Odyssey of the Mind, often called OM, is a creative problem-solving program involving students from kindergarten through college. Team members work together at length to solve a predefined problem (the long-term problem); and present their solution to the problem at a competition. They must also participate in the spontaneous portion of the competition by generating solutions to a problem they have not seen before. While the long-term problem solution often takes months to complete and involves various elements of theatrical performance, construction and design, the spontaneous portion occurs the day of the competition.

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiative in education is closely linked to creative problem solving. Odyssey of the Mind is a program that guides students who are capable of new solutions and better decisions. Beyond teaching science and math content, this is an opportunity to provide our students with experiences centered on design, innovation, engineering, and technology in order to increase creativity, inventiveness, ingenuity, and imagination capabilities. The Odyssey of the Mind experience fosters these characteristics.

The program is based on parent volunteers who become coaches and co-coaches. Typically, teams meet once a week either at school or at another place depending on the coach. The day of the week is determined by the coach. The students usually start meeting in late October/early November through competition day, which is on March 18th, 2023. The 2023 Delaware State Tournament is being held at Lake Forest High School and Lake Forest Central Elementary School. For more information, please utilize the links at the top of this website. You can also find more information on the Delaware OM website: https://www.deootm.org/

There will be an information night held virtually on Monday, October 10th. Please see the flyer above for more information.