10 FRG events to consider that aren’t coffee

Make no mistake, coffee is delicious, but here are some ideas for new activities.
Kait Hanson Avatar

By Kait Hanson

Posted on Aug 9, 2024

Reviewed By Tessa Robinson

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women paint canvases
The RAF Mildenhall Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team hosted a ‘Breathe, Sip, Paint’ class on RAF Mildenhall, England, Oct. 27, 2017. The SAPR office offers a hands on art class to active-duty military and civilians on base. This is the 12th time that the SAPR office has offered the ‘Breathe, Sip, Paint’ class. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexandria Lee)

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Military Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) are vital in building community and providing support for military spouses and families, but their activities don’t always have to revolve around coffee or food. Exploring creative and engaging alternatives can strengthen bonds, foster a sense of belonging, and enhance the overall well-being of members – plus it gives you a chance to try something new.

10 FRG Events To Consider That Aren’t Coffee

There are countless ways for FRGs to connect and thrive beyond the typical meet-ups. These diverse activities not only offer fun and relaxation, but also empower families to navigate military life with resilience and unity. We’ve sourced locations in military towns across the country, but this is just a small sampling – be sure to look up what your town has to offer!

Glass Blowing

Team Chihuly finishes a piece of glass art designed by founder Dale Chihuly at the Museum of Glass Feb. 18, 2013, in Tacoma, Wash. More than 1,500 participants, predominately based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, participated in the museum’s military appreciation day. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. James Bunn/Released)

Create beautiful glass art pieces and learn about the glass-blowing process at workshops like McFadden Art Glass in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pottery Making

Create your own ceramics, from mugs to vases, at studios like Throwin’ Gold in San Antonio, Texas

Candle Making

Design and craft personalized candles at studios like Candlefish in Boston, Massachusetts and Charleston, South Carolina.

Woodworking

Build and carve various wood projects in classes like those offered at Woodworks Studio in Denver, Colorado.

Stained Glass Art

Portsmouth, Va. (July 20, 2018) Cmdr. Michael Chaney, deputy command chaplain at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), helps Bill Miller of Shining Light Stained Glass in Poquoson, Virginia, install the sixth stained glass window. The last of six stained glass windows was installed in NMCP’s chapel, marking another step toward the completion of its transformation into the “Chapel of Comfort.” (U.S. Navy photo by Rebecca A. Perron)

Create beautiful stained glass pieces at studios like Ed’s Emporium in Louisiana. 

Jewelry Making

Design and craft your own jewelry at workshops like Meltdown Studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Soap Making

Create custom soaps with different shapes, colors, and scents at companies like Seattle Sundries in Seattle, Washington.

Paint and Sip Classes

Enjoy a guided painting session while sipping on beverages with companies like Board & Brush, which has locations nationwide including Fayetteville, North Carolina, Louisville, Kentucky and Little Rock, Arkansas.

Creating Custom Lipstick

Formulate and craft custom shades of lipstick at boutiques like Lip Lab, which has more than 10 locations nationwide including Washington, DC, New York City, and Chicago.

Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

Develop skills in beautiful writing and lettering techniques from artists like those at Penworks Calligraphy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.