Free and paid hands-on learning experiences for all ages
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Middletown Area
Capacity: 20 Participants Per Session
All Ages: Youth must remain under adult supervision
A rotating series of seven practical skill disciplines. Join at any point and progress through beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. No experience necessary.
Note: Core Skills Workshop Series begins in August. Join our mailing list to stay updated on session schedules and register early as space is limited to 20 participants per session.
Measuring, tool safety, lumber types, and load understanding. Build practical skills with hands-on practice.
Rod and reel basics, saltwater vs freshwater, bait techniques, and conservation ethics.
Kayak parts, safety fundamentals, water reading, and launching techniques with gear demo.
Real-world money management: budgeting, saving, investing, and credit myths vs truth.
Soil basics, sunlight mapping, plant selection, and New England seasonal timing.
Safe trip planning, weather prep, emergency basics, and situational awareness.
Understand government structures, voting rights, civic participation, and how to be an informed engaged citizen.
Build confidence and learn practical self-defense skills with certified instructors. Offered in general and women's-only sessions.
Each topic cycles through 4 progressive levels:
Week 1
Beginner Foundations
Week 2
Intermediate Application
Week 3
Real-world Scenarios
Week 4
Q&A & Skill Lab
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Hands-on Workshop with Take-Home Inoculated Log Kit
Description: Learn the fundamentals of mushroom log cultivation with hands-on experience. This workshop includes an inoculated hardwood log so you can grow your own mushrooms at home. Participants will learn proper inoculation techniques and care instructions to successfully grow mushrooms over the next 6-24 months.
Topics: Mushroom biology, log preparation, inoculation with plug spawn, incubation care, fruiting cycle, and harvesting.
Material Fee: $25 per participant (includes inoculated log and supplies). Participation is free but take-home materials require the fee.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
An introductory workshop focused on budgeting, saving, credit, basic investing, financial decision-making, and helping individuals understand money in a simple and practical way. Open to teens, adults, parents, and community members of all experience levels.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A beginner-friendly classroom workshop covering rods, reels, tackle, knots, bait, lures, fish identification, safety, and how to get started with fishing. This class is designed for youth, adults, and families who want to feel more confident before getting out on the water.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A practical civics workshop focused on basic rights, responsibilities, respectful communication, community expectations, police interactions, documentation, and understanding how to move through the world with awareness and confidence. Open to all ages, with special value for young men, families, and community members.
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A hands-on learning workshop covering basic gardening, soil preparation, plant care, seasonal maintenance, tool safety, and simple landscaping practices that can be used at home or in the community.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A repeatable financial literacy workshop focused on helping participants understand income, expenses, budgeting, saving goals, debt reduction, and building a simple personal financial plan.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A beginner fishing workshop covering basic equipment, fishing safety, knot tying, tackle setup, bait and lure selection, and how to prepare for a successful fishing trip.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A practical workshop focused on civic responsibility, respectful communication, understanding basic rights, staying calm during stressful situations, and helping participants feel more prepared in community and public settings.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A beginner-friendly outdoor skills workshop combining light hiking, basic outdoor awareness, emergency preparedness, safety planning, navigation basics, and simple decision-making skills for outdoor activities. Depending on weather and location, this workshop may include a light hike or kayaking discussion.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A financial literacy workshop focused on understanding credit, debt, interest, spending habits, financial traps, and how to make better long-term money decisions.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A repeatable beginner fishing workshop for individuals and families who want to learn the basics before getting outside. Topics include rods, reels, tackle, knots, bait, lures, safety, and preparing for local fishing opportunities.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A practical civics workshop focused on community behavior, understanding expectations, knowing your rights, respectful communication, police interaction basics, and how to protect yourself through preparation and awareness.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A seasonal workshop covering garden care, landscape maintenance, basic tools, outdoor work safety, and practical skills that can be used at home, in community spaces, or as an introduction to hands-on work.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A financial literacy workshop focused on creating stability through budgeting, saving, reducing unnecessary expenses, understanding financial priorities, and building a plan that fits real life.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A beginner-friendly classroom workshop covering fishing equipment, safety, knots, tackle, bait, lures, and how to prepare for time on the water. This workshop is open to youth, adults, and families.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A community-focused civics workshop designed to help participants understand basic rights, responsibilities, respectful conduct, safety awareness, and how to respond calmly and wisely in public situations.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A practical outdoor workshop focused on basic preparedness, light hiking safety, outdoor awareness, simple emergency planning, weather readiness, and safe participation in community outdoor activities.
Hosted by Mongoose Training Academy
Ongoing Sessions – Call for Schedule
Description: Learn practical self-defense techniques, personal safety awareness, and confidence-building strategies. This general session welcomes participants of all genders and ages seeking to develop real-world self-protection skills with certified instructors from Mongoose Training Academy.
Topics: Stance and positioning, basic strikes and blocks, escape techniques, situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and building personal confidence.
Presenter: Mongoose Training Academy – Certified self-defense and personal safety instructors.
Ongoing Sessions – Call for Schedule
Description: A dedicated self-defense workshop designed specifically for women and girls. Learn practical techniques, build confidence, and connect with other women in a supportive environment. Certified instructors from Mongoose Training Academy focus on real-world scenarios and empowerment.
Topics: Women-specific self-defense techniques, personal safety awareness, confidence building, communication strategies, situational awareness, and practical response options.
Presenter: Mongoose Training Academy – Certified self-defense and personal safety instructors.
Our workshops continue through the year with rotating core skills and seasonal special offerings. Follow our mailing list to stay updated on new workshops and special events as we expand our offerings.
Space is limited to 20 participants per session. Register early to secure your spot.
Thank you for registering!
You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. Space is limited to 20 participants per session.
Most of our core skill workshops are completely free for youth and community members — we believe education and skill-building should be accessible to everyone. Some specialized workshops (like our mushroom growing workshop) include a material fee. Revenue from paid workshops and our carpentry and landscaping services division directly funds our mission and helps us offer more free programs to underserved youth.
Our workshops are designed for youth and community members of various ages. We offer programs for different age groups and experience levels. Check specific workshop details for age requirements.
No prior experience is necessary! Our workshops are designed for beginners and experienced learners alike. Our mentors will guide you through each step of the process.
Workshops are held at various locations throughout Connecticut. Details about specific locations will be provided when you register for a workshop.
You can register for workshops using the registration form on this page. Join our mailing list to be notified about future sessions, or contact us directly at life1122foundation@outlook.com.
Contact us anytime at life1122foundation@outlook.com or visit our Get Involved page. We're happy to answer your questions and help you find the right workshop.