FUNDS FOR FUN. The Pablo Center's Odyssey of the Mind team, made up of several local youths, is aiming to fundraise $8,000 to cover their travel costs to the world finals event. (Photo via Facebook)

The Odyssey of the Mind team from the Pablo Center at the Confluence has qualified for the World Finals, and they need your help to get there.

Established in 1979, Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a worldwide extracurricular program for grade school students. The network promotes creative problem-solving, performance abilities, improvisation, and technical understanding, among other skills.

Each year, participating teams select a problem to address, which requires the students to write and perform a brief presentation, as well as overcome a technical challenge related to the scenario.

Speaking as a multi-year OM participant two decades later, it combines the teamwork and competitive spirit of youth sports, shop class, theatre, and gamified learning. The extra curricular program embodies a challenge-based model that draws students together.

"This team of seven incredibly talented girls, grades 4-6 from area schools and homeschool programs, has spent months building, inventing, and problem-solving their way to this moment."

the pablo center

on the odyssey of the mind team headed to world finals

This division two Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team — coached by Tammy Schmitz and composed of young girls from local schools and homeschools — competed in the "classics" category, according to a Pablo Center press release.

“This team of seven incredibly talented girls, grades 4–6 from area schools and homeschool programs, has spent months building, inventing, and problem-solving their way to this moment,” the release noted.

The team’s challenge involved three distinct elements: devise a performance focused on a character from classic literature, develop a gourmet meal inspired by that character, and invent a working cooking gadget. Each part of the challenge drew inspiration from Winnie the Pooh, the classic literary figure they selected.

Since their category was chosen, the group began their project in October, leading them to secure first place in division two at a regional competition in Bangor, WI. The Eau Claire team will now head to the world finals in Michigan this May.

The world finals event often sees over 25,000 students from around the world in attendance, a massive showcase of young creative talent, Schmitz said. To facilitate team attendance, OM is holding a fundraising campaign with a goal of $8,000 to cover travel costs.

“Pablo Center remains committed to providing hands-on, innovative programs like Odyssey of the Mind to empower the next generation of creative thinkers. By investing in students today, we help shape a more imaginative and inspired tomorrow,” the release shared.

Support the team by donating online via the Pablo Center's Education Funds webpage. For further details or to inquire about other ways to contribute, please contact mary@pablocenter.org.