Destination Imagination
What is Destination ImagiNation (DI)?
Destination ImagiNation (DI) is team-based, creative problem solving tournament that invites student teams from all over the world to solve mind-bending Challenges. DI is designed to teach three essential skills: creativity, teamwork and problem solving. DI teams are tested to think on their feet, work as a team and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of the Challenges. DI participants gain more than just basic knowledge and skillsthey learn to unleash their imaginations and take unique approaches to problem solving. There is no other program or activity in education today like Destination ImagiNation. DI is affordable, accessible and enriches each participants intellectual and social development.
Really, it's a sport for the brain!
What is a DI Challenge?
There are three aspects to the team challenge for grades 3-5 Central Challenge, Side Trips and Instant Challenge. A team chooses a Central Challenge (see reverse) and adds Side Trips. All teams will do an Instant Challenge, something they will train for but will have no knowledge of before the moment of tournament, hence the name INSTANT Challenge. The Rising Stars program, for grades K-2, is similar but with fewer requirements for the challenges.
How Does the Team Form and Meet?
Beginning September 12 and through winter break, all Marshdale DI participants will meet on the second and fourth Monday of the month at Marshdale, from the end of school until 4:45. Adult (parent, grandparent, responsible older sibling) volunteers will be required once per family during this phase. Teams will be formally created, named and a team meeting will be held during our December meeting. Teams will be formed BY STUDENTS, not the leader. There may be teams of seven students, there may be teams of two. Each team will be instructed to choose a Central Challenge during winter break.
Beginning during or after winter break, teams will begin creating their solution away from the group, often once or twice a week. From January through mid-April, all team members will gather once per month to brainstorm and work on Instant Challenges with the leader.
There are two additional meetings: a skills workshop on September 24 and Instant Challenge workshop on December 3.
When Will the Teams Compete? Will They Compete Against One Another?
Jefferson Countys tournament is typically in March, though a date has not yet been confirmed. Teams choosing the same challenge, in the same grade level, WILL compete against one another. If Team Alpha chooses Central Challenge A, they will NOT compete against Team Beta who chooses Central Challenge B. The top three teams from each level (elementary, middle and senior) from each challenge (A, B, C, D & E) from the Jefferson County tournament will move on to compete at the state level tournament on April 14. Again, the top three from each level from each challenge will move on to compete in the DI Global tournament, held annually in Knoxville, TN. If any of our teams achieve this great honor, fundraising efforts will be in place to ensure all team members can make it. Globals are held at the end of May and absences from school (typically 2 days) are excused.
What's This Gonna Cost?
The short answer is: somewhere between $75 and $175 per student per team. This depends on the number of students on each team and the specific Central Challenge chosen. Not sure its for your student? $50 is the fee to cover activities September through winter break, including the two workshops. Compare that to a couple other extracurricular activities in the area:
Joining a gymnastics team: $840 from September through March
Piano lessons: $2800 for two-one hour lessons per week, now through March (at $50 per hour)
Stingers Soccer: $195 for 6 practices and 4 games, September through October, plus the cost of equipment
Joining the basketball league at EPRD: $135 for four weeks and one game
Science Matters: $85 for four-one hour sessions
Art class: $170 for 11 lessons
This program is for all ages, kindergarten through university level.
Contact Mary Smith if your student is considering this program. 303-408-0639, mary@patandmary.com