Longleaf Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team posing with flamingo headbands
World Finals — Ames, Iowa • May 27–30, 2026

Help Send Longleaf Elementary's OM Team to World Finals

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have already covered registration and transportation, $4,200. Now we are fundraising to get our students and coaches to Ames, Iowa for the 2026 World Finals, $9,370. Every dollar brings us closer.

3rd
Florida State
$4,200
Fundraising Goal
2026
World Finals

Big Ideas. Creative Thinking. Real Opportunity.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program for students in grades K through 12. It encourages teamwork, imagination, and hands-on learning by challenging students to solve open-ended problems in creative ways.

Students learn how to think, not what to think, and that is part of what makes this opportunity so special. For Longleaf Elementary's team, this is more than a competition. It is a chance to represent their school, their community, and the hard work they have put in all season on a world stage.

Longleaf OM team with flamingo headbands
Team on stage at state competition Team receiving medals on stage Team celebrating with medals in gymnasium Competition crowd in gymnasium

Longleaf Has Earned a Spot on the World Stage

This team has already accomplished something incredible.

  • Advanced from Regionals
  • Placed 3rd at the Florida State Competition
  • Earned an invitation to the 2026 World Finals
  • Traveling to Ames, Iowa — May 27 to 30, 2026

You Are Making This Possible

Because of your amazing generosity, we have already covered the cost of team registration and prop transportation. That milestone alone means these students are going to World Finals. Now, your continued support will help us cover the rest of the trip.

Phase 1 — $4,200 Complete!

Team registration & prop transportation

Phase 2 — $9,370 Goal

Airfare for students and coaches
Lodging and meals for students

Phase 3 — $15,000 Goal

Airfare for chaperones
Lodging and meals for chaperones
Longleaf Elementary OM team group photo

Sponsor the Team

Businesses and community supporters can sponsor the trip at different levels.

Every gift helps fuel creativity, confidence, and opportunity for these students.

Support Local Students Doing Something Amazing

This fundraiser is about more than one trip. It is about encouraging young students to dream big, work together, and see what is possible when creativity and perseverance come together.

Student Confidence

Building self-belief through creative achievement

Teamwork

Learning to collaborate and solve problems together

Creative Problem Solving

Thinking outside the box under real pressure

Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Memories and lessons that last forever

Students in costume preparing for performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program that helps students build teamwork, imagination, and hands-on problem-solving skills.

Phase 1 ($4,200) covered registration and prop transportation and is complete. Phase 2 ($9,370) covers airfare for students and coaches plus lodging and meals for students. Phase 3 ($15,000) covers airfare, lodging, and meals for chaperones.

The current goal is $9,370 (Phase 2). The ultimate goal is $15,000 (Phase 3) to fully fund the trip for students, coaches, and chaperones.

The 2026 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals will be held in Ames, Iowa, May 27 through May 30, 2026.

Yes. Businesses can support the team at different sponsorship levels, including recognition on flyers, social media, and competition shirts.

You can contact coaches Marie Infante at ChrisMarie1125@gmail.com or Rachelle Babcock at Rachellelynnbabcock@gmail.com.

Ready to Help?

To sponsor the team or ask questions, please contact the coaches.

Donate Now