The Dungeons & Dragons Club at Sanford High School has been providing students with a creative and educational outlet for about five years, combining storytelling, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving in a structured, supervised environment. The club meets Tuesdays and Fridays in the cafeteria immediately after school. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. This year, the club is led by advisor Carrie Hathaway. "I wanted to make sure that these students got a chance to have the club because it is very important to them," Hathaway explains. Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game where students create characters and work together to navigate adventures guided by a student Dungeon Master. Far from the stereotypes some may remember, modern D&D emphasizes teamwork, creative thinking, and positive social interaction. Students develop characters with unique backgrounds and abilities, then use strategy, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges presented in the story. The club has drawn about 30 students over the years, with a flexible, welcoming atmosphere that accommodates different participation levels. "I have a different and revolving crowd each time," notes Hathaway, emphasizing that newcomers can join at any point. Students of all experience levels are welcome - they can jump right in and learn as they play, with experienced members providing guidance and support. The creative possibilities are endless. As one SHS student explained, the campaigns can vary dramatically: "It's still D&D, but some do pop culture in their campaign. Some just do normal medieval times." This means stories can incorporate sports, history, science, or any subject that captures students' imaginations. Some campaigns even feature innovative twists as another SHS student explained: "you don't know what your character is... you start with a blank character sheet, and as you go on through the story, the master gives hints to what kind of character you want to play." Through these games, students practice communication skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment. They develop mathematical skills through game mechanics, enhance creative writing abilities through character development, and strengthen critical thinking through strategic decision-making. The game requires players to work together toward common goals.

Dungeons & Dragons Club Offers Creative Outlet at Sanford High

Sanford School Department

October 3, 2025

The Dungeons & Dragons Club at Sanford High School has been providing students with a creative and educational outlet for about five years, combining storytelling, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving in a structured, supervised environment. 

The club meets Tuesdays and Fridays in the cafeteria immediately after school. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.  This year, the club is led by advisor Carrie Hathaway.

"I wanted to make sure that these students got a chance to have the club because it is very important to them," Hathaway explains.

Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game where students create characters and work together to navigate adventures guided by a student Dungeon Master. Far from the stereotypes some may remember, modern D&D emphasizes teamwork, creative thinking, and positive social interaction. 

Students develop characters with unique backgrounds and abilities, then use strategy, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges presented in the story. The club has drawn about 30 students over the years, with a flexible, welcoming atmosphere that accommodates different participation levels. "I have a different and revolving crowd each time," notes Hathaway, emphasizing that newcomers can join at any point. 

Students of all experience levels are welcome - they can jump right in and learn as they play, with experienced members providing guidance and support. The creative possibilities are endless. As one SHS student explained, the campaigns can vary dramatically: "It's still D&D, but some do pop culture in their campaign. Some just do normal medieval times." This means stories can incorporate sports, history, science, or any subject that captures students' imaginations. 

Some campaigns even feature innovative twists as another SHS student explained: "you don't know what your character is... you start with a blank character sheet, and as you go on through the story, the master gives hints to what kind of character you want to play."

Through these games, students practice communication skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment. They develop mathematical skills through game mechanics, enhance creative writing abilities through character development, and strengthen critical thinking through strategic decision-making. The game requires players to work together toward common goals.