101 Reasons to Choose Destination Imagination
FROM THE KIDS!! - At Global Finals 2012, Destination Imagination asked the participants to tell us how DI has impacted them. The theme of the activity was "What DI has taught me." During the event, they collected dozens and dozens of Post-it® Notes that revealed the infinite possibilities of ways DI inspires students, as well as the many skills and unique strengths they have honed throughout their time in the program. The DI staff went through all of the responses and compiled a list of the top reasons why students love to “do DI”—a motto that Destination Imagination participants have ‘owned’ for more than decade. For some, there was only one reason to participate in our program. For others, there are a multitude of reasons why they choose Destination Imagination each and every year.
As a program that focuses heavily on the importance of 21st century skills, DI strives to provide participants with the opportunity to learn the creative process and strengthen skills such as self-confidence, courage and perseverance—invaluable skills that are often overlooked in classrooms. According to a recent studyby Adobe, for example, most educators who were surveyed feel that curriculum “discourages creativity.” In addition, an astounding 87 percent of the educators feel that they can "do more to teach creativity.”
Destination Imagination believes that creativity is key to innovation. Whether a student participates in Destination Imagination through curriculum integration or an after-school program, he or she can gain the skills needed to fuel the economies of tomorrow. From overcoming fears of public speaking to gaining self-confidence to learning leadership skills, here are 101 unfiltered skills and attributes, in no prescribed order, children and teens have learned from participating in Destination Imagination.
1. Teamwork16. How to trust my teammates
2. How to prioritize17. Build a lifetime of problem solving skills
3. Don’t be afraid to fail18. Weird is normal, normal is weird
4. Anything is possible19. Creativity and imagination is everything
5. Patience20. Trust
6. To have faith21. Express my feelings
7. To be original22. No matter how hard something is, if there is a will there is a way
8. The sky is the limit23. How to be myself
9. Go far with my imagination24. That everyone is important
10. Have confidence in yourself and what you do25. Friendships
11. Problem solving skills26. Happiness
12. How to be creative27. That it is ok to be “Unique”
13. Leadership28. That it is ok to be “Different”, being “Different” is a good thing
14. Dedication29. To express yourself
15. How to speak up30. Not to have stage fright
31. Take each day and make it great67. To speak with different people and make new friends
32. Everyone has a different talent68. That you can do anything you set your mind to
33. Inspiration69. To just keep going and never give up
34. The meaning of life70. Creative thinking
35. Problems are challenges waiting to be experienced71. How to have fun while exploring technology and it’s opportunities
36. We wouldn’t have this Earth without imagination72. That it is ok to be yourself, not afraid to show you are different
37. That we are a family, not a team73. To work towards my goal
38. Not to be shy74. How to make something extraordinary out of household items
39. Being creative can be fun75. To give your everything
40. Appreciation76. To be amazing
41. Quick thinking77. That a roll of duct tape has over 1,000,000 uses
42. To have a positive attitude78. To love yourself
43. Communication79. How to think in a new way
44. There is always a way to solve a problem80. To be the best you can be
45. If you work hard at something you can get it done81. How to speak up and not be afraid to tell my ideas
46. Stretch your imagination82. To face your fears
47. Not to care what others think about you83. To just try and do your best
48. Not to be afraid84. Everything is possible
49. Life skills85. Do not change yourself
50. To always give your best and have fun86. How to have fun with anyone or anything
51. To think fast, think creatively & think logically87. That every child is different, special and fabulous
52. When you believe, you can achieve88. How to be confident, how to be make-shift and innovative
53. To not be afraid of who you are89. To be different
54. Everybody working together means more than working alone90. To love all people
55. That the journey is the reward91. That you can do anything if you try
56. Tolerance92. That you can make a difference and that you are important
57. To listen & understand93. Not to be afraid to be different
58. Each person has something awesome to bring94. That the impossible is possible
59. Respect, trust, teamwork & cooperation95. That weird = creativity = good
60. How to treat other people nicer96. Be the best you can be
61. Teamwork & creativity97. Everything in life
62. How to be brave, work with others as a team98. To believe in yourself
63. To follow your dreams and be confident99. The unlimited creative potential of the human mind & spirit
64. To think outside the box100. How to challenge myself
65. All of my imagination comes to life101. So much stuff that a post-it-note is too small to write them down
66. Science, Technology, Engineering, MathQuestion ??? – How has Destination Imagination impacted you???
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HELP CA DESTINATION IMAGINATION:
- Teach the process of IMAGINATION to INNOVIATION
- Teach HOW to think versus just what to think
- Teach 21st Century skills for 21st Century jobs
- Teach the knowledge that there is more than one solution to a problem
- Teach problem-solving skills, creativity, teamwork and perseverance
Please contribute by:
- STOPPING BY THE DI DONATIONS BOOTH AND HELP US COMPLETE THE LAST OF OUR IGNITE CAMPAIGN(Get a free CA DI pin for a contribution of $20+ - cash, check or credit card)
- OR - Go onto , click on the Donate button, and contribute electronically.
CA Destination is a tax deductible, 501c3, non-profit organization.