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Odyssey Angels to Help Communities Worldwide

Odyssey of the Mind students are special because not only can they accomplish anything they put their minds to — they know that they can! Participants also learn to use their creativity to solve problems —and that there is always more than one way to solve them. Because of this, CCI will be unveiling a new charity group called Odyssey Angels this summer. While it will still be a competition, many people will reap benefits simply by being a part of the charity program and many neighborhoods will reap benefits from housing these exceptional students and families.

Who can participate?
Anyone can participate! The only limitation is that one person in the Odyssey Angel group is on an Odyssey of the Mind team. The group can be of any size and made up of any individuals with no age limitations. It can be a family, a class, a team, a group of friends – anyone who wants to help their community. In Odyssey Angels “Outside Assistance” is a good thing!

Who does it benefit?
The focus of an Odyssey Angel group can be anything within the neighborhood they live in. Groups should start observing neighborhoods now – look for anything that could use creative problemsolving. (See below for brainstorming ideas.) This is the chance for students to utilize their strengths and help others. Aside from communities around the world that will benefit, participants that form an Odyssey Angels team will also learn important lessons in teamwork, creative problem-solving, compassion, and more.

How is it a competition?
Each group will register at odysseyangels.org. Odyssey Angels will explain their charity project and results. Then CCI will choose one that it considers to be not only creative, but beneficial to the community. That group will be invited to World Finals to present its experiences at the Creativity Festival. Learn more this summer once the web site is unveiled.

How much does it cost?
There is no charge to become an Odyssey Angel. The only responsibility is to find creative ways to help solve a problem within your local community and attempt to do it.

Others not involved in Odyssey Angels can also choose to become a sponsor. This is a perfect sponsorship opportunity for those who believe in children and families getting involved with their communities. Sponsoring an Odyssey Angel team will benefit students by helping them utilize their creative problem-solving abilities as well as helping neighborhoods. You can also donate to the program at: Odyssey Angels: 406 Ganttown Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 (More information forthcoming).

Becoming an Odyssey Angel is simple — just follow a few guidelines and have the desire to help others! While the program is in the planning stage, now is a good time to take notice of someone or something that you can help within your community.

ODYSSEY ANGELS INSPIRATION
A team from the Burton School District in California has been receiving accolades for combining its creative problem solving skills with public service. Over the past years, they've helped numerous friends and classmates overcome physical disabilities through their inventions. Behind this generous and inspiring team is seasoned coach Todd “Hoss” McNutt. Both the team and its coach have received awards within Odyssey of the Mind and they continue to be an inspiration to all.

ODYSSEY ANGEL BRAINSTORM

Winter 2011 Odyssey of the Mind Newsletter Page 3 Every community has different needs and situations, so YOU are the best expert of what area needs help within your community. There are many ways to help others, and as part of Odyssey of the Mind, you are uniquely equipped to think of an outside- of-the-box solution to those in need. While there is no limit to who or what an Odyssey Angel can do to help in neighborhoods, here are a few areas that you can take note of in order to start brainstorming. Perhaps you can combine items in categories to solve a problem. The options are limitless!

ELDERLY: Are there senior centers in your community? Is there a way you can assist seniors in your community? Can you think of a way to help with chores, make someone laugh or keep someone company?

ENVIRONMENTAL: Is there a park or playground that needs renovation? Does your area have a community garden or a place to plant vegetables? Does some part of your community need beautifying? Do you see some other area that is lacking? Can you think of a new way to recycle a previously thrown-out item, or a way to make something that appears useless into something useful?

SCHOOLMATES: Is there someone in need that could use your creative abilities? Remember the Odyssey of the Mind team that helped inspire Odyssey Angels: they used their engineering skills to build a prosthetic arm for a fellow classmate and modified another friend’s wheelchair so he could join marching band. Don’t just concentrate on mechanical skills, perhaps younger students are missing out on taking part in more theatrical activities such as dancing, singing, or acting. Remember use your particular Odyssey of the Mind creative problem-solving skills to help!

FAMILIES/GROUPS: Are there other groups or families that could use assistance in some way? Can you build something for them? Entertain? Help in other ways by solving a problem?

ANIMALS/PETS: Is there an animal shelter in need? How can you use your creativity to help stray animals or shelters better care for animals? Perhaps they need supplies like blankets, or dogwalkers?