Operation Literacy presents
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GENERAL INFO
WHO?
Teens ages 13-19 seeking an epic summer camp!
WHERE?
Utah Valley University
Lehi Campus
WHEN?
June 16th-18th
9:00 am-4:30 pm
COST
$179 Includes:
Lunches, 3-days of amazing instruction, and a custom workbook.
Enter the portal to an epic 3-day summer camp filled with tabletop role-playing games!
From the minds behind StoryCon and Teen Author Boot Camp comes a new immersive conference experience connecting teenagers with industry professionals.
Join professional dungeon master Dax Levine of Dungeon Master Direct as he assembles a party of published authors, theater educators, and game designers to deliver the best training to level up your writing, acting, and gaming skills to make your D&D campaigns more epic than ever!
Each morning, prepare for battle with instructional workshops on worldbuilding, improvisation, voices, puzzles, combat tactics, and more. Each afternoon, enter the dungeon with your friends or become the Dungeon Master yourself. Become the hero (or villain) of the world’s greatest roleplaying game!
CLASS TRACKS
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Character & Performance
Conflict & Game Design
Worldbuilding & Writing
2026 PRESENTERS
AUTHORS-ACTORS-TTRPG GAMING EXPERTS
Program Director
TRACK:
Host
Dax Levine
Your camp director and host for all opening and closing ceremonies!
Dax Levine is a full-time professional Dungeon Master who runs games of Dungeons & Dragons for clients all over the world. He helped set the Guinness World Record for the largest game of D&D in 2023. He utilizes his training in acting, improv, psychology, writing, and business to craft immersive experiences and dramatic performances for new and experienced players alike.
Join the adventure in an online D&D campaign, a weeklong Game Night Getaway, a Dungeon Master University course, an epic fan convention, or your next corporate teambuilding event.
Your First Character
TRACK:
Character and Performance
Abi Phillips
Creating a first character can be daunting and overwhelming. Will you enjoy a specific class? Which background fits best? Are there more benefits that come with one fantasy race or another? Learn about mechanics and functionality, narratively compelling characters, different playstyles and personalities, and how characters grow and change throughout campaigns. This class is built for all sorts of lovers of heroes and adventures!
Abi Phillips is a writer by trade and a gamer by heart. Whether it's the spooky recesses of a dangerous dungeon or the cozy safety of her gaming desk and a cat, she's always ready to ready, set, ROLL!
Don’t Forget the Forgotten Realms!
TRACK:
World Building and Writing
Abi Phillips
The Forgotten Realms is a place of wonder, lore, and many vast histories. But there's so much of it, and it can get so overwhelming! Explore how writers, game-masters, and players alike can draw from the world of Forgotten Realms and create narratives and stories that your campaign and party will never forget. We'll focus on cities and factions, existing lore and adding your own twists and turns, and how to use settings as a creative writing device along with your own interesting ideas.
Abi Phillips is a writer by trade and a gamer by heart. Whether it's the spooky recesses of a dangerous dungeon or the cozy safety of her gaming desk and a cat, she's always ready to ready, set, ROLL!
Eberron - Magic Meets Machinery
TRACK:
World Building and Writing
BR McKay
Eberron is a world where magic is harnessed by technology. It's the home of Artificers and Warforged, but also Changelings and Kalashtar. And beneath all the technological progress lies ancient draconic magic, hidden prophecies, and powerful forces that shape the world in ways people don’t fully understand. In this workshop, we will learn how to create characters and tell stories in a setting where magical industry and forgotten secrets collide. Welcome to Eberron!
Ryan is the dungeon master for the live play D&D podcast DadsNDragons and the youtube channel DragonsKeepTV. He writes his own TTRPG game adventure modules for D&D and DreadRPG published on Drivethrurpg
Character Arcs and Level Progression
TRACK:
Character and Performance
BR McKay
Learn how to take a character from “level 1 nobody” to a hero with a story worth telling. This class explores how character arcs and level progression work together, so growth in power actually reflects growth in the hero's journey. Are you a DM? Learn how professional DM's give their players moments that matter in-game with every new level. Are you a player? Come ready with your own character ideas, and we'll help you go from level 1 to legend!
Ryan is the dungeon master for the live play D&D podcast DadsNDragons and the youtube channel DragonsKeepTV. He writes his own TTRPG game adventure modules for D&D and DreadRPG published on Drivethrurpg
Fantasy Climates and Earth Science
TRACK:
World Building and Writing
Celeste Tyler
Every great fantasy world has a landscape that feels alive. Explore the real science behind mountains, rivers, oceans and the underdark—and the powerful forces that shape them. For creators: learn how to design forests, deserts, islands, and volcanos that make sense scientifically AND make your maps even more magical. For players: learn how to exploit your DM's map and take advantage of challenging terrain.
Celeste Tyler's stories have (literally) taken her across the Sahara on a camel, sky high on aerial silks, and aboard a replica 18th-century ship. She holds a BS in Environmental Science. She has three marvelous children, a cat named Athena, and a bearded dragon named Divine Beast Vah Rudania.
Species and Culture
TRACK:
World Building and Writing
Celeste Tyler
What is culture? Where does it come from? And how does “culture” apply to different species in D&D? Explore how food, clothing, music, history, and environment shape the way people form individual and group identities. Looking at both fantasy and real-world societies (including yours!), we’ll discover why cultures form the way they do and how we can use culture to create more colorful characters and captivating campaigns.
Celeste Tyler's stories have (literally) taken her across the Sahara on a camel, sky high on aerial silks, and aboard a replica 18th-century ship. She holds a BS in Environmental Science. She has three marvelous children, a cat named Athena, and a bearded dragon named Divine Beast Vah Rudania.
Weapons on the Battlefield
TRACK:
Conflict and Game Design
Charlie Flint
Nothing is more important on the battlefield than your weapon! Come learn about the weapons used in the 2024 Players Handbook of Dungeons and Dragons. How these weapons were used historically and how to make the most of playing with them in the game. Learn how to describe your actions during combat and how to utilize the mechanics that Dungeons and Dragons has including weapon masteries.
Charlie is a professional stage performer who has been playing D&D for over a decade. His love for the stage and translated to his love for TTRPGs and his background in psychology has helped him to craft multi dimensional characters to play and use as NPCs in his games. At his day job Charlie uses D&D to help cultivate social connections with the clients that he works with as a Behavior Consultant.
Tactics and Terrain
TRACK:
Conflict and Game Design
Jared Quan
Bring D&D into the real world as we review battlefields from history, with the twist of orcs, goblins, heroes, and possibly dragons. We will get to understand them and what the advantages and disadvantages they have. Talk through army tactics on those battlefields and how our heroes might face unique challenges in those environments. Use these tools to expand your DM skills, or player skills if you are faced with tactical decisions where large numbers are in play.
Jared is an award-winning, Twitch affiliate and podcaster. He wrote for Sports Illustrated and Yahoo. Published LIFTED, and Unclassified. Served with Storymakers, LUW, TEDxSaltLakeCity, TABC, LTUE. Awarded by U.S. Presidents. Received the Governor's Spirit of Service Award. Worked with Governor to reestablish “Utah Authors Day”. Host of Nonseneless Podcast.
Spells on the Battlefield
TRACK:
Conflict and Game Design
Jonathan Hale
Unlock the true potential of the Weave! We’ll break down the essential rules of spellcasting, from mastering concentration to perfecting your positioning to nuanced spell interactions. Learn how to control the flow of battle, support your party with clever utility, and unleash devastating combos that will leave your Dungeon Master speechless. Come prepared to learn the secrets of magic and leave ready to confidently wield the arcane!
A druid and Christian witch with a degree in "how people grow," Jonathan, a loving father of 4, has been a GM for close to 10 years... not counting other realities. A graduate of Dungeon Master University, this Architect of fate sculpts dynamic adventures to help each player's story be witnessed.
Mighty Monsters
TRACK:
Conflict and Game Design
Jonathan Hale
Analyze how to design creatures that challenge players' minds, not just their character sheets. From legendary actions and environmental hazards to lairs you’ll learn how to build (and run) monsters that feel alive, dangerous, and unforgettable. Turn "another random encounter" into legendary battles your players will talk about for years. Who knows, maybe your next random encounter will turn into the next BBEG!
A druid and Christian witch with a degree in "how people grow," Jonathan, a loving father of 4, has been a GM for close to 10 years... not counting other realities. A graduate of Dungeon Master University, this Architect of fate sculpts dynamic adventures to help each player's story be witnessed.
Voicing Heroes and Villains
TRACK:
Character and Performance
Jon Liddiard
Bring braggarts and brutes to life through strong and expressive vocal performance! Participants will explore how volume, tempo, pitch, and tone can shape distinct heroes, sinister villains, and everything in between. Through fun exercises, partner work, and improvised scenes, students will build confidence and develop the skills to create clear, engaging character voices.
Jon Liddiard is an actor, director, and educator specializing in voice, movement, and physical storytelling. He helps students transform into unforgettable monsters, mastering character creation through performance. With degrees in Theatre and over a decade of experience, Jon currently leads The Ruth Academy in Pleasant Grove, UT
Ravenloft - Horror and Madness
TRACK:
World Building and Writing
Julie Barnson
Immerse yourself in the Ravenloft Campaign setting by hearing stories of the creatures and the horrors that lurk in the lands around Barovia. Beginning with Strahd Von Zarovich himself, explore the world of vampires, hags, ghosts, and all creepy things that go bump in the night. Julie will walk you through the world, and show you how to bring the right atmosphere to a horror game. Ravenloft will become a place you’ll want to visit…in your nightmares!
Professional storyteller Julie Barnson has been spinning epic tales for nearly 20 years! By day, she’s a school teacher; at the table, she’s a legendary gamer—rolling dice since age 11. She has been coaching youth storytellers for over 10 years, and can help you tell a great story!
Dramatic Death Scenes
TRACK:
Character and Performance
Julie Barnson
There is nothing that packs more of an emotional punch than a good death scene. There is also no one way to pull it off. Maximize the emotional impact of losing an NPC or beloved character by examining character deaths in movies, television or other mediums. In addition, consider the best way to send a character off through possible funeral rites or other death rituals. Optional course materials: a box of tissues or a handkerchief.
Professional storyteller Julie Barnson has been spinning epic tales for nearly 20 years! By day, she’s a school teacher; at the table, she’s a legendary gamer—rolling dice since age 11. She has been coaching youth storytellers for over 10 years, and can help you tell a great story!
Artifacts and Macguffins of Legend
TRACK:
Conflict and Game Design
Nelson DeMeester
A tavern door swings open, a villain rises, and the quest of a lifetime begins! But what turns a simple trip into an epic legend? It’s all about the Macguffin. In Artifacts and Macguffins of Legend, we examine the artifacts that have shaped human storytelling for millennia. Discover how to take your story’s central object from a functional tool to a legendary icon.
Nelson has DM'ed for over 10 years. He loves teaching new players and seeing them realize how awesome TTRPGs are. He also loves working with his players to flesh out their characters' stories so that they can better connect with the campaign.
Blending Puzzles and Combat
TRACK:
Conflict and Game Design
Quiana Chase
Are your players hungry for a challenge? Force them to become masters of enigma or die trying! In this breakout, you will come to learn the fundamentals of deadly puzzles, and leave with a mini dungeon of your own design.
Quiana has worked as a professional game master for LARPS and spaceship simulators for over a decade. She has also been a professional actor, writer, educator, and (technically) cult leader. Her love of game design and storytelling has taken her many interesting places.
Improvising Backstories - Yes, And!
TRACK:
Character and Performance
Renae Kingsley
Learn to create compelling Dungeons & Dragons backstories in minutes using simple frameworks, improv techniques, and creative prompts. Through fun, interactive exercises, you’ll build characters with clear motivations, secrets, and story hooks that matter in-game. Perfect for new and experienced players—spend less time stressing and more time playing.
Renae is a highly acclaimed creativity coach, known for her vibrant teaching style and innovative approach to unleashing creative potential. She has been a featured instructor at several conventions, offering a diverse array of engaging hands-on creativity classes. She ensures students leave with newfound empowerment through firsthand experiences.
Creating Towns with a Twist
TRACK:
World Building and Writing
Renae Kingsley
Build a town… then discover why it’s not as safe as it claims. In this interactive worldbuilding workshop, students will design quirky D&D settlements filled with secrets, strange laws, hidden dangers, and unforgettable NPCs. Leave with a collection of fully developed towns ready to drop into any campaign. Perfect for players who love storytelling, improv, and creating worlds that spiral delightfully out of control.
Renae is a highly acclaimed creativity coach, known for her vibrant teaching style and innovative approach to unleashing creative potential. She has been a featured instructor at several conventions, offering a diverse array of engaging hands-on creativity classes. She ensures students leave with newfound empowerment through firsthand experiences.
SCHEDULE
BREAK OUT CLASS INFO WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON
Day 3
9:00 AM-9:50 AM
Morning Shake Up (50 minutes)
10:00 AM-10:50 AM
Break Out 5 (50 minutes)
11:00 AM-11:50 AM
Break Out 6 (50 minutes)
12:00 PM-12:30 PM
LUNCH (30 minutes)
12:30 PM-1:00 PM
Keynote (30 minutes)
1:10 PM-2:20 PM
Gaming Session 5 (70 minutes)
2:30 PM-3:40 PM
Gaming Session 6 (70 minutes)
3:50 PM-4:30 PM
Closing Ceremonies (40 minutes)
Day 1
9:00 AM-9:50 AM
Opening Ceremonies (50 minutes)
10:00 AM 10:50 AM
Break Out 1 (50 minutes)
11:00 AM-11:50 AM
Break Out 2 (50 minutes)
12:00 PM- 12:30 PM
LUNCH (30 minutes)
12:30 PM-1:00 PM
Keynote (30 minutes)
1:10 PM-2:20 PM
Gaming Session 1 (70 minutes)
2:30 PM-3:40 PM
Gaming Session 2 (70 minutes)
3:50 PM-4:30 PM
End of Day Wrap Up (40 minutes)
Day 2
9:00 AM-9:50 AM
Morning Shake Up (50 minutes)
10:00 AM-10:50 AM
Break Out 3 (50 minutes)
11:00 AM-11:50 AM
Break Out 4 (50 minutes)
12:00 PM-12:30 PM
LUNCH (30 minutes)
12:30 PM-1:00 PM
Keynote (30 minutes)
1:10 PM-2:20 PM
Gaming Session 3 (70 minutes)
2:30 PM-3:40 PM
Gaming Session 4 (70 minutes)
3:50 PM-4:30 PM
End of Day Wrap Up (40 minutes)