GET INVOLVED
Destination Imagination (DI) is a non-profit, volunteer-led, cause-driven organization. Our purpose is to inspire and equip students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. Annually, we offer seven new standards-based Challenges in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math), Improv, Visual Arts, Service Learning, and Early Learning. Each Challenge is open-ended and enables student teams to learn and experience the creative process from imagination to innovation. Academic tournaments take place around the world where teams have the opportunity to present their solutions to trained appraisers. Students have fun and gain confidence in their ability to solve any challenge. In working to solve our Challenges, teams learn 21st century skills (creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, citizenship and courage) to build on their unique strengths. Most children K - 2nd grade join our performance only/noncompetitive Rising Stars program. Then 3rd grade through college age are part of our competitive Challenge teams.
WHAT IS DESTINATION IMAGINATION?
Sounds awesome, right!?
For the next step in getting your child involved in Destination ImagiNation, continue information gathering at our FAQ!
FAQ read & ready for details!?
Here are things you can expect once involved with Destination ImagiNation
Competitive Teams
3rd Grade and up
Rising Star Teams
K - 2nd Grade
Team Managers
Parents
Competitive DI teams MUST:
-Be comprised of 2-7 students
-Compete at the level (elementary, middle, etc.) of the OLDEST team member.
For this reason, members of a team are generally around the same age/ grade level, but this is not a requirement.
Competitive DI teams SHOULD:
-Understand the components of the program and the possible challenges in which they can participate. The central challenge and instant challenge facets of the program are described in detail on the international website (destinationimagination.org) and in the program materials. Each team should understand those facets and choose a central challenge based on their unique interests and talents.
Agree on their purpose.. (fun, competition, learning, etc.).
It is not a good idea to start the season with some students who just want to enjoy the program and others who are only happy if they are winning.
Understand the cost and time required from the beginning of the DI season. All team members (and team parents) need to be aware of the money and time that is necessary at each level of DI. To get the full benefit of DI, and for a team to work well, everyone should be on the same page in regard to the amount of time and money they are willing to spend. This agreement in the beginning will alleviate possible problems later in the season. To get an idea of the time needed for your challenge and age level, talk to experienced team managers or DI parents in your area or any of the DI contacts listed on this website. For an understanding of the cost of DI go »HERE«
Contain students with varying talents and personalities. Within each challenge, varying skills are required, so team members should represent this variety. Some may be technically minded, while others are more focused on artistic pursuits; some may think well on their feet, while others have to think over a period of time about a challenge; some may love to take the lead, while others are more comfortable in quiet roles. All of these skills and personalities are needed on a DI team!
This section is a work in progress.
How much should I expect to spend on Destination ImagiNation?
The cost to participate in DI varies from level-to-level and year-to-year,
but you can estimate a DI budget for each stage of creation and competition.
1. International registration
A one-time fee is required each year to register your team and receive your team number and materials. Currently it is $95 per team per year. You will have to see within your organization who is responsible for paying this.
2. Challenge solution
Most of the challenges have a maximum budget for the year. That budget cannot be exceeded in the FINAL SOLUTION created by the students. For a liberal estimate, double the maximum budget in your planning to account for trial and error in the team solution before they arrive at their final solution. A full explanation of challenge budgets is available in the “Rules of the Road” section of the program materials you will receive with your team number. Keep in mind that discarded items and second-hand items are a team’s best friends!
3. Regional registration and t-shirts
A nominal fee is required for teams to register for the East Region Tournament. Additionally, t-shirts (that are necessary if the team moves onto State competition) can be purchased. During the regular registration period the fee for Regional competition is $50 and it goes up to $100 during Late Registration. Check the calendar for dates.
4. State registration, travel, and t-shirts
State registration is similar to regional registration. However, the fee is higher, and travel should be included in your budget estimate depending on the location of the state tournament that year. T-shirts are available and MUST be purchased by teams that continue onto Global Finals.
5. Global Finals registration, travel, and merchandise
Global Finals is by far the most costly aspect of participation in DI competition. It is a good idea to look at DestinationImagiNation.org and understand the cost of Globals BEFORE your team earns the right to compete at this level. Parents should discuss how this will be paid for and handled ahead of time, and have a fundraising plan in place in case the team needs it. (Please check with your district to see how they want this to be handled and if fundraising is allowed. It is not allowed in all districts including MISD.)
RESPONSIBILITIES of a TEAM MANAGER
As a Team Manager you should plan on:
- Attending Team Manager training (these will be listed on our calendar when scheduled)
- Studying the DI Program materials. While it is not up to you to solve the challenges, it is up to you to make sure the team understands the rules of the program and of the challenge they have chosen to solve.
- Spending a lot of time with your team
- Giving up at least part a part of your garage for storage of props the team is working on
- Completing the online registration for your team at texasdi.org and submitting a completed registration form to your district or school coordinator by the registration for Regional competition deadline. Our Regional sign up information page is »HERE«
- Collecting T-Shirt and Pin orders from your team and submitting them to your district or school coordinator by the registration deadline.
- Keep up with team challenge clarifications that may be published from time to time by Destination Imagination Inc.
TIME NEEDED as a TEAM MANAGER
The time it takes to be a team manager varies depending on the type of challenge that your team chooses and the grade level of your team. Our suggestion is that you reach out to an experienced team manager to discuss team manager responsibilities and the time that it takes to work with DI. For more information and to find team managers who can help you, or contact an East Region Director via email on the contact page.
This section is a work in progress.
Once you have made the decision to become a Team Manager go to:
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