Assemblies for grades 3–8 - Classroom visits and grade‑level blocks - Available in Arizona and across the U.S.
Every school schedule is different, so I offer several formats that can be tailored to your needs.
Assemblies for grades 3–8 45–60 minute, high‑energy programs for larger groups or whole schools, ideal for family engagement nights, testing‑season motivation, and curiosity‑themed days. Best for schools that can host a featured guest speaker with dedicated time.
Classroom visits and grade‑level blocks 30–45 minute interactive sessions with more Q&A and writing discussion, perfect for smaller groups and deeper conversation. These can be arranged directly with teachers or through programs like Sedona’s Artists in the Classroom.
Arizona and regional travel Available for in‑person visits in Arizona, with limited travel to New Mexico, New Hampshire, and Maine when scheduled well in advance. With enough notice, we can often combine multiple assemblies and classroom visits in a region.
Reach out with your preferred dates, grade levels, and goals for the visit. We confirm the format (assemblies, classroom visits, or both), schedule, and budget.
You receive a confirmation email, plus details to share with teachers and staff so students are ready for the visit.
"Today, our IB Theory of Knowledge class had the incredible privilege of welcoming Robert Louis DeMayo — best-selling author, speaker, and adventurer — to share his insights on how curiosity can be a powerful antidote to anxiety. Through the art of storytelling, Robert reminded us that curiosity transforms fear into wonder — that every unknown can become an adventure when approached with an open and questioning mind."
"Thank you, Robert Louis DeMayo, for inspiring our thinkers, writers, and dreamers at Verde Valley School!"
(Zane Dickey, teacher, Theory of Knowledge Class, VVS )
Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary School
District #3
6th Grade
I had such a good time talking with these classes.
“I think this was a very fascinating talk he had with us. He went to Africa and got chased by a hippo and a honey badger."
(Arturo)
Sedona Charter School
"We were lucky to have Robert DeMayo grace our classroom with his captivating stories from around the world. The children were engaged and their imaginations were on fire by his mesmerizing storytelling."
(Ms.Maija, teacher, SCS)
Immaculate Conception Catholic School
" I invited DeMayo to share storytelling with my fourth graders as they were learning how to write their own stories. The students were completely captivated by his vivid details and engaging style, and they're still talking about his stories even now."
(Ms. Workman, ICCS, Cottonwood)
teacher TEstimonials
"Our VVS IB students were captivated by his experiences traveling the world and the way he connects knowledge, emotion, and imagination through narrative. His message was clear: stay curious, stay courageous, and keep writing your own story. (Zane Dickey, teacher, VVS)
"Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our classes at HAHS. Our students loved hearing your stories, adventures, and travel rules. Some have already begun reading your novels. (Katie Henderson, teacher, HAHS)
Favorite student comments
" Thank you so much for coming to the class to tell your amazing stories. I learned so much from them. They really sparked my mind. I have a love for animals, so it was purrrrfect. I am so curious after that." (Greta)
"I learned a lot! I like how you add detail to your stories. I loved the story of the lion. It was so cool that you got sniffed by a lion because that is once in a lifetime. (Katelynn)
"You taught me and the class so much!." (Aiva)
"I liked how you managed to survive those deadly moments. I think it’s fascinating that you have been in life-threatening situations and yet are still alive. It's incredible. (Xander)
"How do you still smile after all that?" (Alexa)
"I like how you survive danger." (Duncan)
"He is very cool—he even met Neil Armstrong." (Arturo)
When I left home at twenty, I set off on an 18-month journey through forty countries—long before the internet made travel easy. Out of money after three months, I learned to be resourceful and kept going, driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for observing wildlife, especially primates. Over the next decade, I completed ten six-month trips and visited nearly 100 countries.
Life-changing moments with mountain gorillas in Congo and orangutans in Sumatra shaped my perspective and helped me process challenging experiences. These encounters taught me to see the world in a different light—something I now share with students to inspire them to connect with nature and discover new possibilities.
I look forward to bringing this unique perspective to your next event.