JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton Tutors is back with another year of Dungeons and Dragons clubs.

Teton Tutors’ longest-running and most successful club was originally inspired by a 5th grader’s essay. The essay explored the need for local activities beyond the traditional Jackson Hole sports and outdoor recreation clubs.

Garrett Austen, owner of Teton Tutors, was teaching 5th grade at the time. He connected with the student’s mother to form an afterschool Dungeons and Dragons club. Austen had been playing Dungeons and Dragons since college and knew that it had helped him to form a solid group of friends. He also knew that it had helped him grow as a person, forcing him to work with others and explore alternative ways of working with his environment.

“I still play with my adult friends, and I’m still growing,” said Austen. “Role-playing games force me to see the world through the lens of a different type of person. I have learned that there are different ways of interacting with the world that also lead to success. My way might not always be the right way.”

As a teacher, Austen also realized that there was untapped academic potential to be gained from playing Dungeons and Dragons.

“It’s basically a ‘Lord of the Rings’-sized word problem,” said Austen. Students must use a variety of mathematical and probability skills to navigate their characters through a diversity of heroic and interpersonal challenges. “Students are routinely using probability and multi-step equations to determine whether or not their character strikes a dragon, persuades a character to join their cause or reaches their ally in time to heal them,” said Austen.

With descriptive passages, complex vocabulary and in-depth story lines, players are also forced to practice their reading and comprehension skills to determine the best course of action.

“It’s like an interactive ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ book,” said Andrew “Papa Bear” Firment, a frequent player in Austen’s adult games.

The club has had a strong following since its inception, and parents have been pleasantly surprised. “I never thought a game about fictional characters and quests could teach math, problem solving skills and teamwork,” said Jessica Egenberger, whose son has been playing with Teton Tutors for the last four years.

“We’ve had a very consistent and reliable crew of players since the beginning,” said Austen, “but I’d love to get the word out and reach even more students who might not fit the classic ‘Jackson Hole archetype.’”

Teton Tutors is currently signing students up for its 2023/2024 “DnD” clubs. Check out Teton Tutors’ website to sign up and get more information.