Odyssey of the Mind is an INTERNATIONAL creativity competition that helps students develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, math, language arts, engineering, science, writing, and the performing arts. This year, our team from Lake Mary Elementary, located in Lake Mary, FL, made it through regional and state competitions and is representing FLORIDA at the World Finals where they will be competing against teams from all around the world.

These students had to meet complicated and detailed requirements, build a vehicle to overcome obstacles like lifting the riders 3in off the floor, spinning in a circle backwards, and picking up items from the floor. They also had to write a script, and create their own props and costumes—all without parent or outside assistance as they could only rely on each other to come up with creative solutions. They must do all of the above within a $165.00 budget, so our team relied heavily on recycled materials.

On the day of the competitions, they also complete what are referred to as spontaneous challenges. In spontaneous, they walk into a room and are provided a problem that they have never seen before and are given eight minutes to come up with creative solutions while paying close attention to ways to earn the most points.

This team has worked incredibly hard for over six months, spending several hours a week (after all of their school time/activities) to prepare for this competition.

This is where they need YOUR help!

The World Finals are held from May 21st to 25th at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. In attendance will be the top two teams from other states as well as teams from over 20 countries all around the world. This event is larger than the Olympics!

In order to attend, these students need to raise as much money as possible to help pay travel expenses in less than 5 weeks. We are seeking donations to help cover these costs.

Every donation helps, no matter the size. Thank you for your support.