Creative Problem Solving
Teams imagine original approaches instead of following a prescribed solution.
Maine Odyssey of the Mind
The way creativity should be.
Student-owned creative problem solving that builds confidence, collaboration and the courage to think differently.
See what Odyssey is ↓M
IMAGINECREATESOLVEAdd Maine OM photography here in Concrete01 / WHAT
What is Odyssey?
Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving program where students work together to solve open-ended challenges with no single right answer.
Student Ownership
Students make the creative decisions. Adults guide without solving it for them.
Teamwork
Different strengths and ideas become something no one student could create alone.
Open-Ended Challenges
No answer key. Just constraints, possibilities and imagination.
NO ONERIGHT
ANSWER.
ANSWER.
Students turn ambiguity into ideas, decisions and original solutions.
MORE THANA
COMPETITION.
COMPETITION.
A place to practice the skills students will use far beyond Odyssey.
02 / WHY
Why Odyssey Matters
Odyssey gives students room to experiment, revise, communicate, lead and become more confident problem-solvers.
Creativity
Generate, test and improve original ideas.
Critical & Analytical Thinking
Break complicated challenges into solvable pieces.
Collaboration
Listen, negotiate and combine different strengths.
Confidence
Watch an idea become real through your own effort.
Communication
Explain, present and advocate for ideas clearly.
Leadership
Move ideas from imagination to execution.
03 / HOW
How Odyssey Works
The question we hear most deserves the clearest answer on the site. Here is the entire journey at a glance.
Form a Team
5–7 students work together with an adult coach.
Choose a Problem
Teams select one of the season’s open-ended Long-Term Problems.
Imagine, Design & Build
Students brainstorm, write, build, test and rehearse.
Bring It to Life
Teams present their original solution at a tournament.
Think on Your Feet
Teams also solve a Spontaneous problem they have never seen before.
Students own the solution.Adults coach the process.
Ready for the next step?
Start a Team
Getting started should feel clear, not complicated. Form a team, secure a membership, choose a coach and start creating.
Find students→Get a membership→Choose a coach→Pick a problem
Start a Team →
Practice creativity on demand
Spontaneous Studio
Generate fresh Verbal, Hands-On and Combination practice problems. Studio source/reference material stays private; public practice packets live separately in Resources.
VerbalHands-OnCombination
Launch the Studio →Fresh practice problemThink fast. Build confidence.
Choose the kind of challenge your team needs today and practice under tournament-style conditions.
Generate a problem ↻
Resources
Find what you need.
Guides, forms, coach support, tournament materials and public practice packets.
Explore Resources → Events & CalendarKnow what’s next.
Trainings, deadlines, tournaments and important dates in an easy-to-scan list.
View Events → About Maine OdysseyKnow who we are.
Our history, mission, vision and the volunteer leaders behind Maine Odyssey.
Learn About Us →