She Always Had an Imagination. Today, It Makes Her a Better Engineer.
In fifth grade, Leah Baker and her Destination Imagination (DI) team had an idea for their Challenge solution. For their performance, they would tell the story of a group of “nerds” who invented a revolutionary new fuel. They called it CAKE—short for calcium, astatine, krypton, and einsteinium. Their characters traveled around the world by jet […]
What’s the DI Story You Always Tell?
Everyone who’s been part of Destination Imagination (DI) has a story to tell. Maybe your team struggled to listen to one another at first but became incredible collaborators. Maybe you took an idea everyone thought was a little ridiculous and figured out how to make it work. Maybe you met someone from another city or […]
2026–27 Challenge Previews Are Here! See What’s Next
What if you were asked to build a machine that can sort objects? Or engineer a system that can measure weight and help crack a case? Or write your own fable and bring it to life on stage? In the Destination Imagination Challenge Experience, that’s exactly what teams do. Teams take on open-ended Challenges, work […]
Why Destination Imagination: A Conversation with CEO Mark Giordono
When you work at Destination Imagination, you become protective of it. You see the dedication of the volunteers, the creativity of the students, and the countless hours people give because they believe deeply in what this experience can do for young people. I’ve been with DI long enough to watch students grow through the experience, […]
DI Alumni Spotlight: An Interview with James Dyson Award Winner Filip Budny
When a toxic algal bloom devastated the Oder River in Poland in 2022, it wasn’t just an environmental disaster, it was a wake-up call. For Destination Imagination (DI) alum Filip Budny, it became the moment that set everything in motion. Seeing hundreds of tons of fish washed ashore and realizing no system had caught the […]
Turn Everyday Items Into Music with the Melody Maker STEAM Challenge
When you mix a bit of science, some art, and a little imagination, everyday objects can suddenly become so many things, including music! In our Melody Maker STEAM Challenge, students will team up to design and build a musical instrument using just four materials. But the challenge doesn’t end there—each group will also create and […]
When Parents Step Into the Challenge: How One DI Team Turned Creativity Into Connection
When a DI team in Mexico invited their parents to take on an Instant Challenge, what happened next surprised everyone. See how creativity, laughter, and teamwork turned a simple activity into a powerful lesson in connection.
Scarecrow’s Bridge: A Spooky-Fun Fall STEAM Challenge
Looking for a quick and easy fall STEM activity for kids? Scarecrow’s Bridge is a spooky-playful fall STEAM challenge that blends engineering, creativity, and teamwork—all in just 10 minutes.
5 Steps to Tackle Your First DI Challenge
So your team has selected a Destination Imagination (DI) Team Challenge—congratulations! That’s a big step. Now comes the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) part: figuring out how to approach it. Every DI Challenge is packed with creativity, problem-solving opportunities, and details that guide how your team builds a solution. The key to success is making sure […]
Back-to-School Build-Off: A STEAM Challenge for Teamwork & Creativity
At first glance, tower challenges might seem simple—but don’t be fooled. These quick-build activities pack a powerful educational punch and are perfect for kicking off your school year. Beyond reinforcing foundational STEM concepts, tower challenges promote essential classroom skills like collaboration, communication, creative and critical thinking, and problem-solving. They’re also low-prep, highly flexible, and a […]
Choosing Your Team Challenge: Tips for a Great Start to the Season
A new season of Destination Imagination (DI) is here, and your team is about to dive into an amazing adventure of problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Over the next few months, you’ll imagine, design, and build something completely unique together. But before the fun really begins, there’s one big decision to make: Which Team Challenge will […]
Help Tell the Story of What Makes DI So Magical
Destination Imagination Challenge Experience tournaments are full of jaw-dropping moments, but the real magic happens long before teams ever set foot on a stage. It’s in the messy, joyful, sometimes chaotic process of bringing big ideas to life: the brainstorm sessions, the late-night builds, the teamwork breakthroughs, the epic fails and even more epic comebacks. […]