Frequently Asked Questions

LifeSchoolHouse is part of the growing folkschool network — a grassroots movement where neighbours gather to learn, make, and connect in community. Each local chapter grows from the strengths of its neighbourhood, whether rural or urban, and reflects the skills, energy, and traditions already present there.

Gatherings are hosted by a local community member, and the learning is led by neighbours who step in as teachers by sharing a skill or craft. Workshops are small, relational, hands-on, and shaped by the interests and strengths of each community.

Although there is no monetary exchange, LifeSchoolHouse gatherings are not free to attend. Participants bring a small barter item — something meaningful from their life such as a recipe, a poem, a handmade item, fresh produce, or a simple act of service. We believe everyone has something to contribute.

Registration varies by chapter. Many events are listed in the local Facebook group, and the event post will indicate whether registration is required. If it isn’t clear, you can always check directly with your local host.

LifeSchoolHouse welcomes adults of all ages, and many gatherings are multi-generational. Children are often welcome depending on the activity and space. When in doubt, ask your local host.

Programs depend on the strengths and interests of each community. Common offerings include food skills, crafting, repairing, gardening, preserving, seasonal traditions, and creative “maker” activities. Workshops are shaped by the skills neighbours offer to share — if you have a skill or passion to contribute, reach out to your local host.

Search “LifeSchoolHouse: [Your Location]” on Facebook to find your local group.
Examples include:

• LifeSchoolHouse: Spryfield
  
  

• LifeSchoolHouse: Enfield
  
  

• LifeSchoolHouse: Cape Breton
  
  

If there isn’t a chapter near you, you might consider starting one — we’d love to support you.

Anyone with a heart for community can host. If you’re interested in creating welcoming spaces where neighbours connect, reach out to us at Connect@LifeSchoolHouse.com to learn more.

No. If you’ve ever hosted a birthday party, a coffee date, or a family dinner, you already have experience. Hosting is about creating warm spaces, supporting facilitators, and helping neighbours feel comfortable — not about teaching the workshop yourself.

Most materials can be sourced from the community through sharing, donations, and participants bringing what they already have — which keeps costs low and aligns with our asset-based approach. Facilitators often supply their own materials, and in Nova Scotia, small host support funds are available (as resources allow) to help cover essentials.

Hosts join a broader folkschool movement and gain access to a community of practice, an experienced backbone team, one-on-one support calls, online resources, use of LifeSchoolHouse branding, and eligibility to apply for funding through us. Hosts are also covered under our liability insurance for gatherings.

LifeSchoolHouse has been active since 2018, with presence across Nova Scotia, Canada, the United States, Denmark, and Mexico.

ABCD means building from the strengths, skills, and resources already present in the community. LifeSchoolHouse gatherings grow from what neighbours can offer — knowledge, materials, creativity, and connection — rather than from outside programs.

Yes — LifeSchoolHouse communities have shared many stories about connection, belonging, and the joy of learning together.

Here are a few:

“I needed to be seen, and I needed to see the other people in my community! The skill I picked up was a distant second to the value of feeling deeply connected to strangers. It only took one workshop for me to realize I needed to start hosting and offer this gift to others.”

“I was recovering from a death in the family and felt rudderless. The welcome at my first event was overwhelming. LifeSchoolHouse gave me purpose, community, and a direction for the next few years of my life. As long as it’s around, so will I be.”

“Teaching through LifeSchoolHouse and exchanging handmade items has given me such validation and love. Without this community asking me to share my skills, I don’t know if I would have kept making. I thrive on feedback, and this community brought me back to the joy of creating.”

“I invited people to meet in the park to brainstorm ways we could come together as a community. I had no idea if anyone would come. Four people showed up and we sat together for two hours, telling stories about our community experiences. It was a small group — but it was a start.”

Yes! LifeSchoolHouse grows through local initiative, and new chapters begin wherever someone feels called to gather neighbours. Contact us at Connect@LifeSchoolHouse.com to explore hosting in your area.