Four students sit huddled around a table at John A. Logan College. There are no parents hovering nearby, no teachers offering guidance. Instead, Arya Cornici and Aurora Taylor, both sixth graders, along with fifth graders Nyla Shankar and Asher Dillard, rely solely on each other as they face a series of challenges designed to test their mental agility, creativity, and teamwork.

Welcome to Brain Games—a competition where young minds must adapt quickly to unexpected challenges while working completely independently.

"We're very independent," explains Nyla. "Our teacher can't help us."

This team from Unity Point School recently earned third place in their division's initial competition, earning them a spot in the regional event against 32 other teams. Each competition follows a specific theme—their first event centered around the Olympics, while the upcoming regional competition will focus on the 1950s and 60s.

Brain Games stands apart from typical academic competitions. Rather than focusing on a single subject, teams face a whirlwind of activities throughout the day-long event.

"There's engineering, math, art, and minute-to-win-it challenges," says Aurora. "Last time, we had to move a ball through cardboard tubes while it was sliding. We did it in like 10 seconds."

The format is deliberately chaotic. Teams must navigate mini-games, trivia questions, and extended 45-minute projects simultaneously. Sometimes they're pulled away from a major project to complete a timed challenge, then must immediately return to their work-in-progress.

"It's fun, but it's hectic," Arya admits. The team must make strategic decisions about when to complete various tasks, as poor timing can leave them juggling multiple activities at once.

Preparation for these events requires significant initiative. Once the theme is announced, the team divides topics among themselves, each researching specific areas before coming back together to share what they've learned.

"We separate topics so we can get it done quicker," says Asher. "When we get home from school we each work on the topic and research things."

This self-directed approach mirrors the competition itself, where students must function without adult supervision. Teachers remain in the building but sit at separate tables, checking in occasionally but never assisting with the challenges.

Being selected for Brain Games is considered an honor at Unity Point. Teachers choose participants based on academic excellence and behavior.

"They choose based on how you act and how well you are at different subjects," Aurora explains.

Each team member has their own motivation for participating. For Nyla, it was the confidence gained from previous success. Asher returned because "it was fun last year." Aurora appreciates how it "helps work your brain," while Arya wanted to "broaden my horizons" and develop adaptability skills.

The team's dynamic reflects their complementary strengths and aspirations. Nyla hopes to become a doctor, Asher an archaeologist, Arya a lawyer, and Aurora a chef or veterinarian. These diverse interests contribute to their effectiveness in tackling the varied challenges of Brain Games.

As they prepare for regionals, the team is considering dressing as The Beatles to match the 1950s-60s theme—though Asher remains hesitant about the costume portion of the competition.

Looking ahead, they're focused on continuing their success. "We're trying our hardest," says Arya. "It's important to us and the teachers."

"We're chosen to represent our school," adds Aurora. "It's an honor."

For these young problem-solvers, Brain Games offers more than just a chance to showcase their knowledge—it provides valuable experience in independence, adaptability, and collaboration—skills that will serve them well regardless of which career paths they eventually choose.