Destination Imagination (DI) is a project-based educational program that inspires and equips students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. Teams in our program improve in creative thinking, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Our participants experience the creative process, develop new friendships and learn to work together.

Interested in DI?

How it Works

• Annually, DI offers new standards-based Challenges in seven areas.
• Each Challenge is open-ended and enables student teams to learn and experience the creative process.
• Up to 7 members can be on a team, and students from kindergarten through university level participate.
• Each team needs an adult Team Manager. Team Managers help students stay on track but do not directly help the team develop its solution to the DI Challenge. 
• The team presents their solution to their chosen challenge at a regional tournament in the spring. 

Learning Objectives

Seven Challenges

Proven Results

Team Managers

Each team needs at least one adult Team Manager to guide and inspire! The best way to ensure your student gets on a team is to become a Team Manager. No experience is required and training is provided by DI. If you are interested in managing or starting a team please contact the Boon DI Coordinator (contact info below).

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE AGE/GRADE REQUIREMENTS?

• Early Learners: Pre-K - 2nd Grade 
• Elementary Level: Kindergarten - 5th grade 
• Middle Level: 6th - 8th grade 

HOW MUCH DOES THE DI PROGRAM COST?

Each student could expect to pay between $50 - 100. This would cover the Team Number, Regional registration, background checks, costumes, props, etc. The PTA may cover some costs depending on budget allocation and the number of teams participating.

HOW DO I FORM A TEAM?

Indicate your child's interest in participating and/or your interest in being a Team Manager by completing the Destination Imagination interest form.  The DI Chair will contact you to form teams.

HOW LONG DOES A TEAM WORK ON A CHALLENGE?

Teams often start meeting in October and spend approximately 2-4 months planning, designing and building a solution to their Challenge. Teams usually meet at least once a week to work on their solution.

WHAT IS A DESTINATION IMAGINATION TOURNAMENT?

Many Destination Imagination Affiliates (states/countries) host Regional & Affiliate Tournaments where teams can showcase their creative Challenge solutions. Team solutions are assessed by a panel of trained Appraisers, ranging from educators to artists to engineers. Solutions are scored on a variety of elements, including originality, workmanship, presentation, teamwork and meeting requirements for the Challenge. DI competitions begin with a Regional Tournament. Teams with the highest scores advance to the Affiliate (state or country) Tournaments. The top-tiered teams from the Affiliate Tournaments advance to Global Finals.

Our regional tournament is usually held on the second or third Saturday in February at a high school in Plano. 

HOW DO I RECEIVE VOLUNTEER TRAINING?

Destination Imagination will offer volunteer-specific trainings throughout the Destination Imagination season and will contact you directly about dates, times and locations. Please contact your Destination Imagination Chair at Boon for specific training dates.

Join a DI Team