The Bananas in Black DI team earned a wild card spot to go to the Destination ImagiNation Globals competition in Knoxville, Tennessee this coming May 21-24. The team is really excited about going to Globals; this has been their goal since forming the team three years ago.

At Globals they will get a chance to present their long-term challenge, represent Oregon and Oregon City and meet other DI teams from all over the United States and 20 other countries.

The big effort for the Bananas in Black team is fund raising to pay for the trip to Knoxville!

The Bananas in Black DI team chose the Hit or Myth long-term challenge this year.

Challenge Focus: Science, Theater Arts, Research, Teamwork and International Studies.

The Destination: Where This Challenge Will Take You
Is there really a Loch Ness Monster? Is it possible to stop a shark attack by punching the shark in the nose? If Rapunzel really “let down her hair” could someone actually climb up her hair into a tower? Myths, folk tales and urban legends exist in many nations around the world. How do we know whether they’re truth or fiction? By using the Scientific Method! So get on your lab coats - now it’s your chance to find out, with the help of science, whether it’s a Hit or Myth!

Points of Interest! Your team will

Create and present a theatrical performance with an original Story about a Myth, Urban Legend or Folk Tale. The Story must be set in a Nation other than your team’s own. Design and carry out a Myth Investigation that investigates facts about the team’s Myth. Present the results of the Investigation as part of your Story. Create a Myth-Ecol Replica from the team’s chosen Nation, using recyclable materials. Create two Side Trips and integrate them into the Presentation.

The Bananas in Black chose Costa Rica for the setting and the urban legend about a flesh eating banana disease. We used the Portland State University science lab to conduct experiments, wrote and performed a drama that included original music, and designed and built our set, props,and costumes to disprove a myth about a flesh eating disease. 

One of the most unique and exciting parts of DI is the instant challenge component. The team is given an assignment to complete in a matter of minutes with no advance knowledge of what they will be asked to do. Teamwork and quick problem solving are critical to accomplish the task successfully. Our Bananas in Black received the highest marks in our category for the instant challenge!!

The following fund raising events are planned -

    Bananas in Black Garage Sale – Friday & Saturday, May 2-3

        8 am - 5 pm Friday & 9 am - 3:30 pm Saturday

        5020 SE Glen Echo Avenue in Milwaukie  map

    Cypress Restaurant dinner night – Tuesday, April 29, 6-8 pm

        820 Main Street in Oregon City  map  website

    Pizza Schmizza dinner night – Tuesday, May 6, 4-8 pm

        Make sure to mention Ogden DI team when placing your order!

        14624 SE Mcloughlin Blvd in Milwaukie  map  website

    PTSO Fund Raiser at Ogden Middle School – May 15, 5:30 pm

        14133 S Donovan Road in Oregon City  map

    Bellagios Pizza coupon from Ogden Middle School (in the main office)

        proceeds from the coupons go to the Bananas in Black DI team

        19735 Trails End Highway in Oregon City  map  website

If you are interested in sponsoring the Bananas in Black DI team or donating items for the garage sale please contact Cathy Splonskowski (team manager). All contributions are tax deductible.

For more information about Destination ImagiNation click here. For the Oregon Destination ImagiNation site click here.

Thank you to everyone that is supporting the Bananas in Black on the way to Globals!