In the tradition of great roleplaying games (RPGs), I’ve created a setting where students will create and then assume the role of a character who is tasked with a post-apocalyptic journey from the wastelands of Independence, MO, to the now radioactive coast of California - making the historic trip west.  

Participants will be given the opportunity to create their own custom character, select equipment, and then set out together into a post-apocalyptic world full of dangers and adventure (based in part on the Fallout game franchise).  Their ultimate mission is simply to survive, but as always there will be side quests with which they may be able to gain an upper hand in their new world.  They can form alliances, be as straight forward or crafty as they desire - build mini-empires or just tear stuff up… all in their quest to get to California, and freedom.

RPGs are a fantastic way to promote teamwork, life long friendships, relaxation, creativity, and problem solving skills all in an interactive format. This is both an ongoing class, and a flexible one in that students may come and go within the story, and yet always return if they wish to continue.  No two stories are will be the same, and depending on the group's decision making prowess, they may or may not complete their quest in two weeks.  (I save every student's character sheet so they are welcome to return to the class again in the future and pick right up where they left off as the 'old trail hand.')