Hi, I’m Renee Allen!

I am the Owner and Director of Challenge Island Northwest Michigan. However, at home, I am a mom to one great son, Harrison, and wife to my very patient, funny, and keeps-me-grounded husband, Reid. I grew up in Traverse City and beautiful Northern Michigan, enjoying all our wonderful outdoor resources. The outdoors are such a strong part of my memories growing up; winter skiing, forests, lakes, dunes, beaches, river floats. I love spending time with friends and family both indoors playing games & baking as well as outdoors; camping, hiking, biking, and around the campfire. I enthusiastically bring 19 years of experience in youth development and event programming to Challenge Island from time working at two separate Michigan Girl Scout Councils creating STEAM programming as a Program Director, Resident Camp Director, and Membership Director.

I am SO excited to bring Challenge Island programming to the Northwest Michigan area! The truth is, I’m pursuing my passion for bringing skill-building opportunities to kids and opening their eyes to career possibilities. I started Challenge Island Northwest Michigan to help equip kids with skills to brighten their futures and open new doors they may not have seen before. I love helping kids shine and have their own AHA moments in life.

There are kids who have not felt that true sense of accomplishment that comes from doing something you didn’t realize you could do. And many more don’t know there are careers that are both interesting and exciting every day. That’s why this is so important. Kids need spaces where they can attack challenges, make mistakes, try again, goof up, and feel a sense of accomplishment for completing a challenge they never thought they could! This is what I want to provide for each and every child that takes on a Challenge Island challenge!