Odyssey Of The Mind
Melissa Spruill melissa.spruill@bcsemail.org

What Is Odyssey Of The Mind?

Odyssey of the Mind is an international competition that promotes good sportsmanship, team building and creative problem solving. Teams compete on the regional, state and world levels.  Emphasis is placed on working together as a team, creativity and problem solving, as well as designing costumes, building props and scenery, writing, choreography, poetry, etc. Coaches aid students in keeping time limits, transporting teams to hunt for materials that can't be scavenged from home or yard sales and providing opportunities for research and the teaching of new skills. Other than this support, the teams are basically on their own. Students must sign a code of ethics stating that they had no outside assistance. They are also required to present their solutions on a strict budget. 

In the past, Fairview School has had teams advance to the state and world competitions, as well as placing first in the world. a few years ago.  We rely on parent coaches and offer full training and guidance through the Odyssey of the Mind season (September thru March).  Teams of seven children meet after school, on teacher work days, or weekends, depending on the schedules of the coach and team members. 

Interested?  Go to www.odysseyofthemind.org        www.ncom.org,         or see Melissa Spruill at Fairview School for more information.