Community Events – Project Imo https://projectimo.org Connecting youth and communities, one experience with nature at a time. Sat, 16 Aug 2025 13:45:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 PROJECT IMO IS MOVING! https://projectimo.org/project-imo-is-moving/ Sat, 16 Aug 2025 13:45:24 +0000 https://projectimo.org/?p=13509 EXCITING NEWS, WE’RE MOVING!


Project Imo’s Base Camp and Idea Forge Creators Space will be temporarily closed while we move to a larger facility in downtown Willimantic, CT. We will reopen September 1st with our new fall calendar of Idea Forge and Teen Center Hours as well as a HUGE new fall program calendar of community events.


We are thrilled to be moving to 54 North St, Willimantic, CT, 06226 and sharing an exciting new space with our partners at NAFI CT.


During our move, our Idea Forge Creators Space and general open programming will be closed to relocate. Idea Forge members will have limited access to certain workstations. If you have a specific project you’re working on, let us know and we’ll arrange to make the move as minimally disruptive as possible. Your membership will be extended for 2 weeks to accommodate the interruption.


Special programs such as the Windham Prevention Coalition Youth Leadership Council Summit on Monday, August 25th will continue as planned at our Base Camp facility and the space at our amazing partners, The River Room.


To learn more, email teamimo@projectimo.org or call 860-786-5799.


]]> Beat the Heat: Our Summer Wednesday Workshop Series https://projectimo.org/beat-the-heat-our-summer-wednesday-workshop-series/ Sat, 21 Jun 2025 16:09:03 +0000 https://projectimo.org/?p=13143 This summer, beat the heat and spark your creativity at our Wednesday Workshop Series at the Idea Forge Creators Space! Whether you’re an experienced maker or just curious to try something new, our welcoming community is the perfect place to learn, create, and connect.

We’re kicking things off with workshops like:
– A Little Joy – Cardmaking with a Cricut with Nancy
– Beads for the Preserve – Nature-inspired Jewelry with Jay
– Such a Character – Quick Character Illustration & Design with Jay
– Hooked – Intro to Crochet with Lori

Even more workshops are on the way, including painting, sewing, and a full scrapbooking retreat—so stay tuned!

Registration is free. We welcome small donations for supplies and snacks.

👉 Check out our full schedule and sign up here: https://projectimo.org/events-calendar/
For more info about our space and open hours, visit: https://projectimo.org/idea-forge-creators-space

Let’s make something beautiful together this summer. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

]]> Fuel The Spark: Holiday Donations for Youth Maker Space Programs https://projectimo.org/fuel-the-spark-for-youth-holiday-donation-drive/ Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:00:41 +0000 https://projectimo.org/?p=10538

Help Us Fuel The Spark This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for giving, and we invite you to make a difference by joining our Holiday Donation Drive. This year, your donation will help fund 10 Maker Space programs in 2025, where young people in our community will come together to create, learn, and gain hands-on experience with industry-grade tools and creative projects. Every donation fuels opportunities for youth to explore, build, and gain skills that will guide them into the future.

As a special thank-you, donations over specific amounts will receive handmade holiday gifts crafted with care by our youth, volunteers, and staff. These unique tokens of appreciation reflect the creativity and skills that you make possible. Be a part of the spark that empowers youth in our community, join us in creating a brighter future!

Support Youth Creativity With Our Holiday Donation Drive

Why Your Donation Matters

Our goal is to raise $5,000 to support 10 youth Maker Space programs in 2025. Every dollar goes directly towards providing a safe, vibrant space where youth can develop technical and soft skills, connect with mentors, and build their confidence. With your support, these young makers can continue to unlock their potential and discover new paths in life.

What Are Maker Space Programs?

Our Maker Space is a dynamic environment that provides youth with access to a range of tools and technologies, including sewing machines, embroidery stations, Cricut vinyl cutters, 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, media production tools, and design software.

Each program opens new possibilities, guiding youth from crafting small, creative trinkets to designing high-quality, market-ready items. It affords the opportunity for low-risk exporation in fields they may have never considered and develop practical, real-world skills. Under guidance by experienced staff and volunteers, these sessions foster teamwork, creativity, and hands-on experience in a supportive, inclusive space.

Holiday Donation Drive Temperature Gauge Dollar Amount Youth Creativity Spark Space Project Imo

Skills Youth Develop in The Spark Maker Space

Each visit to our Maker Space is an opportunity for youth to grow. Here’s a look at what they gain through hands-on, project-based learning:

  • Career Exploration: By working with tools from media production to digital design, youth gain exposure to fields they might one day pursue, from engineering to creative arts.

  • Planning and Project Execution: Youth learn to conceptualize, design, and execute their projects, fostering resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to see an idea through from start to finish.

  • Creative Confidence: As they bring their unique visions to life, youth develop the confidence to share ideas, take creative risks, and value their contributions.

  • Technical Proficiency: Our Maker Space introduces youth to essential technical skills—like design software and media production—that are valuable in both today’s workplaces and personal pursuits.


Supporting this campaign directly invests in empowering youth and fostering a sense of community, connection, and belonging. With your help, we’re building more than skills; we’re building self-assurance, resilience, and future-ready youth.

Youth and Volunteers Making Cards for Fuel The Spark Maker Space for Holiday Donation Drive

How to Donate

Make a lasting impact by supporting youth creativity and development. Donate through our PayPal campaign by clicking the link below. Your contribution, no matter the amount, brings us closer to creating these enriching events and nurturing a community of youth makers.

Looking for other ways to give? Visit our general donation page on our website, where you can explore options for recurring contributions, sponsorship opportunities, or other ways to support Project Imo’s broader mission year-round. Every donation, big or small, helps us create impactful programs and foster a space where young minds can thrive.

Holiday Packages as a Thank-You for Your Donation

To show our gratitude, we’re offering handmade holiday gifts crafted by our youth, volunteers, and staff for donations at various levels. These gifts are a special way for us to say thank you and for you to see the creativity and skills that your contribution makes possible.

  • $25 Donation – Festive Sticker Set and Tags: Receive a set of custom holiday stickers and gift tags designed by our Maker Space youth, perfect for adding creative flair to your holiday wrapping.
  • $50 Donation – Holiday Card Set: Includes the festive sticker set and tags plus six handmade holiday cards with envelopes, bringing a personal touch to your holiday greetings.
  • $100 Donation – Holiday Gift Pack: Enjoy the festive sticker set and tags, holiday card set, plus a set of gift card holders and one embroidered ornament, all crafted with care in our Maker Space.
  • $150+ Donation – Custom Holiday Bundle: Receive everything from the previous tiers – stickers, tags, holiday cards, gift card holders, and an ornament, plus a custom embroidered mini stocking, personalized with text on the cuff.

Gift Timeline & Pickup Options

To guarantee delivery before the holidays, please make your donation by December 10th. Donations received after this date will still be appreciated, and we’ll continue creating items through December 20th, but delivery may not reach you in time for the holidays.

Prefer to pick up your gift? Let us know when you donate, and we’ll notify you as soon as your items are ready for pickup.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

All funds raised go directly toward materials, equipment maintenance, and staffing for 10 Maker Space events in 2025. This ensures that each event is well-equipped, safe, and engaging for all youth participants.

Every donation fuels the overall success of the Maker Space program, which includes a variety of projects and skill-building activities. We aim to provide a holistic experience for youth by supporting all aspects of our Maker Space events.

Yes, a receipt will be emailed to you for your generous contribution, acknowledging your support for our Maker Space programs. If you have any questions about the tax implications of your donation, we encourage you to consult with a tax professional.

Absolutely! We’re always looking for skilled, knowledgeable individuals passionate about giving back to the community. Volunteers play a vital role in guiding and inspiring youth through hands-on learning. If you’re interested, please reach out to learn about volunteer opportunities.

In most cases, we offer a standard package of handmade items created by our youth, volunteers, and staff. However, we’re happy to discuss unique situations, please feel free to email us if you have a special request, and we’ll do our best to accommodate it.
Yes, our Maker Space offers limited community access outside of our youth programs. These sessions may look different from youth events and are designed to provide access for individual projects or group workshops. Contact us for more details on community access.
Youth participants explore a wide range of activities, from small crafts to complex projects involving sewing, embroidery, vinyl cutting, 3D printing, and more. Additionally digging into the foundations of planning and understanding the overall process from beginning to end for producing an item, media, content, or other maker space outcome. Our goal is to expose them to various tools and creative fields, enabling them to build both practical skills and confidence.
There are many ways to support our mission even if a monetary donation isn’t possible! Sharing our campaign on social media, telling friends and family about our work, or even volunteering your time are all valuable ways to make a difference

Support Youth Creativity Today!

Help make 2025 unforgettable for youth in our community. Your donation fuels the spark that allows young people to connect, create, and imagine what’s possible.

By supporting our Holiday Donation Drive, you’re providing access to a space where they can safely explore, experiment, and build skills that will last a lifetime.

FUEL THE SPARK

Help Us Spread the Word

You can always help by sharing this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues. Every share brings us one step closer to reaching our goal and supporting youth in meaningful ways. Together, we can ensure these young makers have the opportunities they deserve.

Let's Stay Connected

Check out more about Project Imo and Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or Linkedin

Send us a message at teamimo@projectimo.org or fill out a form on our website or even give us a call (860) 786-5799!

We are building a brighter future for our youth and our community. Join us in this mission to nurture the next generation of creators.

Thank you for believing in the power of creativity, connection, and youth potential!

]]> Youth Promise Afterschool Leadership Series https://projectimo.org/youth-promise-afterschool-series/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 18:00:20 +0000 https://projectimo.azurewebsites.net/?p=8698

Youth Promise Afterschool Leadership Series Spring 2024

Develop your power. Build your skills. Connect with your network. Immersive and fun afterschool leadership and career development workshop series.

Agenda

  • February theme – Launching our journeys
  • March theme – Identifying new pathways and resources
  • April theme – Exploring opportunities and building a toolbox
  • May theme – Celebrating our new perspectives and goals

Level Up Your Potential!

These FREE afterschool workshops for people age 13 to 18 will provide adventurous, fun, and immersive experiences that help develop important skills for life.

The focus on experiential career development skills, networking, and resume building provide youth opportunities to build 21st century workshop skills in the context of our heroic journey. We want to help give them the tools necessary for them to take action and level up their life.

Two evenings per month – FREE CAREER EDUCATION

Afterschool Workshop Leadership Series

Sign Up - Free

This workshop series is sponsored by NAFI CT and Project Imo.

Participants completing the series will receive a stipend of $100.00 for career and/or higher education related items that will further goals they set during the program. Successful program graduates will be able to add a strong line to their resumes and college applications. It is an ideal stepping stone to that next stage.

Registration Page

Seats are limited to 12 participants.

visit Youth Promise Career Pathways for more information.

Project Imo is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Willimantic, CT.

Empower. Build. Connect.

About this EVent

Youth Promise Afterschool Leadership Series

The workshop are presented twice per month from February through May of 2024 at Project Imo’s “Basecamp” Teen Center in Willimantic, CT.

  • Two (2) Wednesday evenings per month
  • 3:30pm to 6:30pm
  • Dinner provided during the programs
  • Open for people aged 13-18 in eastern Connecticut
  • $100 stipend per participant completing the series to be used to help obtain career exploration resources after completing the full series.
  • Feb 14, 28; March 13, 27; April 10, 24; May 8, 22; optional graduation retreat To Be Determined (TBD)
  • People attending all 8 sessions will receive a small stipend to purchase career or higher-education-related items

Participants will explore key career and life skills:

  • Identifying their “why”
  • Communication
  • Planning
  • Goal setting & time management
  • Reflective thinking
  • Group work
  • Personal finance
  • Interview skills and pracitce
  • Resume building


We’ll explore regionally relevant career pathways:

  • Advanced manufacturing, technology, and trades
  • Public service
  • Advanced agriculture and food systems
  • Outdoor education, recreation, and green jobs
  • Healthcare and healthy living services
  • Arts and communication

No lectures here.

  • Conversations.
  • Experiential initiatives.
  • Group projects.
  • Q&A with community leaders and employers.

Frequently asked questions

Youth aged 13-18 or actively enrolled in school are eligible to enroll. Participants will be asked to open a free Basecamp Teen Center membership for the purposes of obtaining parental consent and other important information.

This program is fully funded by our sponsors and NAFI CT and Project Imo. Registration is FREE for all participants.

 

We will always meet at our Willimantic, CT “Basecamp” Teen Center. Some workshops will take place at community partner locations within walking distance or even outside dependent upon the content and weather. All information will be communicated to participants.

Yes. We have snacks and pizza will be provided.

Please call Basecamp at 860-786-5799 or email teamimo@projectimo.org and we’ll be happy to answer any questions!
]]> Great Basecamp No-bake Bake Off 2023 https://projectimo.org/great-basecamp-no-bake-bake-off-2023/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:29:23 +0000 https://projectimo.azurewebsites.net/?p=8665

Project Imo 'Great Basecamp No-Bake Bake Off' 2023​

Get ready for the ultimate decorating showdown where teams compete to plan and decorate the best no-bake holiday decorations!

Agenda

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Participant Arrival, greetings, team assignments, social

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Team Planning and Themed Decoration Making!!

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Judging, Awards, Celebration!

Sign Up - Free

This event is open to Project Imo’s Basecamp Teen Center members and families as well as community partners and prospective members. Children 10 to 14 are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult.

Event limited to 15 people. People wishing to come as a team can request team assignments in the registration form found on Eventbrite.

Registration Page

About this EVent

No bake Bake Off event image

Come join us for the tastiest event of the year at Project Imo Basecamp Teen Center!

Get ready for a fun-filled day of baking without the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this event is for everyone. Show off your creativity and teamwork skills as you work together to develop a themed display of no-bake gingerbread villages, ugly sweater cookie ornaments, and other holiday season crafts.

Join us and let the teamwork and decorating frenzy begin! It’s a day filled with laughter, delicious treats, and friendly competition. So mark your calendars for the ‘Great Basecamp No-Bake Bake Off’ 2023. We can’t wait to see what delightful worlds you’ll create!

Various prizes will be awarded for best teamwork, best presentation, and more.

Frequently asked questions

Project Imo’s Basecamp Teen Center Members, family members, prospective members, and families, and community partners. Our free teen center memberships are open to people from 14-18 or actively enrolled in high school.

No. We have commercially available kits made in facilities that also process nuts and other potential food allergens.

 

Technically… yes but as this is a purely decorative event, we’ll not be using food-safe processes for commercial food preparation. We will have PLENTY of snacks available.

Our Basecamp Teen Center open hours are from 12pm to 6:30pm on the day of this event. If our space can accommodate the number of people, participants in the No-Bake Bake Off are welcome to stay.

The general answer is “42”. If you get this reference, you get extra points. For all other unanswered questions about the Great Basecamp ‘No-Bake’ Bake Off, or Project Imo, email teamimo@projectimo.org or call 860-786-5799 for more info.

Project Imo is a 501c3 youth development charity in Willimantic, CT. We focus on empowering young people to build self, skills, and community connections through immersive educational experiences. As an outdoor education team, we view our teen center as a basecamp where people begin amazing journeys

]]> Willimantic’s New Teen Center Opens Downtown, Empowering Local Youth https://projectimo.org/willimantic-new-teen-center-opens/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:16:39 +0000 https://projectimo.azurewebsites.net/?p=5356

New Teen Center Opens

Project Imo is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the new teen center, located at 924 Riverside Drive in downtown Willimantic, CT. This dedicated space is set to become a vibrant hub for local youth aged 14-18, offering an array of programs and opportunities to foster growth, leadership, and community engagement.

Key Highlights:

  1. Purpose and Vision:

    • The teen center will provide a safe, positive, and welcoming environment for young people, encouraging them to take on new challenges and shape their futures.

    • It will serve as a venue for afterschool activities, youth leadership programs, and various community events.

  2. Name and Inspiration:

    • Affectionately referred to as “Base Camp,” the center holds a special place in the hearts of those involved.

    • It will serve as a cornerstone for Project Imo’s innovative initiatives, including the Youth Promise Career Pathways Initiative and individualized mentoring programs.

  3. Opening Date:

    • Project Imo is excited to announce that afterschool programs and open hours for teens are scheduled to begin in September 2023.

Doing our part

Jason Hyland, Executive Director of Project Imo, expressed his excitement: “We’re thrilled to be opening this new space for programs and open time as a teen center. Youth in the area had highlighted the need for such a space during a leadership program we were facilitating this year.”

About Project Imo
Project Imo is a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization nestled in Windham, CT. Our mission is to empower the next generation by building self-confidence and life skills while fostering connections within communities through immersive experiential and adventure education programs.

Our Commitment
We provide transformative experiences that cultivate leadership skills, ignite a passion for environmental conservation, and build communities, all while ensuring equitable access for all.

Contact Information
For more details and inquiries, please feel free to contact us at teamimo@projectimo.org.

Join us in our journey to empower the youth of Willimantic and beyond. We look forward to creating a brighter future together.

]]> Save the Trails 2023: A family friendly forest game https://projectimo.org/save-the-trails-2023-a-family-friendly-forest-game/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:13:26 +0000 https://projectimo.azurewebsites.net/?p=4205

Save The Trails 2023: A family friendly forest game

Save the Trails 2023: A family friendly forest game! 

Saturday, June 3, 2023   
Mansfield Hollow State Park, Mansfield CT

Activities begin at 9:30am
Hikes begin at 1:00pm

Stay as long as you’d like!

Help save the trails and stop the wicked ‘Chesterfield Plonderton’ from wrecking your woods! Join Project Imo and The Last Green Valley for a series of immersive activities for all ages.

Tasks to do during the event

Build a faerie village,

Learn to identify plants and animals,

Create a fire, 

Beautify a trail,

“Fish” for knowledge,

and more – all while leaving no trace! 

How do we stop the villian?

You and your team will be challenged at a series of  fun and educational activity stations. For each station you complete, you’ll get points to add to your Save the Trails Scorecard! Throughout the day we’ll tally the points from everyone who participates and see if we can get enough points to stop Chesterfield in his tracks!

You can also get points for attending Willimantic Library events and reading books in advance as well as going on one of two exciting hikes with the Friends of Mansfield Hollow starting a 1pm on June 3. 

The whole family can experience sustainable outdoor practices that will build a lifetime of responsible fun in nature – drop in any time during the event to complete as many activities as you’d like. 

RSVP not required but appreciated to kyle@tlgv.org or 860-774-3300. All attendees will get a leave-no-trace take-home; those RSVP’d will receive an extra take-home. 

If you have any questions for Project Imo reach out on the Contact Us page

]]> Walkobertfest Wild 101 – Backcountry Trip Basics and Hike https://projectimo.org/walkobertfest-wild-101-backcountry-trip-basics-and-hike/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:43:26 +0000 https://projectimo.azurewebsites.net/?p=5323

WALKOBERTFEST WILD 101 – BACKCOUNTRY TRIP BASICS AND HIKE

About this event

  • Saturday, October 15, 2022
  • 9:30am - 4:00pm EDT
  • 276 Mashamoquet Road Pomfret, CT 06259

Wild 101 with Project Imo – Backcountry Trip Basics and Hike

This is a free one-day workshop and hike for people interested in hiking a bit farther away from civilization for the first time, camping in remote areas, or just wanting to refresh the basics. Project Imo’s staff will cover a few basics of safe and enjoyable travel in the wilder spaces of the world while minimizing our trace on the natural world.

Some of the topics we’ll cover are:

  • Trip planning basics
  • Food planning
  • Gear basics
  • How to pack a pack

We’ll be a Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret, CT from 9:30am to 4pm. Participants must bring a lunch and water, and are invited to bring supplies listed below if they would like to practice with their gear. We will be combining educational activities with a hike in the park. The hike runs approximately 4 miles across a variety of terrain. There are some steep trail portions with uneven ground.

Advance registration is required. 

Hike Event Prep photo

All participants are expected to bring clothing appropriate for the weather conditions during the program and close-toed footwear such as hiking boots or hiking shoes for the terrain. Participants must also bring their own snacks, water, and lunch.

While Project Imo will provide examples of gear, participants wishing to practice and discuss more immersive trail skills should bring with them optional gear suitable for 2 days of travel in a remote area such as:

  • 2 pairs socks (not cotton)
  • Jacket (waterproof)
  • Insulation layer (fleece, etc.)
  • Base layers (thermals)
  • Winter gloves
  • Winter hat
  • Personal camp stove
  • 2x water bottles
  • Personal cutlery/mess kit/mug
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Headlamp
  • Assorted straps and ties
  • Backpack

Project Imo will provide sleeping bags and pads for practice if you don’t have your own. We will also provide tents for setup practice. We will also have a small assortment of gear you can use for practice but do recommend your own gear if you have it.

After registration, our staff will work with you to ensure you have the best experience at our workshop and are prepared for the day. 

Registration Page
]]>