So you are considering Odyssey of the Mind
However it is that you found us, we're glad you came to visit!
The following is a brief summary of what you need to know to become an OMer.
Once you are ready to start your own Odyssey program, visit our getting started page.
Things You Need to Know
The Intro Package (PDF) includes introduction letters, additional materials about the Odyssey of the Mind program, and Tropical region specific information. This file was included as part of an email attachment to groups currently on our mailing list. If you would like to join our mailing list please email us at info@tropicalodyssey.org.
Odyssey Explained by FLYP Media
Odyssey Develops Creativity
Go to the 'Odyssey Develops Creativity' page to learn more about creativity and the role Odyssey plays in its development.
Parents' Perspectives
Geek Dad Blog
"The Scores are In and Next Year is Announced. The Odyssey of the Mind World Finals are complete. The scores are in. The awards have been given. The Photo Galleries have been posted. And we're all heading home."
Paul Jones writes about his experience as an Odyssey parent at Wired's Geek Dad Blog
Parent Coach
"Susan Smylie has coached a high-school Odyssey of the Mind team since September 2006... In March 2007, the team competed at the Texas State Finals where they placed second, earning them a trip to the World Finals at Michigan State University at the end of May, where they placed 17th out of 40 teams. They also won a Renatra Fusca award at the State tournament, the highest honor given by Odyssey of the Mind, awarded for extreme creativity."
Interview with Susan Smylie Odyssey of the Mind Coach
The Odyssey Experience
Watch 'A Creative Experience' video
Direct from odysseyofthemind.com 'A Creative Experience' features testimony from teachers, parents, coaches, and team members who talk about the benefits and rewards of participation. Includes problem footage filmed at past World Finals. It's a great way to get others excited about the program! 10 minutes.
Direct link - Windows Media Video
Direct link - Real Player Video
Levels of Competition
All registered teams are invited to participate and present their problem solutions at the Regional Competition. Top placing teams advance to State Finals where they then compete against the best from around the state. Winners at the state competition will represent their state at World Finals.
Divisions
Teams participate in a given division depending on the grade of the oldest member.
- Primary division includes kindergarten through second grade.
- Division I consists of first through fifth grade.
- Division II includes sixth through eighth grade.
- Division III includes ninth through 12th grade.
OdysseyoftheMind.com has a handy division calculator to help you determine the appropriate division for your team.
Forms and Fees
General membership with Creative Competitions costs $135. Organizations may enter one team per problem per division in competition. There is a per team regional competition fee of $100, primary teams are charged a $20 fee. The Florida registration deadline is January 26, 2019.
Membership form (PDF)
Cost Limits
My organization does not have a lot of money, could we still be competitive?
Good news, yes you can be competitive because there are cost limits for every problem. Odyssey of the Mind promotes 21st century skills including problem solving and creative and critical thinking. The goal is not to see how much money a team can spend but how creative they can be in coming up with a problem solution. The problem synopses, also included in the welcome package, lists the cost limit for each long term problem.
Coach's Responsibilities
- Recruit team(s) of seven members each
- Coordinate team meetings including location
- Coordinate team(s) calendar(s) including deadlines
- Recruit one adult volunteer per team to serve as tournament worker during competition
- Act as a liaison between team(s) and tournament officials
- Be the team's #1 cheerleader
- Attend coach's training
Team Responsibilities
- Seven member teams solve Long-term and Spontaneous problem
- Only team members are allowed to solve the problems. Outside assistance is not permitted
- Team members attend team meetings
- Team members participate in Spontaneous Fair
Enjoy the Odyssey!
