Not only has Odyssey of the Mind grown as a business, but it has grown as a family. As children continue to take part in the program, parents, coaches and teachers continue as well. Many Odyssey problem captains, association directors, and other volunteers stay with Odyssey long after their children graduate from the program. Families even vacation together to be a part of World Finals, and they still volunteer in their spare time.

"Odyssey of the Mind is a very big part of our family life. Our daughters each had the opportunity to compete at World Finals. The experience allowed them to become thinkers and doers. It gave them the opportunity to discover talents they did not know they had. It provided them with leadership skills, team-building, and confidence, all which have continued into their adult lives. Because of the Odyssey of the Mind program, we have memories to last a lifetime," said Mark Lopes. Mark and his wife have been long-time volunteers in California.

"What began as something mom did as an extra duty at school turned out to be a total family affair. I went on to become state director and both of my daughters have volunteered as judges. It is something we will always remember with greatest regards."

International Spontaneous Problem Captain Joy Kurtz agrees that Odyssey of the Mind can be an important family activity. "As the IPC for spontaneous, I have had several generations of mothers and daughters, fathers and daughters, and sons judging for me! How lucky to have a program where we are so intergenerational."

The Kurtz family is also heavily involved in the program -- with husband, Harold, and her children volunteering at various levels. She remembers one story involving her daughter June and OotM as one of her favorite mother-daughter moments.

"June was on a high school team with many of her friends, and judged in college. When she became a teacher, she also became an Odyssey coach. Although my daughter and I had many wonderful Odyssey experiences together, none can compare with the special feelings we shared as I helped her with her first teams. I went with her on competition day. I can't explain the incredible closeness we felt as mother and daughter as we shared the nervousness and happiness while we watched her teams compete. I knew that feeling as a coach, but watching my daughter as she coached was very special."

In a time of big corporations, Odyssey of the Mind continues to be a family-run business that strives to make creative problem-solving fun for all. Much of Founder Dr. Sam's family runs the program, with his son as Program Director. Even his young grandchildren help conceive long-term problem ideas! They joined him onstage last year at World Finals as co-creators of problem three.

While Odyssey of the Mind's intention is to help form generations of creative students, it also has had a pleasant side effect. It has helped bring generations of families closer. Odyssey of the Mind is not just a school activity -- it has become a family activity as well.

"Odyssey is a special program -- and participating as a family is certainly rewarding," said Kurtz.


(Left): Former participants and volunteers Shauna (now in pharmacy school) and Janae Lopes (now in law school) with Dr. Sam at 1998 WF. (Right): Three generations of motherdaughter problem-solvers: Joy Kurtz, June Kurtz, and her daughter Sydney at an Odyssey event.