When you’re young, every success and failure is a learning experience. In today’s structured world, finding opportunities for kids to challenge their minds and explore solutions can be hard to come by. Odyssey of the Mind, a creative problem-solving competition created to challenge youth from kindergarten to college, is providing that opportunity for thousands of kids around the world.
Dr. Sam Micklus created Odyssey of the Mind in the 1970s. In his Industrial Design classes at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in New Jersey, he often challenged his students with unique assignments meant to spur creative solutions. He believed learning should be fun, and hands-on learning offered meaningful results. One of his assignments became quite infamous. The challenge: cross a lake without getting wet. He didn’t ask them to build a boat. He didn’t want to limit their imagination. The results were varied and intriguing.
His classes started gaining local media attention, and captivated teachers wanted in on the action. In 1978, middle and high schools in New Jersey had a competition using Dr. Sam’s problems, and the Odyssey of the Mind competition was born.
Odyssey of the Mind (OM) has grown into an international program, challenging youth across the United States and around the world. Each year, students compete in one of six problems designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving while incorporating concepts from science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.
Teams of up to seven students reveal their solutions to their chosen problem through a creative 8-minute performance in front of a group of judges. The skit, all props and costumes, as well as their technical solution, are all developed by the team members with no help from parents or coaches. This is considered their long-term solution, worth up to 200 points. Each team also gains up to 50 additional style points in problem-specific challenges that encourage unique uses of materials. A final 100 additional points can be earned during the spontaneous portion of the competition – when the team enters a room and is tasked with a small challenge on the spot.
Participating teams compete with others in their division (based on the grade of the oldest team member) starting at the regional level. This is their first opportunity to share their hard work and see the many other solutions used to solve the same problem. Teams that do well at the regional level can earn the opportunity to compete again at the state level. The best teams at the state level earn the opportunity to share their solutions among the best teams from all over the world.
Each problem requires kids to think creatively, developing unique solutions that no other teams might consider. This process requires months of brainstorming and trial and error, often failing many times before finding a solution that works. Kids learn how to work as a team, delegate tasks, develop time management skills and how to learn from failure and try again. It’s truly the ultimate “group project”.
The benefits to students go far beyond the STEAM muscles they exercise solving the problem. For many kids, this is their first taste of independence. Coaches provide a structured environment for the kids to explore their solutions, without the influence of well-meaning parents and siblings. The sense of satisfaction when they solve a problem is palpable. Success often breeds more success, and the environment encourages them to try bigger and bolder solutions. This environment also has the added benefit of developing deep bonds among the team members, with many teams competing together for years, creating lifelong friendships. OM is a place where many kids truly “find their tribe.”
The benefits of Odyssey of the Mind follow kids into their future working world, too. Odyssey of the Mind has a large global alumni network. Many former participants credit OM with helping them develop problem-solving, teamwork, and creative-thinking skills that continue to benefit them throughout their careers, bringing value to their workplaces and employers.
As much value as this non-profit organization brings to the community, it can’t function without the community’s support. According to local Gulf Coast Odyssey of the Mind leaders (gcodyssey.com), which includes Pasco and Hernando counties, the region saw 85 teams compete at the regional level in 2026, with over 1,500 in attendance from teams, coaches and other supporters and volunteers. They require over 200 volunteers offering their time to judge or support the tournament in other ways each year. The cost to field the tournament also continues to rise, and the region is always looking for sponsors to help support their efforts that directly impact students and families in our local community.
The next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists, and leaders is already hard at work solving Odyssey of the Mind challenges in classrooms and community spaces across Pasco County. In a world that often rewards having the right answer, OM teaches something even more valuable: how to find one. Through creativity, collaboration, perseverance, and innovation, students gain skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Whether through volunteering, sponsorship, coaching, or simply encouraging a child to participate, community support helps ensure these opportunities remain available for future generations. Every problem solved on an Odyssey team is more than a competition challenge. It’s a lesson in confidence, resilience, and the power of believing that there is always another way forward.