Destination Imagination is a unique, supportive, collaborative, life-changing program! I discovered it in 6th grade when I joined a team at my new school, and I participated up through high school graduation. DI nurtured my creativity, STEAM skills, even comfort with public speaking, and was a driving force in encouraging out of the box innovative thinking. Years later, I'm still volunteering with the program (and loving it) and am still friends with my teammates, despite the fact that we all live far spread across the country. I have gotten a job because I treated a group interview like a DI "Instant Challenge" (the interviewing panel stated that it was their favorite interview they'd ever participated in), and I have had success in creative and artistic fields because DI taught me how to press on and take risks. It's a wondrous program full of wondrous people, and is fun and educational for kids as well as adult volunteers.
I have worked in education for 38 years and have been involved with Destination Imagination for 25 years through the Washington Imagination Network (WIN). I have seen hundreds of my students and others develop skills in creative problem solving, presentation, drama, technology and team work through this engaging and well developed program. I have used the strategies both in training teachers and across the curriculum in teaching students. I have strengthened my own creative problem solving skills in the process! As a parent, a team manager, an appraiser, a regional director and a state board member - I have watched all facets of W.I.N. work tirelessly to bring this opportunity to the children, K-12, in the state of Washington. W.I.N. provides the structure of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of children to benefit from Destination Imagination.
Previous Stories
I have been in the field of education for 37 years and involved with Destination ImagiNation and other creative problem-solcing programs in WA in many capacities: a mom of a DI participant, a team manager, an appraiser, a trainer, a regional director, a state board member, a global volunteer. Obviously, I believe this is an essential program for a child's academic and affective growth. DI is curriculum that exemplifies best practices in teaching and learning.
My children were involved with DI from elementary school through high school, and I'm amazed at how many skills this program taught them along the way. They learn to problem solve under pressure, meet strict guidelines, work with others, and communicate to large groups. I have beena volunteer at the Olympic Regional competition for 15 years and never regret donating a moment of my time to this organization.