Joy Scout Learnshops allow people to shine

Heather Kendall believes that experiences prove to be better gifts than things. That thought led Kendall to start Joy Scout Learnshops, a platform offering unique learning experiences led by local artists, makers, chefs, and business owners, sharing their passion, ideas and skills. 

We met Heather Kendall who talked about bringing the community together as well as her passion for arts, crafts and all things that are ‘Made with Joy’.

What a unique business idea, tell us about it, how did it all start?

It started a couple of years ago when I thought about gifting experiences to family and friends instead of buying things that they may never use again. I started to think about all the amazing things there are to learn or experience together and the many talented people I know with knowledge to share. I thought why not create and organize events for those curious types like me?  I bounced the idea of my friends and they all encouraged me to go ahead with it.

After thinking about it for two years, I decided to make a list of things I was curious to learn or that friends wanted to know how to do. The aim was to provide experiences to community members and gather audiences to those looking to share their skills.  I finally got the courage to start last year, came up with a name, and by November I held my first Joy Scout Learnshop. 

Tell us about your first Learn shop?

My first Learnshop was at the Belfountain Community Center and it was led by my friend who is unbelievably skilled at rustic sign making. I got the website up and running and sold the tickets online. Twelve people attended, learned a new skill and took their completed work with them as Christmas gifts.

How do you curate a list of upcoming events, do you get requests from community members or do you pitch ideas?

I do a little bit of both. In the past, people have offered ideas and shown interest for a certain skill. I ask Joy Scout leaders to give presentations on a skill they are passionate about. And I have seen people with no experience have no problem communicating what they love to do.

Community engagement and support seems like a vital component for your business…share your experiences and thoughts on community engagement:

Community engagement is very important. I have been living in Caledon since 1984 and I have very deep connections and friendships here. Monica Kerr-Coster from the Noodle Gallery is a very close friend who supported my ideas and helped me connect with people from the world of art, for instance. I have hosted a workshop in her art space and will be doing some more in the future. Being part of these workshops is a great way for people to meet and interact with others; it allows people to shine.

Is there a particular Learnshop that is close to your heart?

I would say the pie-making one because it was led by my mother. I was super proud of her because it was a moment when the Julia Child in her came out. At the end of the workshop, the attendees took home their baked pie and engraved at the bottom of the pie were the words: Made with Joy.

What are your future plans and vision for Joy Scout Learnshops?

I want to build more bridges for interactive experiences in the community – find leaders and curious learners. I would like to continue with the variety of Learnshop topics and I am open to anything and any idea. I also want to continue to find out more about people their interest in learning, what they love, and what they are passionate about. I love connecting all the great people in the community, whether they are long-time residents, newcomers or people from surrounding areas. I have met so many people from other cities who have expressed the wish to move to a place like Caledon- they want a community that has interesting things going on and ideas that are being shared. It is amazing how people come together when you spread the net wide. 

About:  The Joy Scout Learnshops experiences support community and wonder through creativity while promoting the talent, knowledge and skill of local craftspeople. The platform offers upcoming Learnshops, and also gives an opportunity to become Joy Scout leaders. 

For upcoming workshops & more: www.joyscoutlearnshops.com