FAQ

↓ What is Thrilljoy Academy?

Thrilljoy Academy is a program fostering social-emotional development through the exciting world of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPG). TTRPGs are playable adventure stories where student-customized characters come together to achieve a common goal in the face of adversity. Thrilljoy Academy takes TTRPGs to the next level by focusing each session on how to be a confident, compassionate person through exciting and engaging one-of-a-kind experiences.

↓ Who can participate?

We are currently serving kids in 3rd - 8th grades. Please feel free to reach out if your family has a special request!

EVERYONE is welcome to participate at Thrilljoy Academy! TTRPGs have often been a space where exclusion and nerd-snobbery were the norm. Thrilljoy Academy is actively dismantling that toxic environment by enthusiastically inviting every identity and ensuring that every adventurer’s voice is heard and respected.

Where TTRPGs were once considered games exclusively for teens and adults,Thrilljoy Academy sees the incredible adventuring potential within a much wider range of ages and experiences. No need to worry if this is their first time playing a role playing game; Thrilljoy Academy is here to guide every student on their path to adventure without shame or condescension.

↓ What does an adventurer need to participate?

We will mail you an Adventurer's Tool Kit when you sign up for a session.

The only thing an adventurer needs to participate is an imagination and a device with internet access; we’ll take care of the rest!

Learning to play a TTRPG with no previous experience might sound intimidating. At Thrilljoy Academy, the rules are simply the framework adventurers use to explore the story and are tailored to meet the needs of each group based on individual ages and development. This allows students to jump right into the fun together with no adventurer left behind scratching their head. The traditional supplies for playing a TTRPG are as simple as a pencil, paper, and a d20 (20-sided die), thanks to virtual resources like Roll20, even those materials are unnecessary.

That being said, Thrilljoy Academy students will be sent a kit including a unique 7-die set and adventurer resource booklet to use during sessions and to keep as a reminder that the world is full of adventure and excitement.

↓ How is Thrilljoy Academy responding to stay-at-home due to COVID-19?

We are currently offering virtual (online) sessions only.

TTRPGs as the name implies have traditionally been played in-person in a Knights-of-the-Round-Table-esque setup. Currently, that option is not presently available. Thrilljoy Academy has been able to work around this by moving our unique customized games to a virtual space thanks to the creative flexibility of our staff and innovative online resources.

↓ How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies depending on how many days and hours are in a session. Generally the cost breakdown comes to ~$30-35/hour depending on if you factor in our free intro session. We based this model on similar existing models.

Thrilljoy Academy is committed to inclusivity regardless of financial status. If you are in need of financial assistance or scholarship, please reach out to our staff. All information will be confidential and without judgement. Our priority above all is to create a space for your child or youth to explore, engage, and enjoy -- we are always open to working with every family on how to accomplish this in a way that is stress-free and sustainable.

↓ How does Thrilljoy Academy manage conflicts between adventurers?

We are long-time educators who are trained in restorative practices and prioritize our adventurers' feelings and needs.

Disagreements are typically game related and the session Dungeon Master (staff member that acts as narrator, guide, and final-say) has the imagination and adaptability to incorporate the conflict into the story. This allows the students to see their own disagreement from a different perspective, giving the space to come to a communal resolution that benefits the group as a whole while still honoring the opinions and ideas of the clashing adventurers. If a problem arises between players that is not game related, or the conflict is indicative of something deeper, our staff will use their intuition and experience as educators to decide whether to address the conflict as a group or with the specific individuals outside of the gaming session. Regardless, Thrilljoy Academy is committed to respectfully working through the sometimes complex emotions that may arise in such an exciting and diverse social environment until all involved feel the conflict has been resolved.

↓ My adventurer is (shy/rambunctious), can they still participate?

Absolutely.

Finding the balance with a group of unique individuals isn’t easy, throw in the unpredictability of youth and we’re talking about a whole ‘nother beast. Thrilljoy Academy revels in the unpredictable! The eccentricities of each player and character’s personality are the basis of why TTRPGs are so exciting and engaging.

Thrilljoy Academy sees the potential for greatness in each adventurer and encourages our students to see that in themselves and each other. Every student is given time and space to speak. Adventurers are taught that these moments of attention are to be respected without argument or interference -- lest they roll a dice of consequence. This structure allows our more shy students the confidence to speak without fear of rejection or the anxiety that may come with trying to be heard over a group. It also allows our most rambunctious adventurers the clarity of when to listen and the realization that listening to others, especially those with perspectives unlike their own, can lead to incredible moments of collaboration and creativity.

↓ Is there violence in role playing games?

"Combat" does occur, but our focus is always on resolution.

Some obstacles adventurers come across during their quest will only be overcome through a physical confrontation. Violence in a Thrilljoy Academy adventure is never graphic or gratuitous, to the point where “violence” is too aggressive of a word to describe the battles adventurers engage in. We’ve actually found, through years of running games with various ages and identities, that young adventurers are most interested in finding creative, non-violent means of solving problems. Adventurers eventually are able to find the balance between necessary combat and creative pacifistic resolution.

↓ Are there any real world benefits to playing TTRPGs?

TTRPGs have become increasingly acknowledged as a tool of incredible social and emotional education, not to mention the fun introduction to probability and collaborative problem solving. For a more in depth understanding of the many and far-reaching benefits of TTRPGs for children and youth. Check back for Blogpost coming soon!