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OWN YOUR STORY

Start with Campfire Classes

Discover the power of storytelling and learn how to tell your stories so you can communicate with authenticity, confidence, and connection in any setting.

1

Chapter 1:
Intro to Storytelling

Learn the hallmarks of a well-told story and begin to develop skills in storytelling and public speaking, practiced in a supportive environment where you can learn to play with storytelling, have fun, and gain confidence in it.
Duration: 6 weeks | Cost: $195
Pre-requisite: None

Details & Registration
2

Chapter 2:
Using Stories in Everyday Life

“Tell me more about yourself.” Questions like this are the reason that most of our storytelling is done in our everyday lives. Develop skills to share the stories you tell day in and day out, to help you express yourself and connect with the people in your daily life: colleagues, friends, family members, and more.
Duration: 6 weeks | Cost: $195
Pre-requisite: Chapter 1

Details & Registration
3

Chapter 3:
Storytelling for the Stage

Develop and tell a fully completed story, with a special focus on delivery and stage presence. This will help you solidify and refine the storytelling and public speaking skills you’ve learned throughout each chapter, so that you can better apply them in your personal and professional life.
Duration: 8 weeks | Cost: $285
Pre-requisite: Chapter 2

Details & registration
Robert Smart
Robert Smart
2024-03-25
Working with Steven was a great experience. He provided the building blocks and motivation for me to feel more confident speaking in front of large groups. He also helped me refine how I talk about my business. The whole storytelling process is very fun and I will be coming back for more. Highly recommended!
Taylor Bardsley
Taylor Bardsley
2024-03-19
Nokie was a fantastic facilitator - they're able to command a room with vulnerability and openness while still getting us all on task (and we were a chatty bunch!). My favorite part of the class was the connections I formed with the other participants. I really loved the structure of the class - learning and then putting skills into practice - and the chance to invest two hours a week into reflection and sharing with others.
Leah Patriarco
Leah Patriarco
2024-03-18
I was really impressed with how quickly the group built trust and was able to be vulnerable. That's a testament to the people in the class but also to Nokie's skill as a facilitator. I came into the class worried that I wouldn't really have any stories to tell but the classes were structured so well that the ideas came easily. Nokie was so kind and welcoming right off the bat, which really set the tone and helped us all feel comfortable. They expressed all the ideas and principles clearly and really created a space where we could learn and support each other.
Caroline C
Caroline C
2024-03-18
"I really enjoyed Nokie as the facilitator. I think they have a really beautiful grasp of helping the students explore untapped stories, and giving the grace to allow us to tell them. Nokie allowed us to be open and share without judgement. Their gentle demeanor was welcome and lovely. Nokie guided the conversation when it went off track (which it did) but allowed the connections to grow through those moments. I was grateful to have them as our facilitator!"
Michele Bildner
Michele Bildner
2023-10-27
I learned so much more than I could have imagined from this experience - about myself and building community - as well as the practical application of skills. Storytelling creates an intimacy that you can’t ignore. I loved how organic it was; definitely the opposite of being extractive. I can confidently now use storytelling as a framework for communicating in my professional, advocate, and scholarly public health roles. It will help me be a better professor, activist, and participatory action researcher. HIGHLY recommend! I participated in summer 2022.
Rafaella Smith-Fiallo
Rafaella Smith-Fiallo
2023-10-18
If you are looking for a space to hone your speaking skills and a team that can hold your story with compassion and respect, Campfire is the place. I was a fellow in 2018 and had endless support and encouragement during the process, which helped me face the stage with both excitement and confidence. This program teaches you adaptable speaking skills that fit your personality and will have you telling stories you've never shared publicly. It'll be a meaningful, empowering, insightful, and even humorous experience that you deserve to have. I'd do it all again and give them 10 stars if I could!
Kimberly Kreitner
Kimberly Kreitner
2023-10-16
I was lucky enough to be a Campfire Fellow in 2017. I was so excited and nervous. Being guided through the process by Steven and his team was a combination of therapy and theater. If you've ever had an inclination to share a story or learn how to be a better storyteller, then Campfire is something you should check out. I got a standing room only theater to pretend to be on a rollercoaster...how often does that happen?!? Take the leap. It'll be worth it.
Michelle F. Strawbridge
Michelle F. Strawbridge
2023-10-15
I enjoyed every aspect of the class. The class leaders were great, and the connections with my classmates were wonderful. I received tools to construct a story and am more confident in presenting a story. Tools that will be helpful in my professional life as a Human Resource Director and Ministry leader in my church.
Jason Flamm
Jason Flamm
2023-10-12
Absolutely amazing experience. I was lucky to be a part of presenting and it’s awesome. But I’ve also been fortunate enough to watch from the audience and each time I learn something new about the human experience and myself. Cannot recommend campfire enough. Take a class. Consider participating. Or just watch peoples’ lives transform from the sidelines. You won’t regret it.
James Meinert
James Meinert
2023-10-03
I went through campfires six week storytelling class a couple years ago, since then I've had friends go through their fellows program and have attended several of their public events. They do a phenomenal job of drawing out people's vulnerability and supporting people and telling their own stories using their own words in a way that builds community and has the power to transform society. Highly recommend joining with them and supporting them!

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what to expect IN EVERY CLASS

Interactive and Experiential Learning

We focus on fostering interactive and hands-on learning experiences so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice what you’re learning.

Inclusive learning environment

We welcome all levels of storytelling ability, identities, and backgrounds to our classes. We seek to create a space where every student feels genuinely valued and supported. Read about how we manage our class here.

A FOCUS ON ELEVATING YOUR NATURAL VOICE

You’ll learn to find your natural voice and tell your wealth of stories. We work to get you away from the “speaker’s voice” and back to your voice.

Intentional, Individual Feedback

Campfire classes are kept small, with intention. Think of it as an attentive group of supportive humans gathering around a campfire to conquer fears, celebrate triumphs, and everything in-between—all with thoughtful guidance from an expert storyteller.

Unique Capstone Experiences

Each class closes with a Capstone experience—an opportunity to share their story in a unique way. The Capstone is the culmination of all of the skills and epiphanies from the class.

Experienced Facilitators

Facilitators instruct our classes, hold space for learning, and are storytellers themselves (many have been students in Campfire classes). Each facilitator brings diverse experiences and skills to the table, ensuring that each class is as unique as the stories that they produce.

After taking our classes, you’ll be able to apply these skills personally and professionally, in areas such as:

  • Interviews
  • Personal reflection
  • Self-expression – finding and practicing the right words to describe and communicate “self” to the world
  • Speeches at special occasions
  • Presentations, lectures, and meetings
  • Conversations with friends, family, and co-workers
  • Networking
  • Community and advocacy work

Frequently Asked Questions

?Where are classes located?

We are located at Work & Leisure, 3015 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103. Before you start class, we will email you details about parking, arrival, etc.

?What if I miss a class or need to step away from a class?

See our class guidelines here.

?What if I don’t know anyone else taking the class?

That’s okay! Most of the time, students take classes on their own. You’ll have plenty of chances to connect and interact with your classmates since you will be learning together. And if you’re nervous about meeting new people? We often hear from our students that building relationships with their classmates was one of the best parts of the class.

 

?What if I don’t feel like I have stories to share?

We completely understand that fear, empathize with it, and have encountered it amongst many of our past students (and ourselves at some point or another). With that said, we also want to assure you – we will support you in exploring, identifying, and reflecting on your own stories. By the end of the class, you’ll realize that you actually have many stories to tell and you’ll gain the skills to share them all with confidence. We can guarantee that you in fact do have a story to tell, that folks want to hear, and we’ll help you find it.

?What if money is a barrier to getting involved?

We are consistently working towards being a more accessible organization and have put together a few options for you if money is a barrier. See our fair cost policy here.

?Are classes to learn about storytelling for kids?

No, our storytelling classes do not cater to a specific audience. Our classes focus on teaching skills to develop and deliver stories through your own narrative and story, which is transferable to many different audiences and settings—including, perhaps, storytelling for children.

?Are there virtual classes available?

We offered virtual classes in 2020 but are currently only teaching in-person classes. If you fill out our class interest form and mention interest in a virtual class, we can update you if we decide to offer them again.

CLASS GUIDELINES & POLICIES

How we operate

 Class Guidelines >
 Fair Cost Policy >

what people are saying

The best part of this experience was having a guided, safe space to hone in on a creative skill.

Storytelling Student

THE CAMPFIRE® STORYTELLING PODCAST

Gather around our shared Campfire to hear stories about life and how we live it from the voices that live around us.

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