Don’t forget to pack your 20-sided dice.
Students in Grades 9-12 will soon have an opportunity to experience roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, as well as popular tabletop board games at a special one-day convention.
Level Up 2019 will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Riverview Collegiate. It will be an excellent opportunity for teens to meet fellow gamers, or try something new.
“We will have all sorts of game masters and people running Magic The Gathering tournaments, as well as chess tournaments, and there will also be a cosplay competition,” said organizer Janice Lamb, a teacher at Riverview Collegiate. “We’ve got a ton of volunteers; the adult gaming community in Moose Jaw has been extremely excited about this — the Moose Jaw Gamer’s Association really wants to be sure they are involved. It will be a fun event.”
Lamb is an avid gamer herself. She helps run Riverview’s Dungeons & Dragons club and notes it is the largest club in the school. In fact, she says they even attracts kids from other schools.
“I kind of thought that if there is that much interest in the city, why don’t we try to run a convention?”
She believes the concept is unique.
“I haven’t heard of anything like this in Saskatchewan. As far as I know, it is the only one in the province.”
Video games will not be a part of the inaugural event, although Lamb says they may be incorporated in the future.
The day will include three four-hour roleplaying game sessions. Tournaments will also take place. Two-hour facilitated board game sessions will allow students to try out new games or reconnect with old favourites. Adult volunteers will be on hand to help teach the rules. A concession will be available.
Registration is through School Cash Online. The cost is $15 if you register prior to the early bird deadline. Lamb says the initial deadline of February 28 will likely be pushed back to March 15. Check the Facebook page to confirm details. After March 15 the price will be $20. You will be able to register with cash at the door on the day of the event.
More information will soon be shared with schools in both Prairie South and Holy Trinity. Lamb adds they will be setting up tables at all the major high schools in Moose Jaw for those who are interested and want to register, but do not have access to credit cards. This will be advertised through the event website and Instagram so students can be prepared and have their cash on hand.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun and we are looking forward to it,” said Lamb. “We are excited to offer this and to share this day with the community.”
Lamb adds they could use more volunteers — particularly anyone who plays games and can help teach the students. Please note, you will need to obtain a criminal background check to work with the students. If you are interested in getting involved, email lamb.janice@prairiesouth.ca
