Welcome to the World's #1 STEAM Program

Where Engineering Meets Imagination®

Offering Award Winning Onsite Field Trips, Afterschool Enrichment, Summer Camps and Family Engagement Programs
The Challenge Island Difference

Our Results Show in Our Awards

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Found in 20,000 Schools and Organizations Including:

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Palm Tree Pillars

The Foundational Pillars of our Program that Make Challenge Island the Go-To Choice for Millions of Parents and Educators

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STEM + ART = STEAM

"To develop a complete mind, study the science of art; study the art of science; realize that everything connects to everything else." - Leonardo DaVinci

21st Century Skills

We foster the fundamental skills kids need to thrive today and tomorrow including creativity, collaboration, communication, flexibility and leadership.

Higher Level Thinking Skills

Our programs promote deep, critical, analytical and creative thinking abilities in kids which help ensure their long-term academic and professional success.

Project Based Learning

Our STEAM Teams® engage in collaborative, inquiry-based, student-driven learning grounded in real world connections and meaningful problem-solving.

Island Destinations

Whimsical island ambience combined with cross-curricular themes make the Challenge Island experience an unforgettable adventure.

Social-Emotional Learning

We foster the social and emotional intelligence children need to form healthy relationships, make positive choices and find fulfillment in life.

Resilience

Research shows that a Challenge-Island-palm-tree-like ability to be flexible and strong through life’s ”storms” is far more essential to future success than IQ.

Steam Teams

No child is an island which is why kids tackle our hundreds of proprietary challenges by combining their strengths with those of a STEAM Team of friends.

Screen Free Fun

Our programs provide digital native kids the precious opportunity to connect with their peers face-to-face and discover the wonders of the world, undeterred by devices.

"One thing that makes Challenge Island a standout 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 together in STEAM Teams, are encouraged to use imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions to challenges using a treasure-chest full of low-tech supplies."

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Award-Winning STEAM Programs



Hi, I'm Danielle Behm!

Owner of Challenge Island CNY
Hi! I'm Danielle Behm, EdD-a mom, wife, educator, leader, and lifelong advocate for children and learning.

Over the past decade, I've had the privilege of serving in a variety of educational roles, including kindergarten teacher, fifth grade teacher, music teacher, technology coordinator, early childhood learning coordinator, and educational consultant. I hold a Master's degree in Literacy and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from Le Moyne College.

My passion lies in helping children discover their strengths while supporting educators and families along the way. I especially enjoy mentoring teachers, creating meaningful learning experiences, and finding innovative ways to engage students both inside and outside the classroom.

I believe some of the most powerful learning happens when children are encouraged to take risks, solve problems, collaborate with others, and learn from mistakes. That's one of the reasons I was drawn to Challenge Island and its focus on STEAM learning, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. In today's world, children need opportunities to work through challenges and understand that mistakes are not failures. They are valuable stepping stones toward growth, resilience, and success.

Whether I'm working with students, educators, or families, my goal is always the same: to create engaging, supportive environments where learners feel empowered to grow, explore, and thrive.

When I'm not working in the education space, you'll most likely find me spending time with my family. My husband and I have been married for eight years, and we are raising two energetic and wonderful children—a daughter and a son—who inspire me every day and remind me why I am so passionate about helping children learn, create, and discover their potential.

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STEAM + Reading = STREAM!

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HIGHLIGHT

Challenge Island®, STEAM Education Franchise Leader, Ranks on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Prestigious Franchise 500® for the Ninth Year in a Row

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