WESTERN PA
Odyssey of the Mind
WELCOMe
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem solving program and competition for students in grades K-college. It fosters teamwork, divergent thinking, risk-taking, creativity - and much more! Students work in small teams and solve open-ended problems. They learn to think on their feet, analyze results, & see things differently! It's FUN & CHALLENGING. If you've never done Odyssey of the Mind before, this is your year to start!
Thank You!
Events
2023-2024
Events printable version
Zoom Link for all online events
ODYSSEY ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION & TRAINING
Moderated Q & A / Training - Zoom Calls
#1 Sept. 26, 2023 - Coordinators Kick-off
#2 Oct. 16 - Coach Kick-off
#3 Nov. 13 - focus on coaches
#4 Dec. 11 - focus on coaches
#5 Jan. 8 - focus coaches & coordinators
#6 Jan. 22 - focus on judges
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Zoom Call
Please link to RSVP
Monthly meetings for coaches and coordinators looking for insight, guidance, tips, and much more. We'll answer all your questions. Experienced coaches/coordinators on hand.
Jan 22 focus on Judges. Mandatory attendance to be on call or view recording before Judge Training.
COACH TRAINING #1
Novice to Advanced Coach Training - In Person
November 11, 2023
8:30 am start
Boyce Middle School - Right Entrance
Please LINK for information and registration
Coach Training is a great resource for coaches and anyone, really, who wants to know more about Odyssey. It is a wonderful day to learn from our region’s "experts." Training sessions in Style, Long Term and Spontaneous. Plus Q & A and open discussion. From beginner to advanced, there's something for everyone!
JUDGE TRAINING
Mandatory training session for all judges,
February 3, 2024
9:30 am or as determined by your PC
Location: Robert Morris University
6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp, PA 15108
Please LINK for registration, schedule, & parking info
Mandatory training for all Long Term and Spontaneous judges who will be judging at the WPA Regional Competitions or Spontaneous Fun Day. Get in-depth knowledge from your Regional Problem Captain and learn what is expected on competition day. Includes morning coffee & pizza lunch.
Morning Coffee + Pizza lunch
COACH TRAINING #2
Competition Edition: from team paperwork to competition logistics
February 5, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Virtual Training
Please LINK for registration
Coaches & Coordinators are invited to attend this very informative Coach training session. This session will focus on navigating the competition. We’ll cover team required forms, final practice tips, what to expect, awards ceremony, guidelines for parents, general updates, Q & A, and more. Experienced coaches will be on hand to answer questions.
SPONTANEOUS FUN DAY
February 17, 2024
Linton MS
250 Aster St., Penn Hills, PA
Please LINK for full details and registration
Practice spontaneous problems and get feedback from experienced coaches and OMers! Competition setting with judges and awards. A great learning experience for coaches and teams.
March 2, 2024
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
with in-person Awards Ceremony!
tentative Location: Keystone Oaks MS/HS
1000 Kelton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Please LINK to register your team and judges by Jan. 15
The Big Day! In-Person Competition! Teams compete in Spontaneous and Long-Term. Watch their performances, visit the fun zone, get some OM Merch. Plus, food, raffles, photo ops and more. Plus, in-person sock hop and awards ceremony starting at 4:00 pm! LINK for more details.
COACH TRAINING #3
Movin' On Up: Training for Advancing Coaches
Thursday, March 7
Time: 7:00 pm
Zoom call
Please LINK to register
Group presentations and open Q & A forum. This coach session is for all teams advancing to State Finals. Casual round table format brings experienced and new coaches together to discuss all things related to preparing for and competing in State Finals!
PA STATE OotM TOURNAMENT
April 6, 2024
Pocono Mountain East in Swiftwater, PA
Backup/Snow Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 am
State competition day! Compete against the best of the Regions across the State!
Odyssey of the Mind WORLD FINALS
May 21-24, 2024
World Finals! Need. I. Say. More.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Jan. 15 Deadline - 11:59 PM - to register for the WPA Regional Tournament
Feb. 4 Deadline - 11:59 PM - to apply for WPA Odyssey Paul H. Dunn, Jr. Scholarship
Feb. 15 Deadline to submit a clarification request.
New for Seniors!
Bring Odyssey of the Mind to your Students This Year!
KEEP IN TOUCH
We're here to Help
Regional Directors
Angela Melton, 412.848.1342
Susan Rosati, 412.418.9117
regionaldirector.w@paodyssey.com
Connect to problem captains, event coordinators, etc.