August 17-21, 2026 • Durham, NC

Life Lab Durham

in partnership with Aldersgate UMC

The life skills camp for teens that teaches you skills needed to thrive away from home. Five days of hands-on learning that's actually engaging — not lectures, not busywork, just practical capabilities you'll use immediately.

Sign up below to be informed when registration opens

Programme Details

Dates
August 17-21
2026
Daily Schedule
8am - 4:30pm
Age Range
15-18 years
Group Size
Max 16
participants
Location
Aldersgate UMC
North Durham
Investment
$495

What We Actually Teach

Over 40 practical skills across five areas. Not theory. Not lectures. Just hands-on learning that sticks because it's useful immediately — and because you're actually doing it, not watching someone talk about it.

Teen cooking in a kitchen

House & Home

Everything you need to run a home without calling your parents every time something breaks or you need to eat.

  • Cook, shop for, and follow basic recipes
  • Knife skills and food safety
  • Laundry — sort, wash, dry, treat stains
  • Change lightbulbs, unclog toilets
  • Use common tools correctly
  • Kitchen fire safety, reset fire alarms
  • Turn off mains water when needed
  • Budget, save, invest basics
  • Use credit cards responsibly
  • Spot and avoid internet fraud
Teen working on a car engine

Vehicle Basics

Automotive fundamentals so you're not stranded calling AAA for things you can handle yourself in 10 minutes.

  • Change a tire properly
  • Check and top up fluid levels
  • Check tire pressure, inflate correctly
  • Pack and understand emergency car kits
  • Jump-start a car safely
  • What to do after an accident
  • Handle being pulled over
  • Understand dangers: texting, DUI, speeding
Teen lighting a campfire outdoors

Outdoor & Survival Skills

Wilderness competence for when you're off the grid — camping, hiking, or just handling nature without panicking.

  • Build and light fires safely
  • Chop wood correctly
  • Compass and map navigation
  • Build emergency shelter
  • Essential knots and their uses
  • Use a grill, cook a proper steak
  • Rig a fishing rod
  • Find and treat water in emergencies
  • Pack and use an emergency go bag
Teens hiking by a river

Safety & First Aid

Emergency response skills that matter when seconds count and you're the most capable person in the room.

  • Basic first aid for cuts, burns, sprains
  • When and how to call 911
  • Situational awareness fundamentals
  • Self-defense basics
  • Natural disaster preparation
  • Build a proper first aid kit
  • Travel safety — car, Uber, public transport, walking
Teen packing an emergency go bag

Wellness, Social & Personal Skills

The invisible foundations — mental health, communication, and personal organisation that determine how well everything else goes.

  • Manage stress and anxiety
  • Physical fitness habits
  • Sleep hygiene that works
  • Public speaking without freezing
  • Make strong first impressions
  • Navigate small talk and basic etiquette
  • Work effectively in teams
  • Use social media safely
  • Time management and staying organised
  • Stand up for yourself

Sign up below to be informed when registration opens

First cohort runs August 17-21, 2026. Maximum 16 participants. Sign up to get programme updates, and first access when registration opens.

Questions? Prefer to email or call?

Email: dale@lifelabdurham.com

Website: lifelabdurham.com

I respond to everything personally.