On Target! – Destination Imagination Global Finals
The countdown is on…in less than 3 weeks, teams from 412 and 416 Squadrons fly out to represent Australia at the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City.
Global Finals is something you need to experience firsthand to truly understand. Can you imagine what it will be like to compete and celebrate Destination Imagination surrounded by more than 17,000 attendees and one-of-a-kind events that celebrate creativity, foster curiosity, inspire confidence and encourage collaboration in a high-energy, family-friendly, and multicultural atmosphere.
This year, Destination Imagination Australia had 130 teams battle it out nationally for the coveted spots to represent Australia on the global stage. Over 6 months of intense training and focus, the ‘Dingoes Down Under’ and ‘412 Squadron’ were selected to be the first ever Australian Air Force Cadets to be chosen for this honor.
Their commitment to their tasks has been amazing. Talking with team leaders, parents and even the cadets themselves – they will tell you what an amazing journey they have been on.
One of the team managers commented: “Having watched this team go from a group on individuals who spoke to each other when required mesh into a Squad of cadets who work as a well-oiled team has been amazing. Having the privilege to watch them all develop and grow and see a couple who at best were bordering on being introverted to now taking a lead role in the Challenge has been so rewarding. The pride I felt in watching the cadets during the presentation I would equate as being similar to watching my own children learning to ride and bike and seeing them succeed. One of those moments in life that I will never forget.”
A parent said: “The opportunity this program has given my son to grow and learn new skills and know to represent 412Squadron on a global level is not something I ever dreamed of. Thank you to the Staff and DI for giving them this opportunity.”
Destination Imagination has challenges in scientific, technical, engineering, fine arts, improvisation and service learning. Teams select the challenge they wish to solve.
Both AAFC teams chose the ‘On Target’ challenge. It is the technical challenge released for students across the globe. Essentially teams were presented with a central challenge.
When we asked one of the Cadets how they are feeling about heading over to Kansas City and representing Australia and the AAFC – “This is a major opportunity I never even thought of when we first started. The doors that the DI team have opened for me and the rest of the cadets is enormous. Thank you.”
The vision of Destination Imagination is to inspire and equip participants to achieve anything they can imagine in life. The mission is to engage participants in project-based challenges that are designed to build confidence and develop extraordinary creativity, critical thinking, communication and team work.
As well as the central challenge, teams must compete in an Instant Challenge.
The Destination Imagination program has two books that guide the team manager. They are ‘The Rules of the Road’ and ‘The Roadmap’. So basically, “If it doesn’t say you can’t, you can!”
Teams have about 20 weeks or a semester to select their challenge, research, solve it and present their results in an 8 minute performance. So – watch out for the performance videos of these teams!
We can’t give any clues away – as you never know who is watching!!!
You can be assured of one thing – Australian Air Force Cadets are ‘On Target’ for the Global Finals in Kansas City!
What is Destination Imagination? Destination Imagination is a global competition provided for students to engage in unique hands on learning experiences that allow them to work as a team, empowering them to think about what is in the art of the possible whilst they work together to create solutions to project based challenges across Technical, Scientific, Engineering, Fine Arts, Improvisational, Service Learning and Early learning.
In August 2018, No 4 Wing were given the opportunity to submit two teams into the Destination Imagination Competition as part of a pilot concept to see how the competition could potentially compliment the future of the AAFC and to provide pathways into bringing STEM based concepts and pathways into the Cadet curriculum.
Through support of One Giant Leap we were successful in gaining a wildcard entry along with a $20,000 sponsorship for our 416SQN – Moonee Ponds team to attend the Global Finals. Our 412SQN team continued to work on their chosen project and delivered their project in February to the Australian Destination Imagination Judges. Through effort and teamwork 412SQN were offered the opportunity to attend the Global Finals in Kansas City in May which is a reflection of their exceptional project submission. Through further sponsorship from both the Australian Defence Force and 4 Wing both teams will be travelling to the USA to compete in the global finals of Destination Imagination.
No 412 Squadron will be represented by;
- CUO Zain Allerdice
- CSGT Isaac Dawson
- CSGT Mitchell Lang
- CCPL Josh Brewster
- LCDT Louise Granada
- LCDT Nathan Tickell
The team is supported by their team coach, FLGOFF(AAFC) Anthony Garbuio
No 416 Sqadron will be represented by;
- CCPL Anna Quach
- LCDT Yuta Taniguichi
- LCDT Zach Daniells
- LCDT Vincent Crozier-Rachele
- LCDT Aileen Zhang
The team is supported by their team coach, PLTOFF(AAFC) Jacob Sell – SQNLDR(AAFC) Kylie Walker will travel with the teams and the OIC and senior AAFC representative.
Both teams will travel to the USA on the 20th of May to begin presenting their project on the global stage and competing in problem solving projects and more whilst they are there.
We look forward to receiving and sharing updates whilst the teams are in the USA.
