Workshops & Trainings – Project Imo https://projectimo.org Connecting youth and communities, one experience with nature at a time. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:53:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Launch of the STEAM Futures Workshop Series https://projectimo.org/launch-of-the-steam-futures-workshop-series/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:47:24 +0000 https://projectimo.org/?p=15113

STEAM Futures: Hands-On Youth Workshops at Project Imo’s Idea Forge Creators Space

STEAM Futures is a hands-on workshop series launched by Project Imo to expand access to creative and technical learning for youth ages 8–18.

Hosted at the Idea Forge Creators Space which is our maker space. The series blends art, design, engineering, technology, and media through immersive, project-based experiences that help young people build confidence as makers and problem-solvers.

The program emphasizes learning by doing. Connecting traditional creative skills with modern maker technologies in a supportive, mentor-rich environment.

About the STEAM Futures Workshop Series

The STEAM Futures Workshop Series includes eight half-day, in-person workshops paired with open maker space hours and a culminating community showcase.

Each workshop introduces accessible tools and techniques: such as sewing, digital design, simple machines, electronics, 3D printing, laser engraving, and media creation. All the while encouraging experimentation, iteration, and creative expression.

Youth may attend individual workshops or participate across multiple sessions, building skills over time while exploring a range of STEAM pathways.

Program Structure & Schedule

The STEAM Futures series is designed to balance structured learning with flexible creative time:

  • 8 half-day STEAM Futures workshops (January–February 2026)
  • 8 half-day open maker space sessions for continued project work and practice
  • 1 STEAM Futures Community Showcase (March 2026)
  • Workshops are hosted at Project Imo’s Idea Forge Creators Space in Willimantic, CT

Youth participants attend free of charge, removing common barriers to participation in STEAM learning opportunities.

Tools, Technologies, and Creative Pathways

Throughout the STEAM Futures Workshop Series, participants engage with a wide range of creative tools and maker technologies, including:

  • Sewing machines and textile tools
  • Craft cutters and digital illustration software
  • Simple circuits, LEDs, and motion components
  • 3D printers and introductory modeling tools
  • Laser engraving and cutting equipment
  • Cameras, audio tools, and basic media production setups

These tools are introduced gradually, helping youth connect creative ideas to real-world processes used in design, engineering, and media fields.

Community Access & Program Support

The STEAM Futures Workshop Series is made possible through support from the Liberty Bank Foundation, which ensures youth can participate at no cost, and Eversource, whose support helped equip and enhance the Idea Forge Creators Space.

eversource logo

By investing in both programming and infrastructure, these partners help Project Imo create inclusive learning environments where young people can explore, create, and grow.

For More Information:

Explore more about Project Imo and the Idea Forge Creators Space.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or Linkedin

Send us a message at teamimo@projectimo.org or fill out a form on out website!

Call us (860) 786-5799 to ask how to get involved.

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

UPCOMING STEAM FUTURES WORKSHOPS

Events

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]]> 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!

]]> 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
]]> Adventure Facilitation Foundations: Expanding Adventure & Group Management https://projectimo.org/adventure-facilitation-foundations-expanding-adventure-group-management/ Sun, 21 Aug 2022 18:59:53 +0000 https://projectimo.azurewebsites.net/?p=5330

Adventure Facilitation Foundations

About this event

  • Wednesday, September 21, 2022
  • 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
  • 41 Chaffeeville Road Mansfield, CT 06250

Adventure Facilitation Foundations 2- Expanding Adventure Group Management

Expanding your adventure programs. Ideal for school & afterschool educators, non-formal educators, youth groups, social services, police, counselors, and camp staff!

Participants in this workshop will use their foundations in adventure facilitation to explore creating specific social-emotional outcomes through activity; expanded emotional, environmental, and initiative safety; expand into understanding and exploring group dynamics; and group conflict management.

Participants will build their adventurous toolkit as we explore these expanding concepts:

  • Identifying & creating specific social-emotional development outcomes through adventure
  • Crafting framing statements and reflection questions aligned with outcomes
  • Balancing desired facilitation outcomes with the group’s right to explore and create their own experiences
  • Safely expanding the experiential toolkit to include more dynamic activities
  • Safety parameters for portable elements requiring spotting and spotting instruction
  • Creating program frameworks for consistently safe practices
  • Small group development
  • Group conflict: how to embrace it, how to avoid harmful conflict, and how to help the group navigate it.
Youth Participating in Number Calculator
Group Participating in Islands Portable Element

This 8-hour workshop is the follow-up to our Adventure Facilitation Foundations 1. Participants will be most successful if they have an understanding of core concepts such as de-inhibitizing groups, Stretch Zone Learning, full value commitments and Challenge of Choice, and activity framing and sequencing basics obtained through courses like our Adventure Facilitation Foundations 1 workshop.

Attendees will experience the activities as participants first and then build them into their own practice as facilitators for their community.

Course location will be at Holiday Hill Day Camp and Recreation Center in Mansfield Center, CT. Email teamimo@projectimo.org for more information.

$150.00 registration includes workshop, lunch, and special pricing on facilitation tools from Project Imo’s Gear Store.

Group pricing discounts are available. Email teamimo@projectimo.org for more information.

Registration Page
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