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, 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.
We're excited to welcome you to our October workshop series. Limited spaces available per session.
Register early to secure your spot. Follow our mailing list to be the first to know about future workshops and special events.
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.