Destination Imagination
Experts around the world agree that a country's ability to innovate will be a key determinant of success in the 21st century economy, but Canada's position internationally continues to erode. The Conference Board recently ranked Canada 14th out of the 17 major industrialized nations, down from 13th last year. They further commented that Canada was in an "innovation crisis", and that "...every province needs to treat innovation and creativity skill development as a key priority if long term success and sustained growth is to be achieved".
In order to address this need, and with the support of the Ministry of Education, Destination ImagiNation (DI) British Columbia recently received a $100,000 BC Community Gaming Grant targeted to help 500 additional elementary schools across the province experience this important 21st century skills development program for students.
Destination ImagiNation, the world’s largest creative problem solving program for K-12 youth, is an educational program in which student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at Tournaments. Teams are tested to think on their feet, work together and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of the Challenges. Participants gain more than just basic knowledge and skills—they learn to unleash their imaginations and take unique approaches to problem solving.
Typically an after school program, DI is offered in 9 Canadian provinces, all 50 US states and more than 28 countries worldwide,
Destination ImagiNation gives young people the opportunity to learn key life skills, including teamwork, improved communication, critical thinking, presentation, leadership and creativity skills... and all while having fun. The program has in excess of 60 thousand dedicated volunteers across North America, all committed to helping young people develop a broadened 21st century skill set and improved self worth
In addition to the hundreds of school currently participating in every region of the province, roughly 500 additional elementary schools and kindergartens will receive complimentary DI memberships and a Rising Stars (primary) starter kit to help experience this wonderful program.
Children from primary through high school will tackle interesting and open ended 'Challenges' that incorporate science, engineering, community outreach, theatre, and improvisation, plus will also develop ‘think on your feet’ skills from the instant challenge part of the program. All teams will be invited to participate in 12 regional tournaments that will take place near the end of February/early March where their solutions will be showcased.
Team memberships will start being distributed across the Province in September.
For more information, contact Faith Garriock at bcdi@shaw.ca and you can also download the following:
Destination Imagination - White Paper
And visit the Destination Imagination website: www.bcdi.org
