Destination Imagination is a STEAM creative problem-solving organization focused on teaching children from kindergarten through college to innovate, problem-solve, and develop strong teamwork and communication skills.

School districts worldwide compete in regional, state, and global competitions. Through project-based learning, they are encouraged to learn the scientific and technical skills to bring their creative ideas to life. The sky is the limit with these kids!

Ipswich sponsored two teams this year: the middle school team (6 kids) competed in the Technical Challenge, and the elementary school team (7 kids) chose the Fine Arts Challenge. They met weekly, brainstormed incredible ideas to address their challenges, tried some and failed, picked themselves up and tried again. DI focuses on inclusion and teamwork - teams learn that everyone has great ideas and what seems to be impossible tasks are accomplished when everyone works together.

After several months of hard work, they developed solutions to their challenges that not only impressed us (their coaches) but also impressed the judges! The middle school team placed third in the state, and the elementary school team earned first place!

Both teams earned an invitation to compete in the global competition in Kansas City, MO in late May. They have the opportunity to interact with approximately 12,000 other kids who are also competing at the global event and learn about different lifestyles and cultures from all over the US and over 20 other countries. In addition, they get to show off all they have accomplished - and represent Ipswich - on a huge stage.

Now we are faced with the difficult challenge of raising funds to get them there. Each team has to pay an entry fee of $5,500, and we have to find the funds for travel expenses to make sure that everyone can participate - no matter the family's financial situation.

We are on a mission to expand the world for these hard-working kids - won't you join us? Thank you. :)