Volunteering for Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination uses project based learning to expand kids’ educational horizons, challenge them, and inspire a lifelong interest in science, math, and engineering. But we can’t do without you! Our programs depend on volunteers — people like you who care about young people and are eager to embrace a challenge to set our next generations up for success. With many roles throughout the organization, you’re sure to find one that fits your skills, here are a few ways to volunteer:
Team Managers
Team Managers play a key role in each of our challenges. These adults, often parents or teachers, help make sure the team works together, support the kids in their quest to solve the challenge, and facilitate brainstorming sessions. As a team manager, you’ll be working with up to seven kids to help them get along and stay focused on finding solutions to their challenge.
It’s important to realize that team managers don’t actually solve the challenge. In the spirit of teaching students how to work together, Destination Imagination empowers students to solve the challenge themselves. When you volunteer to become a team manager, you give kids the gift of discovering their own talents and abilities and allow them to take risks in a safe environment. Contributing to kids’ self-esteem and self-confidence is one of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a team manager.
Tournament Officials
Officials are the rockstars of tournament day. Tournaments typically take place over a weekend and are the teams’ chance to shine. Officials may be part of the appraisal team, which evaluates each team’s presentation and proposed solution to the challenge question. They may also help with practical matters, like showing each team to its place or even helping with games and crafts to keep the kiddos busy throughout the day.
Becoming a tournament official is less time intensive than becoming a team manager, but just as rewarding. Tournament officials only work when there’s a tournament, yet get to see students develop their skills and showcase their solutions.
Brand Ambassadors
It takes a lot of work to make to inspire children’s imaginations. Volunteering is also a lot of fun, though! Our volunteers have the chance to meet other people in the community who care as much about kids’ education as they do, make new friends, and take pride in making a difference. Contact us today to find out how you can help make a difference in the lives of students throughout North Dakota!