DS9's team just qualified for the DI global finals and since this is the first time his school has participated in DI, we have no context for deciding whether to go or not (we're a long way away, or it would be a no-brainer). I'm wondering what the globals experience is like for children that age? It looks incredible to me, but I'd be there for fun, not competition! Thanks.

I know a team who went, but they were 10-12 ish. They had such a ball.

Are we talking a $5000 trip far or closer than that? TBH, I'd try to make even a $5000 trip work, if I were within North America we'd go in a second.

Congratulations!

All reports suggest that it's a major highlight, and truly global. Most teams do projects to raise the money to pay for the trip.

Thanks - the team is over the moon!

We're close to 3,000 miles away, but in NA. The team and coach are totally keen to go (as is this parent!), but we have to sell the school on the idea. A fundraising project would be a good, practical suggestion, thanks.

The more feel-good stories, the better, for our sales pitch!

Wow, that's really great! My child's team has never made it past the first level so I don't have any experiences to share on globals. If I were you I'd try and figure out how rare it is for a team to make it that far. If the school knows how big of an accomplishment it is, they may be more likely to support it. Might also be worth contacting DI to see if they have any suggestions.

It also might be good to point out that it's good PR for the school. It's definitely something they can brag about on the school/district website.

Congrats!

We went last year and met many DIers from differnet countries. And we spent a lot of time watching other teams perform and the kids picked up a few ideas for making better costume and props. This is definitely worth the trip for elementary kids especially if they want to continue doing DI.

We did crowdfunding last year through http://www.youcaring.com/ but most of the donors were our own team members' family and friends. Some school district and local corportaion may support it and ask away.

We are going again this year and you better reserve hotels and airline because it goes real quick.

We're going to Knoxville! Thanks for the tips, everyone. The parent support was determinative, in the end. I may be more excited than DS...