If you start the program at your school, the best way is to coach the first team – alone or together with a colleague or a parent...
If you want to learn more about the program before starting it at your school, or you want to broaden your Odyssey experience, it may be a good idea to start as an Official...
You can support your child by hosting team sessions, car pool, transporting props, watching the team’s performance and observing your child’s learning process.
With several teams in one school, it is recommended to elect a school coordinator. He/she communicates with Odyssey of the Mind Germany on behalf of the coaches...
If you want to support the organization and help us organize competitions and other events, join the board...
As a youth competition, “Odyssey of the Mind” serves an educational purpose. Creativity, teamwork and international understanding play a major role. Additionally, many other skills are trained within the program.
To learn more about why your school should participate as well as getting tips on initiating the program, please contact our Team Coordinators.
You may teach the team members skills they need for the solution of the problem, which they later can transfer to creating props and costumes. However, it is crucial to be aware of the Outside Assitance rule:
You may not provide ideas, influence the kids or work on costumes, props or texts used in the performance.
If you do, this may result in penalties for the team. Please do not forget that the childrens’ experience is even grander when they meet the challenges on their own!
“Odyssey of the Mind” in Germany began in the state of Brandenburg. The program was evaluated by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and is listed as an endorsed competiton.
Past and present Ministers of Education in Brandenburg have been patrons of Odyssey of the Mind competitions. Recently, Minister Dr. Martina Münch was the patron of the Eurofest 2013.
Various school districts have supported the participation of their schools, for instance by paying the participation fees.
Schools have to pay a small membership fee to Odyssey of the Mind Deutschland e.V., 75 € for their first year and afterwards 150 € per school year.
Teams who participate in the German Finals will have to pay a competition fee of 10-15 € per person. One Coach per team is exempt from this fee! In return, all participants receive the annual Odyssey t-shirt and other small complimentary favors. Not included are costs for transportation, accommodation or catering.
Of course, teams need materials, tools, etc. They may be able to find some of these at their parents’ workshops, at school or in the recycling. Some of it will have to be bought, however each Long-term problem includes a cost limit of about 100 €. These costs may be covered by a cake sale, for example.
If a team qualifies for the World Finals and wishes to participate, or it registers for the Eurofest, additional transportation costs and participation fees apply.