Like with all Odyssey of the Mind problems, there is no one correct answer to this question. Each school and group has its own guidelines for clubs and organizations, its own degree of faculty involvement, and its own approach to Odyssey of the Mind. Some school districts and home school associations give financial support, and some do not. However, the following steps are some you might consider in getting started:
As I entered into my first coaching experience with Odyssey of the Mind, I often asked myself what I could possibly have been thinking . . . I had a team that consisted of:
Plus, my team fought non-stop for eight weeks. I did not know what I could possibly accomplish with these kids. Well, on the day of the competition, they pulled it all together and took 7th out of 14 teams. (They would have scored higher if it had not been for my misinterpreting part of the problem. Of course, that made me feel even worse!) I left the competition feeling pretty blue but thankful that it was over. I always heard the little voice in the back of my head saying, “It’s the process, not the outcome.” It is hard for a coach to keep that in perspective. On the surface, I did not notice very much in the way of greatness during the process, and the outcome seemed disappointing. But, as I met with the kids at school on Monday and I looked back over the past three months I realized that the following had happened:
The best part of the whole experience: On Monday morning, one of my shy kids asked, “Is this the end of Odyssey of the Mind? Am I really going to go the rest of the year without seeing you?” I realized then that Odyssey of the Mind had made a huge impact. It was not the scores, it was not the performance, it was the process of getting there. It was the POSITIVE changes that I saw in all the kids. It put my life in perspective.
Theresa Lundy Sherwood Park Ele, MI
The video in the link below can be used to provide an overview to interested school administrators or parents. It provides an overview of the program.
Sample of emails and Flyers used to inform and conduct first informational meeting.
Parents are vital for the success of an Odyssey Team. It's not just shopping trips or moving stuff around, or providing snacks. The Parent's primary job is to make sure that there is no outside assistance.
Odyssey of the Mind
3022 Verdala Drive, Livermore, California 94550, United States