D&D and Pathfinder

Parent Q&A

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  • Hi, 

    We have just arrived in Berkeley and I am seeking a Dungeons and Dragons or similar role-playing game group for my 12-year-old to join. Any leads? Thanks!

    Welcome to Berkeley! 

    The West branch of the Berkeley Public Library hosts a fun D&D monthly event for tweens/teens, the last Tuesday of the month. My 12yo went once and had a great time, and it was all middle schoolers that time around. All experience levels welcome, although it seemed like all the kids had some familiarity. Great place to meet like-minded kids.


    If your child will be attending any of the BUSD public middle schools, there are often lunch clubs, or your child could start one! Willard had one last year for 6th graders and may have one for upper grades this year.


    There are also a lot of youth sessions and camps at It’s Your Move game store in north Oakland. 

    It's Your Move Games on Telegraph has several different groups including groups for D & D!! Wonderful community people - my son has been going there since middle school. We have dropped him off and gone for a bite or a drink at different places nearby too. Good fun for the kids and a potential evening out for the adults!

    We have doen several rounds  at It's Your Move Games in Oakland. We're signed up for the Fall. Teddy does the organizing https://bayarearpg.com/upcoming-roleplaying-camps/

    My friends go to https://www.d20alameda.com/ D20 in Alameda but 12 might be too young.

    My 14 year old attended two week-long summer camp sessions with an organization called Story Tables and loved it. I believe that they will be holding after-school sessions at Games of Berkeley on Mondays and Thursdays.  https://www.storytables.com

    Check out It’s Your Move in Oakland. They have camps and some afternoon/weekend sessions. 

    El Cerrito and Kensington public libraries both have D & D clubs, maybe some Berkeley public libraries too. Games of Berkeley may have some special events too.

    My 10yo LOVES It's Your Move Games on Telegraph ave in N. Oakland.  They have DnD camps all summer and have drop in games on Friday afternoons, I think.  They truly love having the tweens in their store and welcome them to hang out and sort Magic cards and play chess and whatnot.  It is a gamer paradise :)

    Thanks everyone for your really helpful responses!

  • Hi - my daughter (10) is interested in having a D&D themed birthday party, and we are looking to hire a DM who has experience being a DM for novice D&D players and can create a fun D&D adventure for kids for a birthday gathering (most have some experience playing). It would be great if we could find a female college or high-school aged DM who has been a DM for kids of various D&D levels, but open to all recommendations.  We saw there was a posting back in April this year, but it seems like some of the high schooler or college aged DMs are not in the area or not interested, so wanted to see if there are any leads on a DM currently available in Berkeley. Thanks!

    Hi, We did this last year from my 10 year old's birthday party and it was a hit!  I reached out to It's Your Move games on Telegraph in Oakland and was able to hire two college age DMs for game due to the number of players.  You can email Chris Specker at ITSYOURMOVEGAMES [at] yahoo.com.

    -Amy

    I have the perfect recommendation! Try Nat Taylor who leads D&D and other RPGs at Games of Berkeley. Nat is a non-binary person who creates games specifically to draw in women, girls, and other people who are not your typical unwashed male D&D crowd (sorry to say it that way but you can usually smell the BO from a D&D game from a block away). Nat is warm, thoughtful, silly, good-humored, and enthusiastic about getting people involved in the game.

    Nat is not college-aged though. We played college women's rugby together 20 years ago...

    You can just Google their name and "Games of Berkeley" and you'll find their Facebook profile. You can also DM me and I will pass on their contact!

    There is a wonderful DM in Alameda that works for D20 games and runs the tween Wednesday group from 4-6pm (and the Thursday parent/adult+tween group that I've been doing with my son). He can really engage with this age group and runs some really fun campaigns- I would recommend contacting D20 games or I can ask him if I can DM you his direct contact.

    I would reach out to It's Your Move Games in Oakland as they have a number of very good DMs who run their youth programs. My son has attended their programs for years and all of the DMS have been amazing. I'm sure they would be happy to share your request with their DMs to find the right fit.  

    Highly recommend Teddy at Bay Area RPG. My kids do a weekly campaign with him and have also done two summer camps.

    This would be a great question for the folks at It's Your Move Games on Telegraph -- I imagine they know most of the people in the area who do this sort of thing, and they host regular women-and-femmes events. They do have a guy there who runs a kids' D&D group on a weekly basis; my kid isn't old enough to participate, but we see them when we're there playing games and the guy really does remarkable work corralling a table full of kids.

  • Where is your 10 year old playing d&d? Can my 10 year old join? I want to encourage this burgeoning interest :) Are there d&d camps?

    My 10 yo is also interested in D&D. Games of Berkeley tried to do a kid/tween Saturday camp this fall, but didn’t get enough interest to run it. (I think it was just me and one other family that replied.) I know that if at least four of us expressed interest they’d try to run another Saturday camp in the spring. 
     

    Check out Its Your Move in Temescal. That’s where my son, who is now 15, got started. They have summer camps and periodically have weekend classes for kids.

    I’ve just started my 9-year-old in D&D and we’ve had a couple of initial games with another friend who’s 10. They’ve been fun! Happy to let you know when we’re planning our next game.

    It's Your Move Games on Telegraph in North Oakland has adult Dungeonmasters who run games for kids: http://www.itsyourmoveoakland.com/

    My 11yo did a regular game with Jake for a couple years and loved it. 

    this is mostly but not only virtual: https://gamingtogether.net/

    super kind, respectful, responsive folks. my kid at age 10 and 11 did a small weekly virtual game that she super loved. 

    Several Oakland Public Library locations offer D&D for tweens and teens - maybe you could talk to your local children's librarian about starting a group for younger kids? (See the Events links at https://oaklandlibrary.org/gaming/). Or check with one of the local game stores like It's Your Move, Games of Berkeley or Dr. Comics & Mr. Games - they might let you put up a flyer recruiting other players if they don't already have an ongoing program. My last suggestion would be to see if their school would let them start a club and put the word out. I'll bet there are lots of younger kids in the same boat just waiting for someone to organize it!

    To add: I just got an email from Teddy at Games of Berkeley that there’s a D&D camp over the winter break. It’s for ages 11 and up, but exceptions can be made for slightly younger kids. 

  • Hi - I have a 12 year old who is very interested in D&D and we're trying to find an in person game for her.  If you know of one in the east bay, please let me know.  Otherwise, we'd be interested in hiring someone to DM a game and then we'll find other middle schoolers who would be interested in playing.  If you know of anyone interested in DM'ing (we're happy to host and pay of course) or if you know of any middle schoolers interested in playing, please let me know.  She is somewhat advanced (has read all the monster guides and played quite a bit).  We have tried all the game stores (games of berkeley, roll20 in alameda, dr comics, place on telegraph) to no avail.  

    Thanks,

    Danielle

    There is a camp happening this summer in Berkeley, run by some people out of San Rafael. When I recently chatted with them at a camps fair, they said they would be happy to do an afterschool club in the East Bay with some minimum # people. Sorry I don't remember the business' name but maybe this rings a bell!

    Hi Danielle, 

    My daughter is very much into DnD. She’s 18 and a senior at Berkeley High School. She is very interested in this. She has a ton of references (not for DnD, lol, but personal references) and has a lot of experience DMing, including for new players. Feel free to contact me.

    My son, home from college this semester, is a wonderful DM and has been playing DnD since he was about 8.  He is also an experienced camp counselor and loves working with kids. I"m sure he'd be happy to DM for a group of kids you bring together. His schedule is pretty flexible right now as he is job searching. Reach out to me directly if you are interested.  

    Hi - I have a 19yo (student at ucsc) who is an expert DM and would love to play with your kids this summer - he has been playing d&d plus magic the gathering for many many years and is the DM for all his friends.

    Hello!  My 12-year-old daughter has been playing D&D/similar with Jake Gelender for years -- he's a star.  Here's his website:

    https://www.roleplayingadventures.com/signup

    The Game Academy has an in person DND session on Fridays 4:30-6:30 PM in Berkeley.

    https://www.thegameacademy.org/

    Hello!  I replied earlier and then noticed later that It's Your Move (maybe the "place on Telegraph?"  :)) just posted its list of summer camps:

    https://www.itsyourmoveoakland.com/summer-camps

    Hope you find something good for your daughter!

    My teenage daughter is VERY into D&D, also has all the books and has spent many hours watching an online youtube show called Critical Role.  She and her friends get together to play and also take turns being the DM every weekend.  She loves creating campaigns and during the summer she might be very interested in getting a little pocket money to do this for middle schoolers.  She has also done some projects in school where she has been helpers to middle schoolers (more generally or through school programs).  We are based in Albany.  Let me know if this of interest or if you don't find anyone. I'm sure she would also be happy to teach someone how to create a campaign if that was of interest so your daughter and friends could do it for themselves at some point.

    Hi😀 I have an 11 year old who is also really into dungeons and dragons 5E, and other roleplaying. They currenly play weekly with a group they  met online with a group they met through our local library. We have also gone on games of berkeley and have enjoyed that too. But... what they really want is some friends they're own age to game with. I could DM if everyone wanted to try a few sessions to start. We live in Vallejo but could potentially travel a bit. ... Either way I hope your kid finds a great group.

  • Hello, 

    I am looking for an online kids theater afterschool activity group for my 10 year old. Their old theater did online make-up classes and Dungeons and Dragons stroy play. Any suggestions are welcome. THANK YOU!  - Ben 

    No responses received.

  • Looking for a group of teens that meet regularly for D&D or Pathfinder for my creative 15 year old. He's tried Games of Berkeley (welcoming and kind, but a much older crowd). Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga is ideal but Berkeley and Oakland work too.

    My son is a devoted DnD and Pathfinder kid.  He's been playing for years and years.  We found that Games of Berkeley was a welcoming for younger people--he went in middle school--but it was a stretch for his maturity to be playing with adults.  He is a senior now and runs the role playing games club at Berkeley High School.  If your son is at BHS, he could get involved there.  They meet several times a week after school. Contact me directly to get connected to my son for that info.

    There is another game store in Oakland where there is likely to be games he could join: www.itsyourmoveoakland.com/  They seem to have some summer camps focused on role playing, which might be a good fit. 

    My son has also been very involved with Trackers Earth, a summer program, where lots of the kids and counselors are role playing game enthusiasts.  Your son might find his people there.  Good luck!

    I don't have a group to recommend,  but if he gets a group of interested boys, my 19 y.o. son teaches and leads groups in D&D. We are in Lafayette. If you are interested, please contact me and I'll give you his contact info.

    Lindabyberg @ comcast.net

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Questions  

Dungeons and dragons group for 11 year old

Jan 2012

My son is looking for a D&D group to join, preferably on the weekends. He is eleven years old. 8 year old sister is interested too. If there is not one already established he would be glad to host as dungeon master. Please contact me with suggestions or interest! Thank you. (We are in Kensington.) Cindi


There is a great ongoing d group headed at Its Your Move on Telegraph and 51st which starts at 12:30 pm on sundays. I think the kids age right now range from about 7ish to 16 or so, and they all have a great time. The DM 's name is Will, and he is amazing, getting kids to really enjoy the game for 3 hours or so, regardless of the level. And he only charges 10 dollars! son loves d


Looking for Dungeons and Dragons group for 10-y-o

Sept 2011

My 10 year old son loves D and would love to find a group of kids to play with. We've just moved back to the Bay Area from out of state and he is really missing his gaming gang. We live in Point Richmond and are open to driving around to get to games...thanks!


I don't know of specific Dungeons and Dragons groups, but your son may be interested in a similar roleplaying game called Abantey. The Roleplay Workshop runs afterschool and weekend games for kids and teens on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. The Fall schedule is starting up at the end of September. My kids have participated in the Roleplay Workshop for years and really enjoy it. Check out details about the game and enrollment at their website http://roleplay-workshop.com/ - Sharon


you might try Games of Berkeley. They have game afternoons/eves for kids. Also, the Berkeley Public Library (at least the downtown branch) has games for older kids like yours. Good luck! Mom of 6y/o Pokemon enthusiast


Local game stores will often host D and other gaming groups. I would just call Games of Berkeley, Dr. Comics and Mr. Games, Endgame, etc. and ask. Also, there's a interactive role play camp (on weekends too) at Dr. Comics and Mr. Games called Abantey http://www.roleplay-workshop.com/ that D lovers often enjoy. This is structured and adult-run and emphasizes math and social skills. You should definately check this out, especially if you're looking for a summer camp. Brenda


My son has been going to the kids Dungeons and Dragons group at Its Your Move on telegraph (and 51st) on sundays for years. The DM Will is amazing, with lots of imagination as well as super ability as DM. Right now, it is drop in starting at 12:30 pm on sunday and lasts for about 4 hours. I think its about 10 dollars. happy mom from Oakland


Dungeons & Dragons Meetup in Berkeley or nearby?

Nov 2009

Hi, I am looking for a Dungeons & Dragons group for a my 12 years old son. I checked the internet but found only a group in SF, but I am looking for a group that meets in Berkeley or near by. Will be happy for any information. anon


Hello! Games of Berkeley has standing drop-in D on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They're next to the Downtown Berkeley BART station, a couple blocks up from Berkeley High, at the corner of Shattuck and Center. Kari


D&D games for 9 year old?

Sept 2007

When I was a kid, there were Dungeons & Dragons groups everywhere. Now that my 9-year-old son has discovered the game, we can't find anyone to play with! Is there anyone out there around his age that likes to play D & D? Is there a regularly-scheduled game or group we could join? Where did all the gamers go?


My son and his friends are very into D right now. It is alive and well. I would recommend going to a gaming store and seeing if they host games. Your post didn't say where you live, but two recommendations are: End Game in Oakland and Black Diamond Games in Walnut Creek (moving to Concord any day now, though). If these places don't host games, they probably have a way of hooking your son up with other kids who want to add players for their games. My son and his friends custom tailor their games for their characters, so maybe your son could get a few friends interested and start a game of their own. A friend of mine bought the book Dungeons and Dragons for Dummies (I kid you not) to figure out what their kid was doing all the time. Maybe that would be a place for you and your son to start exploring it together. Geeking out is Good


I heartily recommend The Roleplay Workshop in Oakland on Piedmont Avenue. http://www.roleplay-workshop.com/ Becky offers after-school, holiday, and summer camp programs. From the website, it appears the minimum age is 10. My two sons primarily went during school breaks and summer vacation. They always had a good time, it was reasonably priced, and Becky was always understanding and flexible. Lois


12-year-old looking for D&D group

March 2007

My 12 year old has recently become interested in the Dungeons and dragons game. He knows how to play the game well but has not found a group of people his age to play with. Does anyone have any ideas of where he could go in the Alameda-Oakland- Berkeley area?


There is a group of 8 to 13 year olds who play D&D and Star Wars RPGs every other weekend, Saturday and Sunday, in my store: It's Your Move Games and Hobbies. We have an online calendar and the phone # of the Game Master, Will Kreber, We are also having a summer workshop. Call if interested in a sign-up sheet 510 547-4FUN (4386) Sally


Have you tried contacting End Game in Oakland? They are an employee run gaming store. www.endgameoakland.com You may also want to contact the RPGA. RPGA = Roleplaying Gamers Association. http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=rpga/welcome RPGA sometimes holds games upstairs at Endgame. Kristina