Robert Louis DeMayo

 

 

 

School visits

 

 

Assemblies &

 

Author programs.

 

Helping elementary & middle school students turn fear into curiosity through true stories of wildlife, explorers

and real-world adventure.

Turn Your School Day into an Expedition!

What Students Gain

· Practical ways to notice and name emotions so they feel less overwhelming.

 

· Simple breathing and focus tools to calm their nervous systems when they feel scared or stressed.

 

· Real‑world examples of choosing curiosity over fear in the wild, at school, and in everyday life.

 

· Fresh motivation to read, write, and ask questions about the natural world and exploration.

 

Programs are designed for grades 3–8 (with options for younger grades)

and support student well‑being, positive behavior, and ELA standards.

Visit Options

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.

No Passport Required!

Promo Trailer

How to Bring Robert to Your School

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Ready to explore?

Request Speaking Info

 

Most schools start by asking two things: What does a visit look like, and what does it cost?

 

 

Here’s a simple overview for Arizona schools:

 

 

Single assembly (K–8): $500

 

Two assemblies (same day): $800–$900

 

Full district day (multiple assemblies + optional staff session): $2,000

 

 

Classroom visits and smaller programs can be customized on request,

especially when I’m already on campus for an assembly day.

School and community funding sources can often be used for these programs.

 

If you’re exploring options, I’m happy to share sample language you can use in budget or grant requests.

 

Out-of-state and conference events are priced differently depending on travel and format.

If you’re planning a regional event in New Mexico, New Hampshire, Maine,

or beyond, please reach out so we can explore what’s possible.

Verde Valley School

"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.

 

 

A Few former hosts

Science Vortex

 

Immaculate Conception

Catholic School

 

Katahdin Public Library

 

Patten Lumberman's Museum

 

Presquile High School

 

Caribou High School

 

Veteren's Memorial Library

 

Dreamtime Guest House

 

 

West Sedona School

 

Sedona Charter School

 

The Explorers Club

 

Hollis Area High School

 

Hollis Social Library

 

Lull Farm Orchard

 

Nashua Public Library

 

Tewksbury Public Library

 

 

Running River School

 

Verde Valley School

 

Everett Ruess Festival

 

Toadstool Book Store

 

Barnes and Noble

 

Sedona Public Library

 

Sedona Red Rock High School

 

Beaver Brook Association

 

Shortcuts

Historical fiction, Southwest legends, and global adventures from author & speaker Robert Louis DeMayo.

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rdemayo07@aol.com

 

Sedona, Arizona