Odyssey of the Mind is an international event/competition on problem-solving, that will happen in stages: Zone, State and World level. It gives kids exposure in different areas and encourages them to speak up and work together as a team.
Odyssey of the Mind is about friendship and family, finding that hidden talent/passion. It's not just a place to learn how to solve a problem but it's also a place to:
Learn to be a problem solver in an ever-changing world.
Build the skills, expertise, and training necessary to solve tomorrow's problems.
Have fun and be creative.
Improve on cooperation, self-respect and appreciation and understanding of others.
Some testimonials and reviews:
How OotM enhances education?
Teaches creative problem solving.
Builds confidence.
Rewards risk taking.
Emphasizes teamwork skills.
Helps form lifelong friendships.
Incorporates the arts into education.
Teaches time & financial budgeting.
Applies personal interests to learning.
Makes learning fun!
2024-2025 Resources
Important Dates
Norcal Spont Day #1 - Saturday, Dec 7, 2025 @ Santa Rosa
Norcal Spont Day #2 - Saturday, Dec 14, 2025 @ San Ramon
Mock Spont Day - Sunday, Jan 12, 2025 @Milpitas High School
Norcal Regional Qualifying Tournaments
Tournament #1 - Saturday, Feb 8, 2025 (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM) @ Edna Hill Middle School, Brentwood, CA
Tournament #2 - Saturday, Feb 22, 2025 (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM) @ Inderkum High School, Sacramento, CA
State Tournament - Saturday, Mar 8, 2025 (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM) @ Concord High School, Concord, CA
World Finals - May 21 - 24, 2025 @ Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
More info about volunteering
Considering volunteering? Kudos to you! Just that thought means that you are ready to make a meaningful contribution to next generation's problem solvers.
So, what exactly is required of volunteering?
Volunteers for the team are required to be 18+ years of age. While parents/relative volunteers are an active and integral part of this program; they are not required and should not assist in solving the problems. You’ll be surprised at the ideas that kids come up with when challenged to solve the problems and are trained to think outside-the-box. After all, today’s solutions may not solve the problems of tomorrow. And that’s exactly what OOtM prepares the kids for.
So, what exactly is expected of the volunteers?
They are there to coach the team and kindle the creative side, to encourage the kids to really think out-of-the box, to explain the rules and scoring of the competition, to hold brainstorming sessions and make sure they are done in a safe environment with no criticism to any kind of idea, to take them to the competition venue and see the other awesome ideas. They are there to teach the kids skills needed while they work through the problem. For example, if the team needs to sew something for their project, coaches/volunteers can teach them sewing skills, but they are not allowed to sew the actual item. They are there to provide emotional support, and just be there for them. It’s going to be a fun and rewarding experience for the volunteers. And through the experience the volunteers improve their own mentoring skills!!
More details can be found here.
You are starting a journey that is fun and rewarding to both you and the team members. You may encounter trying times occasionally, but the rewards will far outnumber them. Remember to have fun and that meeting the challenge is what’s most important.
Every team that does this is a winner!
Regional Tournament Results
We are thrilled to share the results of the Odyssey of the Mind regional qualifiers, held on February 8th in Brentwood, CA! After months of hard work and creativity, our teams impressed the judges with their innovative solutions and engaging performances.
We are incredibly proud to announce that all three of our teams have advanced to the state-level competition, which will take place on March 8th in Concord, CA. Please join us in congratulating them and wishing them the very best for the next round!
🥇 Problem 4 (Structure) – 1st Place
The team designed and built a load-bearing structure using balsa wood and glue, representing an animal home. Their performance featured an unusual animal rescue character who helps find homes for rescued animals.
Team Members:
Ananya C.
Anika P.
Bhuvan T. M.
Maanvi V.
Nandita G.
Riya S.
Sparsh M.
🥈 Problem 2 (Robotics) – 2nd Place
The team created an original robotic animal designed to bring happiness to people. They impressed the judges with their design, engineering, and storytelling.
Team Members:
Aarini M.
Aarush G.
Anoushka S.
Natasha M.
Yusha I.
Zuhayr H
🥉 Problem 1 (Vehicle) – 3rd Place
The team designed, built, and operated an all-terrain vehicle to transport riders on a race for a prize. Their ingenuity and technical skills earned them a strong finish in the competition.
Team Members:
Akira P.
Maya P.
Orion K.
Sloka P.
Tashvi S.
Vivian H.
🌟 Notable Mention – Primary Division
This team performed an original skit about a time traveler who journeys to the past to find inspiration for building one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Team Members:
Aaradhana B.
Mithra P.
Raad A.
Tanvikaa K. B.
Vaibhav M.
We are so proud of these talented students and their dedication to creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Let’s cheer them on as they prepare for the state-level competition!
2021 - 2022 Program
It’s a proud moment for us to say that this year 4 teams participated in the Regional level of competition Odyssey of the mind.
🐝2 teams from primary group (kindergarten to grade 2) are non-competitive showcase teams. They did exceptionally well and receive positive feedbacks. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
💪2 teams from Grade-3 to Grade-6 secured second positions in SiliconValley/Delta region 🏆 and moving for North California competition level at the end of this month.
We congratulate them and wish them all the best for the next round in state level.🙏