Volunteers train to judge Odyssey

TOBYHANNA — Around 100 volunteers attended judges’ training Feb. 9 for the upcoming Northeast PA Odyssey of the Mind regional tournament. Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving competition for students in grades K-12. Teams of seven students work for months on a solution to their problem and present it in an eight-minute performance at competition. The judges and region officials operate the program on a fully volunteer basis. Odyssey of the Mind promotes teamwork and good sportsmanship in addition to thinking outside the box and on the spot, and the program is made possible by the selfless contributions of every judge, parent and official involved. Judges’ training was graciously hosted by the Coolbaugh Elementary Center. Among the judges certified at the training were parents, grandparents and siblings of current OotM participants, along with veteran volunteers who have been involved with the program for decades and even some OotM alumni. Students from schools across the area will come together for the northeast Pennsylvania tournament on Saturday, March 1 at the Dingman-Delaware Elementary and Middle Schools. For a schedule of teams competing and more information about the program, visit www.nepaootm.com .