Young Bards: Homeschool D&D Club

About this event

Looking for a unique, interactive educational experience for your homeschool student this fall?

Young Bards is a brand new Homeschool D&D Club offering a 10-week collaborative adventure designed for students 12-17+.

More than just a game, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a powerful tool for growth. In a world driven by screens, this tabletop role-playing game invites students to step into a cooperative story where they build real-world skills:

• Creativity & Imagination: Designing unique characters and charting their own course through an epic world.

• Teamwork & Empathy: Working together with peers to solve complex problems and see the world through different perspectives.

• Critical Thinking: Navigating challenges, managing resources, and thinking fast on their feet.

• Emotional Growth: Practicing communication and building social confidence in a safe, structured space.

Whether your student is a seasoned adventurer or has never touched a 20-sided die, our tables welcome all experience levels. Students will begin by building their own character and creating a strong team dynamic before setting off on a journey of heroism and self-discovery!

Every adventure is led by Justin Barron , a professional Game Master with over 10 years of experience guiding tables for both adults and youth. As an actor, improviser, and theater educator, Justin knows how to keep kids engaged, safe, and excited. He has proudly taught and collaborated with trusted local organizations including the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Coterie Theatre, and Global Montessori Academy. Justin is also the owner and operator of Tipsy Bard KC, a small-business hosting immersive roleplaying events around KC.

Club Schedule & Details

Meetings take place weekly at Cardboard Corner Cafe in Overland Park.

• Fall Semester Duration: 10 sessions, starting the week of September 14th .

• Age Groups: • Mondays 1-3pm - Ages 12-14

• Wednesdays 1-3pm - Ages 15-17+

• Tuition: $300 per student for the entire semester.

• Flexible Enrollment: If the start date has passed, students are welcome to join late if seats are available. Tuition will be given at a prorated amount dependent upon when they start.

FAQ

• My child has never played D&D before. Can they still join? Answer: Absolutely! No prior experience or rule knowledge is required. We will teach them everything they need to know during their first session.

• Do we need to buy any expensive books, dice, or materials? Answer: No. All necessary gameplay materials—including dice, character sheets, and pencils—will be provided. Students are welcome to bring their own dice if they have them!

• How does D&D count toward homeschool curriculum or hours? Answer: D&D heavily incorporates cooperative storytelling, creative writing, probability (math), public speaking, and theater arts, making it a fantastic addition to language arts, social studies, or socialization hours.

• What is the supervisor-to-student ratio? Answer: Tables are kept small (no more than 6 students) to ensure every child gets individualized attention and active participation from the Game Master.

• Is Cardboard Corner Cafe a safe environment for my child? Answer: Yes, it is a highly rated, family-friendly local gaming cafe. Sessions take place in their designated gaming areas, providing a safe, public, yet focused environment.

• What if my child has to miss a week? Answer: Because it is a continuous 10-week story, attendance is encouraged, but we understand life happens! Justin will smoothly catch their character up during the next session so they don't miss a beat.

• Is D&D safe and appropriate for my pre-teen or teenager? Answer: Yes. While the game features fantasy combat and conflict resolution, our sessions focus on teamwork, heroism, and problem-solving. Content is strictly kept to a PG/family-friendly rating, tailored appropriately to each age bracket.

• Can my 15-year-old and my 12-year-old play together? Answer: Technically, yes, this would be allowed but it is not encouraged. We have designed the age brackets to allow each student the most ideal development per session. What is engaging for a 15-year-old may be too scary for a 12-year-old. That being said, special cases will be considered as all children are different and will respond differently to certain scenarios.