ODYSSEY OF THE MIND
Odyssey of the Mind (OotM) is an international child-centered educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities. Belmont Ridge Middle School team members work together over several months on long-term solutions and spontaneous activities. Then they bring their long-term problem solutions to be judged at the Dulles Voices # 16 Regional Tournament. They may have the opportunity to compete at the Virginia State Tournament and at the World Finals, depending on placement.
COACHES WANTED
Each individual team will require a minimum of (5) team members with a maximum of (7) team members and at least (1) coach. A coach must be at least 18 years of age or older. A coach can be a parent, a teacher, a grandparent, college-age sibling or a neighborhood friend.
TIME COMMITMENT
While this is a fantastic opportunity for students, it involves a significant amount of time for both the parents and the students. Students select one long-term problem to work on throughout the school year. They brainstorm, build sets & props, paint, act, sing, dance, and make new friends.
It is up to the individual coach and the team members to set a schedule. It will vary from team to team and how competitive they want to be. A minimum will likely be once per week for a few hours up to several times a week for several hours each time.
All team meetings are held outside the normal school day.
PARENTS
Parents may become an assistant coach, a spontaneous coach, or just help out the primary coach. Generally speaking, the parents are responsible for snacks, drinks, material costs, and either volunteering or judging at the competitions.
COSTS
The costs of the Odyssey of the Mind membership is paid by Belmont Ridge Middle School. Individual team costs will be decided upon by the specific coach of each team. Generally speaking, it runs anywhere from $ 50.00 to $ 75.00 per team member. Additional costs may be charged for team t-shirts, training, field trips, etc.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information may be sought out by visiting the following website - www.odysseyofthemind.com or our local website www.nwvoices.org
Or by contacting the Belmont Ridge Middle School Coordinator
Please put BEMS Odyssey in the subject line
