I was bored and making a change to my outdated signature, so I decided to ask this....have any of you all heard of Destination Imagination and/or Odyssey of the Mind? Ever participated or known someone who has?

It's a worldwide program, really, but not exactly KNOWN everywhere here. D.I. (or O.M.) is a creative problem solving competition that consists of teams with 5-7 members who works together for months coming up with their original solution to problem prompts given. This solution, usually exhibited in the form of a skit is judged, along with a short term competition at the regional, state and world level.

[quote]Destination ImagiNation

Can't say I have, but sounds pretty neat from what you've described (and checked out on the website). I would have loved to participate in something like this back in the day. Quite impressive of you to make it to the finals twice!

I remember it from when you told me about it last year. :laugh:

It is a great program. My nephew and his dad live in Bridgewater and participate. What a great way to teach kids to think. The schools dont do it any more. They made it to the regionals in Tenn this year. Their machine did not function right. All Ben could do was talk about next year and the ideas he had. We are looking into it for our kids school.

:D yes! i have been associated with om for many years. i got started through my children, and continued as a judge in several events for many years. a great program.

I have heard many good things about the Odyssey of the Mind program. Several elementary & middle schools from my county send teams every year and the excitement that the planning & preparation bring is infectious to say the least when I hear kids talk about it.

To make it to the finals twice is quite impressive, Lauren! With that kind of credential on your college apps, you are going to be able to pick where you want to go!

Terpy Wrote:I remember it from when you told me about it last year. :laugh:

Really? lol

Yay, people know what i'm talking about. (I know, it's not that amazing ...but so many people look at me like "huh?" when I mention it)

I've had really a great experience with both Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination (as they are two separate things). My first year was wayyy back when I was in 4th grade and my final year will be this, my junior year of HS. I then plan to volunteer and train to judge, etc. I think one of the best things about the program, besides allowing you to think 'outside' and develop teamwork skills, is that you meet sooo many people. From the other 6 people on your team (as it usually changes) all the way to the kids you can meet at the World Finals - it's pretty cool. (Brings to mind two La Plata, MD boys )

This year was one of my most fun experiences. We came in 1st at the regional competition and then after a bad showing in the short term competition, we ended up with 3rd @ state. We, however, still went to the University of TN to support other area teams ...and the team that got 1st in our division ended up winning World altogether, sooo it doesn't sound half bad to say we lost to the World Champions. :laugh:

It's a really big thing right here in my county in Southern IN. I think we sent 10 + teams to state and then 7 to World this year.

- Lauren