Do you learn better by being face-to-face with your instructor? If you do, check out what learning possibilities you have locally. Around me, there are individuals who teach classes, groups who host local meetups as well as organizations and businesses who do workshops.
Meetups
A meetup is a series event where you meet on a schedule, typically monthly. Usually, it’s centered around an interest or theme. I’ve seen crafting groups, gaming groups, business innovators and more with meetup listings. Find something that interests you and stop by!
Eventbrite
This site allows you to see what classes are available to you. Anyone can put up a listing. If your event is free, they’ll charge you nothing for the announcement. If you charge, they want a fee. You just add the fee to your cost before posting. (Yes, that means you can teach.)
You search within a certain distance of your town. For me, there are very few listings. However, I live near Chicago and there’s a lot of events I’d love to participate in. Unfortunately, when I figure in drive time, it’s not always feasible.
Specific Organizations
Organizations may choose to provide workshops for those within their group or include the community at large. I’ve listed some of the organizations I’ve taken workshops from so you can see the possibilities. Hopefully, these will help you identify ones you have locally.
The workshops are tailored for adults who work with children. From STEM to geocaching to singing, I’ve taken a wide variety of classes. You must be a registered Girl Scout to participate. And, no, you don’t have to be a woman to be a leader.
Indiana Dunes (National and State Parks)
The national parks tend to do more of educator training. I’ve done the Project WET, Project WILD, Climate Change, Pollinators and more through the Dunes and DNR. It’s very science themed. However, there are other classes that are more fun. In the last few months, I’ve taken wrapped sea glass and healing tea classes. You can also hike the trails and learn from rangers about the area. We’ve done storytelling, learned about controlled burning and a lot of other items specific to the parks.
Local Parks
Each year, our local parks run Pioneers Days. With my girls, we’ve dipped candles, created “rug” from torn sheets and learned how to crochet it into rugs, cooked ham and beans in a HUGE pot and more. Of course, they also have smaller activities for younger kids throughout the year.
Lubeznik Center for the Arts
They support artists with art classes and writer meetups. I’ve taken jewelry making, fused glass, bookbinding, hat making and more through the organization. If you’re a member, you get a discount on the workshops. When my family were all taking classes, membership was a great idea. Now that only I participate, it’s not such a good deal.
Marketing at the Credit Union
Our local credit union held a workshop on marketing for local businesses. It was very well attended and we learned about local resources. Everything was free, due to being members.
Michigan City Public Library
I haven’t been to the library in years. My own book collection has more information in those things that interest me than the library does. I tried a “Understanding Your Dreams” workshop and loved it. I’m hoping to find more!
Specific Businesses
Unlike organizations, businesses often host classes and workshops so that you’ll purchase items from them. Since the cost of materials are included, the cost of the learning opportunity is often more. Some of the classes I’ve taken locally are listed below. Note that a couple of the businesses are no longer in operation.
Hobby Lobby
I took a cake decorating class here. The cost of materials was quite a bit. Since I took the class with my sister and mom, we shared materials so it helped. They don’t do nearly the number of classes they used to do here.
Lady and the Stamp
The local stamp store used to do classes in everything from card making to polymer clay beads. I even taught a few classes there myself including quilling and teabag folding. I loved the classes. You’d see the same people at many of the classes, so it made you feel like family. Definitely a store I miss now that it is no longer here.
Purdue University Northwest
They provide many classes to the community. I’ve taken classes in writing, home appraisals, self-defense and more. I’ve included it with businesses as it is a “for profit” organization.
Stamping on State Street
This local stamp store looked more at paper crafts than just stamping. My daughter and I did a series of classes on making paper flowers using shaped punches and layering the shapes. We participated in the monthly Artist Trading Card SWAP as well. It was awesome as well, but they went out of business as well.
Look Locally
So, in brief, look for classes with online resources such as Meetup or Eventbrite. Check out bulletin boards at libraries and similar venues for activities or to connect with teachers. Try one or more and see what you like!
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