This summer we hosted an 11 week program of 2 hours of tabletop role playing games for kids ages 7 - 17. So far, it has been a blast!
This last week, a kid brought this map to me and presented it as her imagination world. She has been working on it all summer.
For the games, we use a d20 dice system with 6 ability scores and roll initiative (just like D&D, but without the brand name). The system is called Index Card RPG and like the name, uses index cards for idea generation. It is simple and easy to learn, especially for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money and time on rulebooks.
This system allowed me to easily train our youth game masters. This has been the best part of this summer program - I am only supervising the game instead of running them. This allowed us to have 4 tables instead of our usual 2. This also meant that after each game I had time to debrief with my gamemasters. We discussed the following questions that I think work great to build any team.
What went well?
What needs modification on your part?
What needs to be cut?
The first question opens up the energy of the game and reminds us that we are still simply having fun. It also helps the game masters realize how much THEY have grown as leaders.
The second question presents current challenges for the whole team to solve. If no one generates a solution, I then state how I think the challenge should be solved by next game. Hopefully this becomes a “What Went Well!” for the next game.
Finally, we prune the program. I designed the curriculum, but maybe something needs to be cut for a particular table. This is also a great chance for the game master to cut something from their own behavior or tactics that just are not working for that table.
While our focus is having fun, I am blessed to hear about how each of the kids are growing in articulating ideas with assertion. They have improved with collaboration of those ideas despite personality differences. On top of all that, their imagination is growing. I am very proud of this map from my student.
And while it may seem like simple fun and games, I promise you that when she is forty, her overall health will be better - because she knows how to play.
May your story continue!
This looks like so much fun 💖