Voted Top Virtual Camp in the USA by Parade Magazine!
Vetted by Camp and Education Experts at Business Insider
At Challenge Island, we are dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. We have created innovative in-person and virtual STEM/STEAM adventures for children in Central New York that include summer camps, in-school field trips, after school programs, Girls Scout workshops, family nights, STEAMbuilding for employees, Senior mind enhancing programs, birthday parties and more suitable for all ages.
STEM + Art = STEAM for Kids
Our STEAM education enrichment programs take the original STEM program a step further by adding art into the mix to make STEAM. Traditionally STEM programs only incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math and are taught in isolation. Not only do we believe art is just as important, but we also think learning is more exciting and meaningful when disciplines are cross-curricular with history, geography, and cultures, and swirled together in Real Life Connections! Every treasure chest at Challenge Island has an art set to help students channel their creative side.
Our cutting-edge curriculum divides kids into tribes and has them collaborate together with interactive hands-on project-based learning. Tribes help formulate a sense of belonging and acceptance while maximizing overall performance and satisfaction. We create age-appropriate challenges that stimulate the mind and help kids develop 21st-Century Skills.
Our Island ExperienceOur aim is to inspire kids to improve their critical thinking, communication, public speaking, leadership, problem solving, and cognitive skills. A strong 21st-century skill set is the most powerful predictor of future success and leadership.
Browse our range of STEAM programs for kids ages 4-14+ to find one best suited for your needs! Our #1 rated STEAM program will not disappoint.
Our ProgramsAbout Us
We are located in the Central New York area serving Cayuga and Onondaga County. We are excited to bring this award-winning, cross-curricular STEAM program to schools, children and families in the area! We offer after school hands-on, project based enrichment programs, field trips, summer camps, family nights, and much more.
Our approach to problem-solving combines scientific, mathematical, and logical reasoning with creative, imaginative, and innovative thinking engaging both the left and right sides of the brain and inspiring collaborative solutions and teamwork at every turn.
Meet Our Tribe TestimonialsHow It Works
Step 1: Browse Programs
Take a look at the programs we are currently offering. They are constantly changing depending on the time of the year and other factors. You can read through each of the programs in greater detail to find one that works for you.
Program ScheduleOr, if you would like to schedule your own event with your own group of kiddos learn more here…We offer all programs In-Person and Virtually!
On-Site Field Trips After School Programs Girl Scout Badge Workshops Imagination Labs Social Bubble STEAM Adventures Birthday Parties
Step 2: Sign Up
After selecting the program you would like to move forward with, follow the simple steps and provide your information to secure and pay for your spot.
Register Now
Step 3: Time For Class!
Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirming your program and providing any relevant details to get you started. Get ready to start your STEAM adventure now!
Pricing
Price varies for each program. To learn how much a specific program costs, browse the program’s individual page.
#1 STEAM Learning Franchise
Challenge Island’s proprietary programs are designed to gear children with the skillsets and connective experiences they need to STEAM into success. We have over 100 locations in the US and worldwide that have touched the lives of over 1 million children in over 6000 schools and community locations. Our Central New York location provides the same high caliber STEAM learning.
Ready To Start Your STEAM Adventure?
Please call us at 315-309-4800 or send us an email at
tlowe@challenge-island.com for more information and we’ll get right back to you!
Contact UsNow, kids can experience the magic of Challenge Island®, the world’s #1 STEAM program, from the safety and comfort of home. All Home Island Virtual Camps, Field Trips, and Enrichment Classes are taught live by certified Challenge Island® teachers. Children interact with their peers throughout all of our programs.

PROGRAMS
Fun, hands-on Programs where kids learn creative problem solving and thinking skills
Learn More

21st CENTURY LEARNING
Preparing kids for the 21st century with focus on creativity and critical thinking Learn More
STEM + ART = STEAM
We offer more than STEM Education by including art and creative skills. Learn More

AFTERSCHOOL CLASSES
Our Exhilarating Challenge-Based Afterschool Adventures Transport Kids to Action-Packed “Island “Destinations”, Worlds Away from their Regular School Experience Learn More
CAMPS
When School is Out STEAM is in! Our Whimsical Camps are Based on Pop-Culture Themes Kids Love and are Mini-Vacations in Their Own Right Learn More
IN-SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS
Our high interest on-site field trips for preschool through high school students uniquely intertwine ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies concepts into a One-of-a-Kind STEAM experience Learn More
GIRL SCOUTS
We are Corporate Partners with Girl Scout Councils From Coast to Coast. Learn More About Our Badge Workshops for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. Boy Scout Programming Also Available. Learn MoreLearn About the Challenge Island Program and Mission that Made Us the World’s Most Popular STEM/STEAM Franchise.
Our Challenge Island Owners Explain Why the
Challenge Island Experience is So Vital to Children
“There are a number of STEM and STEAM enrichment franchises, but one thing that makes Challenge Island stand out from the competition is what it lacks. You’ll find no screens or digital devices in a Challenge Island after-school class, camp or family night. Instead, kids, working in tribes, are encouraged to use imagination, teamwork and problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions to challenges using only a treasure chest full of low-tech art supplies.”
-Entrepreneur Magazine, March 2020