Become a Team Manager

Inspire and Equip Louisiana Youth to Imagine and Innovate

Destination Imagination (DI) is a volunteer-powered, project-based learning program where student teams solve open-ended STEAM challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. Team Managers (coaches) guide the process; students own the work.

💡 Creativity 👥 Collaboration 🎯 Problem Solving 🚀 Confidence
Aligned with DI National and Louisiana chapter guidance. Visit destinationimagination.org

How Destination Imagination Works

Teams choose one of several open-ended Challenges (Technical, Scientific, Engineering, Fine Arts, Improvisational, Service Learning, and Early Learning). Using DI’s creative process, they research, design, prototype, iterate, and perform a solution—entirely student-created.

💡 Recognize & Imagine

Frame the problem, explore constraints, generate ideas.

🤝 Collaborate & Initiate

Plan roles, build skills, set milestones, begin making.

🛡️ Respect the Rules of the Road

Interference rules ensure solutions are student-owned.

📖 Assess & Iterate

Test prototypes, learn from failure, refine approaches.

🚀 Present & Celebrate

Share the solution at tournaments; reflect on growth.

👥 Skills Built

Creative/critical thinking, communication, collaboration, resilience.

Which program is right for me?

Visit the Teams Program Page

Mission, Vision, and Values

🎯 Mission

Inspire and equip youth to imagine and innovate through the creative process.

🚀 Vision

Ignite the power of all youth to be creative and collaborative innovators of tomorrow.

🛡️ Values

Collaboration, Respect, Stewardship, Perseverance, Integrity.

Louisiana Season at a Glance

📅 2025–2026

📍 Information Sessions

Public informational events held at Bossier Central Library, 7204 Hutchinson Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana

  • Saturday, September 6th (1:00 PM)
  • Monday, September 8th (6:00 PM)

📍 Team Manager Training

State-hosted onboarding that covers policies, interference, and best practices. Event held at Bossier Arts Council, 630 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, Louisiana

  • Saturday, September 27th (1:00 PM)

📍 Afternoon Skills Day Event

A specialized skills-building training camp for DI students (location TBD):

  • Saturday, November 15th (1:00 PM)

📍 Super Saturday

Our annual workshop focusing on preparing teams for the state tournament (location TBD):

  • Saturday, January 24th (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

📍 Louisiana Affiliate Tournament

All Louisiana Teams compete in this annual state-wide event, taking place at Elm Grove Middle School, 4301 Panther Drive Bossier City, Louisiana

  • Saturday, March 21st, 2026 (Begins at 8:00 AM)

📍 Global Finals 2026 (International)

Top-placing teams from around the world gather in Kansas City, Missouri, to compete in their respective Team Challenges.

  • May 21 - 24, 2026

Lead a DI Team as a Team Manager

Team Managers (often parents, educators, or community leaders) facilitate the creative process, ensure safety and adherence to rules, and coordinate logistics. Students do the research, design, build, and performance work. Training and resources are provided.

  • ✅ Small time commitment: ~1–2 meetings/week during the season.
  • ✅ No prior DI experience required—state and national training available.
  • ✅ All Team Managers must clear a Level-3 background check via Sterling Volunteers before working with a team; youth-protection policies apply.
  • ✅ Flexible settings: schools, clubs, libraries, homeschools, community groups.
National Volunteer Info

What Students Gain

DI is aligned with 21st-century skill-building: creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Teams also develop confidence, perseverance, and ethical teamwork through student-owned solutions.

💡 Creativity & Innovation

Open-ended challenges foster original thinking and iterative design.

👥 Collaboration & Leadership

Teams self-organize, share responsibility, and present together.

📖 Applied STEAM

Technical, scientific, engineering, arts, and service dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

ℹ️ Who can start a team?

Parents, teachers, and community leaders can form teams of 2–7 students. Teams can be school‑based or independent.

ℹ️ What training is available?

Louisiana and national DI offer Team Manager training modules, policy guidance, and interference rules.

ℹ️ How much does it cost?

Fees vary by team type and tournament level. See the Louisiana chapter for current pricing and any scholarships.

ℹ️ What is Instant Challenge?

A timed, surprise challenge that assesses collaboration, creativity, and problem‑solving under constraints.

ℹ️ Are there background checks?

Yes. Youth protection requirements apply for adult volunteers in line with DI policies.

ℹ️ How do teams advance?

Teams may progress from regional to affiliate (state) tournaments, with opportunities to qualify for Global Finals.

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