retreat | May 24 – 27 | Learn More & Register
“If everyone in the U.S. cut their carbon footprint by 1%, it would be like taking 11.9 million gas powered cars off the road for a year.” – The Commons
Climate Action is the theme of our first eco retreat. 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. The Memorial Day Weekend retreat serves as a hopeful, joyful kick-off to what can be an ongoing conversation: At the end of the retreat, you can sign up for an optional virtual book club with the author.
Summer Intern Residency | June 1 – 29
We’re accepting applications for our annual summer cohort of student professionals in residence who live together, work on individual professional projects, and build life skills through service in the kitchen, gardens, and building projects. The application will remain open until all 8 positions are filled. Learn more and apply here.
Pie Picnic & Internship Showcase | June 28 @ 7pm
Spend an evening enjoying the fruits of summer — in a slice of pie and in the results of our summer interns’ month-long projects! Go on a student-guided tour to hear what they’ve learned and accomplished, then spread a blanket on the lawn to enjoy a farewell dessert together. $10 per person includes pie and bottomless beverages. Baskets and blankets are provided per group. Sales are at the door, no prior registration necessary.
Hammock Festival | July 20-21
A dreamy blend of relaxation, time outdoors, and fun, empowering workshops. Participate in weaving a hammock, learn knot-tying to safely hang your own hammock, borrow a book to enjoy under the canopy, and be nourished by locally-sourced communal meals. Indoor bunks and camping options available.
Labor Day Eco Retreat | August 31 – September 2
After hearing countless people say, “I wish I was a college student so I could come to Tenderfoot,” we’ve created a mini Tenderfoot experience for the general public! Whether you’re newly eco-curious or already eco-conscious, there’s something for everyone at our themed Eco Retreats. Keep an eye on our Eco Retreats page for forthcoming schedule and registration information.
Tenderfoot Holiday Club | September – December 2024
Every holiday season, we wish we’d started planning earlier so we could make more conscientious gifts and decorations. In 2024, we’re making it a group effort – a monthly gathering starting in September to carve out time for all your DIY, upcycled, hand-crafted holiday dreams. Tell us you’re interested to receive a direct email invitation when details get firmed up this summer.
Fall Fungi Festival | October 5 – 6
Foraging hikes, cooking demonstrations, inoculation workshops, kid-friendly activities, nature-inspired art, live music, and mushroom-based meals…this festival has it all! This is an outdoor festival offered in partnership with Appalachian Understories, a social enterprise of Rural Action. Day passes and weekend camping passes available.
Fall Volunteer Day & Lunch | October 26, 12pm – 4pm
Help us prepare for the winter closure. Fueled by a homemade, locally-sourced lunch, we’ll do a final harvest in the garden and plant cover crops, store summer equipment, and gather compostable material.
Gratitude Gala | November 16 @ 7pm
We bring the season to a close with a celebration of the people who made it great: students, farmers, chefs, partner organizations, and local experts who’ve shared their skill and wisdom to further our educational mission. This event is by invitation.
Ongoing Opportunities
Skill Swap | I’m interested!
To make every day Earth Day, we’re offering personal training for sustainable living. As the name implies, all we ask in return is that you teach us something you’re skilled in. No skill is too small or silly – we can get crafty, musical, muscled, muddy, healthier…We’re game! Click “I’m interested” above to tell us what skills you’re interested in teaching & learning.
Skill swaps are offered on an ongoing basis and are scheduled based on involved parties’ availability.
Hold your own sustainable event at Tenderfoot.
Tenderfoot’s 16-acre home is now available as a host location for retreats, reunions, workshops, camping, scout outings, or other creative uses you dream up. Our location is suitable for teams, families, or any group with a shared purpose and a desire for togetherness in a natural environment. Day use and overnight use are available, and prepared meals* can be included if desired. We can accommodate 8 to 12 overnight guests indoors (based on double occupancy), and plentiful tent/hammock sites are available outdoors.
Contact us at hello@tenderfootlearninglab.org to inquire about dates, pricing, and workshops our team can facilitate.
*Note about meals: Sustainability is central to our mission, and the food we serve is a reflection of that. We source ingredients as locally as the season allows, and we use only organic produce in consideration of personal health, environmental health, and the financial health of our community.