Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons with forest friends!

I’ve been running games for kids and young adults for the past 10 years. In most of that time I have used my own world. The game mechanics are based on D&D 5e, but have a custom pantheon and magic items that are uncommon and very special. Recently I have begun using a virtual gaming style using D&D Beyond and have been experimenting with some of the new classes and races in 5.5e. I have also jumped into the Humblewood campaign setting that I think is perfect for kids of all ages and adults who are young at heart. I’d love to bring Pugmire into some games also. I prize inclusivity, comfort, and fun above rules and game mechanics. Players can expect me to tailor my DM style to their experience level and imagination. I’m not great with voices, but you can expect me to try to differentiate characters with voice differences to the best of my abilities. Voices are something I am actively working on improving for my players. I also include background music when available. What I like best about D&D for kids is the ability for them to test out social skills in a safe, non judgemental space. It is also a perfect setting to really be who they are, to have a place to be nerdy and goofy, and imaginative problem solving at its best. I live on a small farm in north east colorado with my wife and youngest son. We have goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and dogs. We’re hoping to add a couple of barn cats in the near future. As you can probably tell I love the outdoors, nature, and animals. This love of all things animal and plant works well in the Humblewood setting which I hope to use to encourage children to have a more broadened experience with their own natural world. I started playing D&D in the 1980's. I got the basic box set for Christmas one year and have been playing since. I became a game master during my high school years when our group of friends couldn't find someone to lead us through an adventure. Another friend and I took turns DMing and playing. We progressed up to 2e with this party. I met a professional game master through another close friend and became a player for quite some time. Much of my GM style has come from his games. My five children, from the ages of 34 to 14, have played in D&D games with me at some point in their childhood or early adult lives. I have also run games for children of family friends. in 2015-2016 I was the dungeon master for an after school program at a private K-8 school in Boulder, CO. The program was so successful that the school asked me to return for the following summer to do week long camps for the middle school aged children. In the mornings we played D&D and in the afternoons we did "LARP," live action role play. We spent time making nerfed (foam and duct tape) weapons to go on adventures and battle each other with. Some of my favorite table top games are RISK, Stratego, Battleship, Magic the Gathering (pre-commander deck) and any kind of puzzles. My family is also big into Cribbage and plays any chance we get.