We're Going to the World's Finals!

Odyssey of the Mind is a great program for my kids and for my "team kids". I would love to sit here and tell you all the ways that it improves creativity (a talent sadly lacking these days), instills a hard work ethic (also lacking),  helps with interpersonal skills and teamwork (sounds good on a resume, huh), and even meets Common Core Standards for Science, Technology, Math, Engineering, and the Arts.

However, none of those will be the reason you give money to help my "kids" go to the World's Final at MSU.  They sound nice and all of them are true but the real reason we do Odyssey is because of how we see our kids grow over the years.

I've watched Meredith struggle at the table for nights on end trying, and crying, to precisely cut a tower made from balsa wood. I've seen her struggle and then write positive affirmations on the cutting board so she could refer back to them in her despair. That year her team struggled to win 3rd at State's but she learned perservance. She also learned how it feels to have a team counting on you, on ONLY you...and TO WIN! She was 10 and that's an AMAZING lesson to learn at such a young age.

I've seen Olivia blossom from a 1st grader with ADHD that I could barely keep focused into a team member that we can't live without. I've seen her find coping strategies unique to her; and now she focuses with more ease. Her artistic talent and writing gift are unparalled on my team - when she has the tools she needs to find her space and zone in. More importantly she has team members who respect her needs. She is 11. 

Every year Grace says, "I don't want an acting part" or "I'll do the behind the scenes tech." She started out that way again this year. Then one week before the State Competition we needed to make a change. It was surprising to see this sometimes shy girl step forth with an amazing acting talent. Where was that hiding??? Where did she find the courage to do it? She found it in the knowledge that she was comfortable with THIS group. THESE middle school kids weren't going to judge her, or tease her, or prey on her insecurities. 

Every Odyssey of the Mind team has stories like these. The lessons my "kids" learn doing Odyssey is the reason you should support us. They aren't the type of things you can learn in school, sports, or theatre, Odyssey is unique and we hope you support these unique kids on their journey.