As a former coach, I would say not to start until the kids are at least 3rd grade, maybe 4th. Younger than that, it really is babysitting. And mayhem. Younger kids can't stay on task long enough to get anything meaningful accomplished.

I don't see why a team can't start in January, as that's when the registration is required to go to regionals, or use to be. Now, quality the team comes up with starting that late may be questionable.

DS did it from 6th grade through HS, going to Worlds one year of high school. Big commitment for the kids and parents but biggest commitment is for parents NOT to provide outside assistance. A good team that clicks is incredible. His group still keep in touch even though years now out of college. The school must have a membership but team members can be from different schools, just compete under one school name. I have judged for a number of years, talking to the kids after they performed is fun, and you can tell their investment in it. The other part of OotM that is always overlooked is spontaneous which truly shows how well a team works and how creative they can be since they don't know what to expect and parents and judges can't be there.

It's a fantastic program, but definitely not for all. Kids have to want it and keep in mind, fun is the desired outcome.

I felt like the program could be a lot shorter. I wish you could just start in January and then go to the competition.

And it's suppose to be a "parent free" event. Some coaches will guide the team to help them work, while other coaches are clearly micro-managing their teams. However, the judges can tell where parental involvement is or isn't

My DS has done it for years. They like it when they place 2nd - it is the highest without having to go to states! They actually don't want to go to states (means rebuilding again)

Each team needs 3 volunteers - the coach, a judge and a volunteer. We have had the same parent volunteer for judging the last 3 years for our team. It means he misses his DS event, but he really enjoys being a judge and seeing all the teams.

Former coach here- you will also get parents who view this as babysitting time as well as suck up activities to put on their child's AAP application.

It all depends on the coach. Our well meaning coach didn't know how to manage a group of kids or keep them busy enough so some kids got out of control.

OP here. Thanks for all the feedback.

It is a lot of work, but my son and his friends continued through high school and went to the international finals at Michigan State when they were seniors.

It was a great experience on many levels, one of which is learning to work with other people, deadlines, and pushing your self hard to do something you believe in. Also, I think the kids learned something too.

You pretty much just have to start a team, once you have the kids - the school will probably be happy to give you the space etc. I would be very careful about having it be "open to everyone" because you are inexperienced, and you don't want kids you can't handle. You should also be careful to get a commitment from ALL the parents about the ways they have to support the program and you and that their children are available for all the dates they need to be available. I would not take 3rd graders - too young.

Anonymous wrote:Is there any way to get into it if your school doesn't have a team?

Start a team at your school:

http://www.novanorth.org/wp/?page_id=1274

Anonymous wrote:Is there any way to get into it if your school doesn't have a team?

I think you can create your own team (I believe it has to be at least 4 kids) for homeschooled kids:

http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/learn_more.php

Just scroll down to the Membership section.

Is there any way to get into it if your school doesn't have a team?

Anonymous wrote:
It is a big time committment. You need a very good coach or it can be painful.

A thousand times this.

Not at Spring Hill, but yes, my child did it twice. Went to states both times.

It is very fun in elementary school, but it is weird and the people who are into it (the adults and high school kids) can be too into it.

It is a big time committment. You need a very good coach or it can be painful.

Has anyone had their elementary kids at Springhill Elementary do this? Was it worth it or not? Thanks in advance.