#TBT in the Archives 2/11/16: Dungeons & Dragons

Shippensburg University has played host to a lot of different conferences and campus over the years. Did you know that in the '80s Shippensburg held Dungeons & Dragons camps?

This clip from the Shippensburg News Chronicle describes the details of how the Adventure Game camp was organized.

The camps were called Adventure Game camps, and were held twice a summer for one week at a time. The camp ran for 5 years before the university discontinued the program.

Adventure Game campers, 1985

The camps were open to girls and boys aged 10-17 who wanted to learn in-depth character development and playing techniques in order to become Dungeons & Dragons masters. Students' knowledge of D&D concepts was tested throughout their week at camp.

Portion of a Dungeons & Dragons test, summer 1981

Despite the popularity of the camp, it was cancelled due to controversies surrounding Dungeons & Dragons and other live action role play games. Many media reports had suggested that the games had harmful effects on the young people playing the games.

Cancellation letter for the Shippensburg Adventure Game Camp

Even though the camp only lasted 5 years, it served as a unique opportunity to bring young people together on Ship's campus for a week of fun and learning.

Want to learn more about Ship's history? No need to wait for the next Throwback Thursday! Contact Archives & Special Collections via e-mail: specialcollections@ship.edu or phone: 717-477-1516.