Our Results Show in Our Awards
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Found in 20,000 Schools and Organizations Including:
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.
Award-Winning STEAM Programs
Camps
When school is out, STEAM is in! Our outrageously exciting camps feel like vacations in their own right!
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Onsite Field Trips
Our standard-aligned, cross-curricular K-12 field trips take students on a STEAMtastic island adventure without ever leaving school grounds.
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After School Enrichment
Our STEAM teams visit different island destinations each week and tackle challenges using only materials in their treasure chests and their boundless imaginations.
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Family Engagement
Our multi-generational family engagement and parental involvement events turn families into STEAM Teams as they work together to take on family-size challenges and fun.
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Challenge Island Book Series Programs
STEAM + Reading = STREAM! Our book series field trips bring the bestselling Challenge Island stories to life in your classroom!
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Slimetopia® by Challenge Island
Slimetopia STEAM Camp by Challenge Island is Where Slime and STEAM Activate
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Girl Scout Workshops
Our wide array of badge and journey workshops for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes come with a Challenge Island Fun Patch for every girl!
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Birthday Parties
Don’t just have a party, have an ISLAND party! Choose from our epic STEAM themes or design one of your very own.
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Hi, We're Niki & Mike!
Owners of Challenge Island Omaha Northwest
As the dynamic co-owners of Challenge Island Omaha Northwest, Michael Freed and Nichole (Niki) Mahoney bring a wealth of passion, creativity, and hands-on experience to their venture. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, they are dedicated to providing unique STEM enrichment programs that foster creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork in children and adults of all ages.
Niki is known for her enthusiasm for teaching and empowering others through Girl Scouts, Martial Arts, and the Quilting community. This translates seamlessly into her role at Challenge Island Omaha Northwest. She brings an innovative and disciplined approach to the programs, ensuring that each activity not only educates but also inspires students to push their boundaries, build confidence, and discover new skills.
Michael, complementing Niki's energy, focuses on the operational side of the business. With his team-building experience and emphasis on developing others, he drives their efforts to create an engaging environment where everyone can explore, innovate, and collaborate through hands-on learning experiences. Their mission is to make learning both fun and impactful, shaping young minds to think critically and creatively.
Under their leadership, Challenge Island Omaha Northwest is becoming the go-to authority in Nebraska for enrichment programs, summer camps, and special events that blend education with excitement, helping children and their families build foundational skills for the future.
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STEAM + Reading = STREAM!
Combine the Magic of Challenge Island Programs with the Magic of Reading with our Bestselling Book Series!
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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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