Hopkins School District #270

Destination Imagination is an international, creative problem-solving program. It is the state's largest non-athletic activity. Groups of five to seven students work for several months to create original solutions to one of seven team chosen challenges. They also compete in "instant challenges", solving problems with only a few minutes of planning time so they learn teamwork under pressure.

"Destination Imagination teaches valuable teamwork and creativity life skills," says team manager Autumn Boos. "It pushes the limits of the students' creativity and broadens their knowledge in a wide range of areas. I have seen Hopkins team learn to play a saw, make a conveyer belt, create enormous puppets, build a small structure out of toothpicks that can hold 100 pounds, and make their own large music box."

Top performers at the state tournament will compete in May in the International Tournament. Anyone interested in being part of a 2011-12 team can contact Anna Knaeble, Hopkins DI Coordinator, by email at: or call the Community Education office: 952-988-4070.

More about Destination Imagination:

Destination ImagiNation is an innovative organization that teaches life skills and expands imagination through teamwork-based problem solving. Teams create solutions to "Team Challenges" by creating a short skit that solves a problem. Kids gain more than just basic knowledge and skills-they learn to unleash their imaginations and take unique approaches to problem solving. Look for the Registration Form below.

How do I start?

1. Register your student, by contacting Community Education or the District Coordinator
2. The District Coordinator will put your child on a team of other students from their school or grade. A team manager will be assigned to your team and will facilitate setting up meeting times and holding weekly meetings.
3. Teams will choose a Team Challenge – solve a specified problem as creatively as possible by preparing a short skit, more. . . and start to creat a solution.
4. Teams will work on several  Instant Challenges – solve a problem as creatively as possible when given limited materials and only 5 minutes! More. . . during team meetings, and at the District wide, Instant Challenge night in January.

Do I have time for all this?

• Time commitment required from November through regional tournament in late February or early March.
• Team sets the meeting times and frequency to fit their schedule.

Who can participate?

Any grade level can participate from Kindergarten through grade 12. Teams of 5-7 students are formed each fall. The program runs November through March. The team sets their meeting times and frequency. A volunteer Team Manager is needed for each team - all training and ongoing support is provided. No experience necessary!

Your child's team needs a Manager before it can begin! Become a team manager and get a 20% discount on the registration for one child. 

Want more information?

Check out these links:

YouTube: Team Performs Team Challenge at MN State DI Tournament

Youtube: DI Intro Video

What a Successful Team Looks Like. . .