Dungeons and Dragons

Waterford Youth & Family Services Dungeons & Dragons Program

Our Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) program is our most popular after-school offering, with an average of 60 kids participating each week—a number that continues to surprise us. The ongoing demand for this program is a testament to how much kids want and need social engagement, and D&D provides the perfect structured space for them to connect, collaborate, and grow.

More than just a game, our D&D program is an immersive, interactive experience that fosters leadership, creativity, teamwork, and social-emotional development. Through roleplaying and storytelling, students build essential life skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Click Here for our Current D&D Offerings

We typically offer:

Monday: 4th & 5th grade group
Tuesday & Wednesday: Middle school groups
Thursday: High school group

Week after week, students return not just for the adventure, but for the friendships, problem-solving challenges, and the sense of belonging that D&D provides.

Leadership Development

D&D naturally cultivates leadership skills by placing players in decision-making roles within their adventuring parties. Players take turns leading discussions, strategizing plans, and making critical choices that impact their team. In our program, students also have the opportunity to become Dungeon Masters (DMs), learning how to manage a game, facilitate group dynamics, and create compelling narratives. By guiding their peers, young leaders gain confidence, public speaking skills, and the ability to think on their feet.

Creative Thinking

Every session challenges players to think outside the box. Whether devising solutions to puzzles, crafting unique characters, or weaving backstories into the broader world, creativity is at the heart of the game. Players engage in world-building and storytelling, strengthening their writing and problem-solving skills in a way that feels fun and rewarding. Our Dungeon Master Workshop takes this a step further by training students to design and run their own campaigns, further developing their imagination and critical thinking.

Teamwork & Social Skill Development

Collaboration is essential in D&D, as players must work together to overcome obstacles, negotiate with NPCs, and navigate complex challenges. The game encourages active listening, turn-taking, and cooperation, reinforcing important social skills. Our program creates a safe space for students to practice communication and conflict resolution while building friendships. For students with ASD or social anxiety, D&D provides a structured yet flexible environment to develop confidence in group interactions.

D&D as a Tool for History, Empathy, and Justice

We use D&D to explore historical themes, ethical dilemmas, and the consequences of choices. By immersing students in different cultures, time periods, and moral conflicts, we encourage them to consider perspectives outside their own. Our narratives often incorporate real-world parallels, teaching lessons about justice, leadership, and responsibility. Players learn empathy by stepping into the shoes of diverse characters, making decisions that shape the world around them, and understanding the impact of their actions.

Through engaging storytelling and strategic gameplay, our D&D program equips students with the tools to be thoughtful leaders, creative problem-solvers, and compassionate community members.