Islesford students are eager to participate in this international creative problem solving experience.

“I think it’s fun because we all get to put our ideas together and make really cool stuff”, says Heather Spurling, a fifth grader entering her third year of mind-stretching activities. She is one of six students on this year’s team; the others include Christy Spurling, Emily Thomas, and Christina, Frances and Gretchen Blank.
An Island Communities Grant from the Island Institute helped pay for the membership and problem materials.

The team is coached by islander Rob Mocarsky and his wife, Katya. Rob is in his seventh year as an OM or DI coach, and spent the past two years working with teams in Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic where Rob was stationed as a Peace Corps Volunteer. He feels that the benefits of participation in DI go beyond “thinking outside the box” to improving students’ confidence and teamwork in all areas.

DI teams work together to solve two types of problems – spontaneous Instant Challenges that reward “thinking on your feet” and a more complex long-term challenge that is prepared for a March competition.

The Islesford team members chose the problem “StranDId” and are preparing a skit that will use a creative mechanical contraption to rescue stranded team members.

Songwriting, drama and humor are usually important elements in any DI or OM performance, as well as the requirement that team members alone be responsible for everything they create (no outside assistance).

“I like being able to use my mind creatively and it gives me something to do after school,” says Emily Thomas.

DI does fit well with island schools’ limitations, since most teams only require five to seven members, and students don’t need to head off-island until the big competition in March.

Three years ago, under the Odyssey of the Mind program, there were two Islesford teams. One finished third at the Regional Finals, the other won their problem’s division and went on to a close second place finish at the State Finals. While students may hope for a repeat of that thrilling finish, they know it’ll be a fun, creative ride either way.

For information on how to bring Destination ImagiNation to your school or community, contact Rob Mocarsky at 244-0536.