Learn about OotM founder, Dr. Sam's adventures in creativity and about how Odyssey of the Mind got its start in "The
Spirit of Creativity." This book describes Dr. Sam's experiences with education, creativity, and with Odyssey, along with
his many international travels. It will also give you a behind-the-scenes view of how the program and World Finals is run.
Here's an excerpt from Chapter Five, "Anecdotes of Odyssey of the Mind."
There have been countless stories about Odyssey of the
Mind. Everyone involved in the program has stories to
tell. These are overwhelmingly positive. This chapter
contains some of them. Some are humorous, some helped to
shape the program, and some are stories that I just hope you
enjoy. They bring back fond memories for those of us who have
experienced them, and hopefully will bring a smile to those
reading about them for the first time.
Why OMER had to be a Raccoon.
Why was a raccoon chosen to be the Odyssey of the Mind
mascot? This question has been asked many times. When our family
was young we went camping. We found that raccoons and
campgrounds go together. They soon became our favorite animal.
From our cabin, we would often take drives to see wildlife. One
day we were driving though the woods and came upon a remote
trading post. We stopped for sodas and I bought three small
ceramic raccoons chained together.
Later that year, I made Carole a pen and ink drawing of raccoons
for Christmas. As I began my two-million-mile journey
spreading Odyssey of the Mind, I bought raccoons in airport gift
shops and local boutiques. When I decided to have a mascot for
Odyssey of the Mind, there was no doubt that it would be a raccoon.
Omer is perfect. He has led the U.S. Army band, and the
U.S. Army's Golden Knights carried his flag in a parachute jump.
He is very popular with the kids and adults at competitions.
Carole and I have over 1,000 raccoons in our collection.
Each year we have one of our Christmas trees with only raccoon
ornaments. I put it outside on our lanai and enjoy it every evening
from my chair in our family room. Living in Florida is living in
raccoon country. When we see one, it's like seeing an old friend -
except for that one that took my sunglasses out of my golf cart. On
the other hand, he or she dropped my glasses where I could get
them back. We can't wait to see another raccoon.
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