Destination ImagiNation (DI)

Destination ImagiNation is a community-based, school-friendly program that builds participants’ creativity, problem solving, and teamwork in enjoyable and meaningful ways. Teams of students choose one of several challenges (e.g. improvisational, technical, scientific, service, fine arts) to create solutions over several months. Students also prepare for an instant challenge (could be performance or building-related) for the day of competition. The goals of Destination ImagiNation are for participants to:

•    Foster creative and critical thinking.
•    Learn and apply creative problem solving method and tools.
•    Develop teamwork, collaboration, and leadership skills.
•    Nurture research and inquiry skills, involving both creative exploration and attention to detail.
•    Enhance and apply written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
•    Promote the recognition, use, and development of many varied strengths and talents.
•    Encourage competence in, enthusiasm for, and commitment to real-life problem solving.

 

Whittier students of all ages can be part of DI: each team needs an adult volunteer to be “Team Manager” and each team can include 2-7 students. Teams work together to solve challenges and present their solutions in the DI Regional Tournament, traditionally held the first weekend in March in Glen Ellyn. Qualifying teams may participate in the affiliate tournament (April, DeKalb IL), and even the globals tournament in Kansas City, Missouri (May) with over 1400 other teams.  

Whittier has had a strong presence at DI for many years with several teams participating. There are many students and adult team managers with prior experience who can provide advice and guidance, and the PTA has generously supported teams with help towards the initial registration cost.

For more information on what DI is all about, please visit the website at destinationimagination.org.

If you’d like to learn more about DI at Whittier, ask questions, or start a team for the upcoming year, please contact Debbie Dobrez at dobrezdebbie@gmail.com.

Upcoming Dates

Whittier DI Open House – Parents and students who would like to learn more about DI are invited to join us for more information, and to participate in some fun instant challenges on September 27th, 6pm, in the Jaguar Jungle.

 

March 2 – Regional Competition in Glen Ellyn.

 

April (date TBD) – Affiliate (state) competition in DeKalb for qualifying teams

 

May (date TBD) – Global competition in Kansas City for qualifying teams