ABOUT
Tabletop For Teens is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Davis County, Utah. Our primary focus is to provide "at risk" youth with opportunities to learn and grow through the unique setting of tabletop gaming.
Tabletop roleplaying games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, offer players a framework to act as special characters in a fantasy world where they decide their fates. Teens can work together and problem solve while they roleplay as heroes facing formidable challenges which force them to make decisions that will impact the outcome of their characters. These experiences play out in the theater of the mind allowing youth to grow in critical thinking, teamwork, empathy, and creativity.
We aim to help young people overcome the real struggles of depression, suicidal ideation, bullying, and homelessness, through the power of friendship and gaming.
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MISSION STATEMENT
Our quest is to defeat the demons of youth depression and suicide through the power of tabletop roleplaying games. Tabletop roleplaying games empower a player’s imagination, confidence, and social skills by challenging youth to work together to forge their path to glory. Grab some dice, create your character, and roll initiative as you make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime!
THE ISSUES
The leading cause of death for youth age 10-17 in Utah is suicide.
More than one out of every five students age 12-18 report being bullied during the school year. Much of the bullying takes place online.
More than 1 in 4 Utah teens are feeling sad enough to consider suicide, and about 8 percent report having tried at least once to take their own lives.
LGBT+ teens who were highly rejected by their parents and caregivers were more than 8 times as likely to have attempted suicide, and nearly 6 times as likely to report high levels of depression, when compared to teens from families who support their identity.
In Utah there are an estimated 164 unaccompanied youth, 17 youth parents, and 48 children of youth parents experiencing homelessness.
Sources
WHO WE ARE
Curtis Woodbury
he / him
Curtis spent the majority of his youth and adolescence more concerned about the status of his digital starship in Escape Velocity or healing his guildmates as a druid in World of Warcraft, than he did about his report card or homecoming dance.
As a fan of fantasy, sci-fi, and all things magical, he was first introduced to tabletop gaming through one of his close friends as a teenager. They started playing Dungeons & Dragons and his first character was a dastardly, dagger wielding, elf rogue, slaying evil while lining his pockets with gold and treasures.
Launching Tabletop For Teens was fueled by a desire to help struggling youth cope with and overcome their inner demons. He strives to make those around him feel welcome, respected, and loved. His invitation is extended to all youth feeling sad, lonely, shunned, afraid, or bullied:
Come and gather 'round the table!
Hannah Pendergast
she/her
Dinner conversations with Hannah's family often revolve around the adventures taking place in current Dungeons and Dragons campaigns. She is still pretty new to the game, but she loves that tabletop role-playing games provide opportunities to explore new situations in a safe environment. Her current character in Dungeons and Dragons is a half elf Ranger with a deep connection to the forest who, like Hannah, still has a lot to learn!
When Hannah was first introduced to Tabletop for Teens, the mission resonated strongly with her and she knew it was something she had to be a part of. She brings to the table(top) nearly a decade of professional experience in youth development. Her favorite thing about working with kids is watching youth grow into themselves. She’s passionate about mental health, self-care, and social justice. She can’t wait to meet you!
SIGN UP
All of our programs are currently full at this time. If you are interested in signing up as a participant please follow us for the latest announcements and updates.
Thank you!
GET INVOLVED
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT US
Amazon Smile
You can support us by shopping on Amazon and selecting us as your preferred charitable organization. Simply click this link to set up your Amazon Smile (don't worry it's totally free), and Amazon will automatically donate a portion of the proceeds to Tabletop For Teens!
Social Media
Another easy way to help Tabletop For Teens grow is to follow, like, and share us on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
CONTACT
Mailing Address
Tabletop For Teens
COMING SOON
For media and press inquiries