Welcome to the World's #1 STEAM Program

Where Engineering Meets Imagination©

Challenge Island® is the Official Home of STEAMbuilding® and STEAM Teams®
The Challenge Island Difference

Our Results Show in Our Awards

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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."

ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

Award-Winning STEAM Programs



Hi, I’m Lauren!

Owner of Challenge Island Southern Jersey Shore!
I have LOVED the Jersey Shore area for years and am excited to bring children and families the STEAM adventures of Challenge Island! Our mission is to meet the needs of today's playful, imaginative child and tomorrow's empowered, globally successful adult. We will do this through exciting lessons that keep all children engaged in learning. I have always had a passion for learning! I am a former business and education professional. I have a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University, a Certificate in Secondary Mathematics from Ursinus College and a master's degree from Wilkes University. My motto is "never stop learning"! Choosing a Challenge Island franchise was my way of sharing my passion with my community.

On a personal note, I am a wife and mother of three. My oldest son plays football at UCONN and is pursuing a major in Agricultural Resource Economics with a minor in Business Management and Marketing. My middle daughter attends NOVA Southeastern University and is majoring in Marine Biology. She also recently became Scuba certified. My youngest son is a sophomore in high school who aspires to play basketball in college. We currently reside in Avalon, NJ.

Challenge Island's STEAM program delivers all that we, as parents, look for in education. Namely, cross curricular activities that encourage communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Our on-site field trips, camps, and after school enrichment programs deliver! This is a win-win for families and their children; and I am excited to be your local Challenge Island representative.

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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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The Power of Cross-Curricular Learning with Challenge Island Programs

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Elevate After-School Enrichment with Challenge Island: Don’t Miss Out on Next Year’s Lineup!

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Screen-Free Summer Learning & Fun with Challenge Island

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Challenge Island Secures Prestigious Spot on Franchise 500 for the 7th Consecutive Year

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Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

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Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

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Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

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Ride the Wave of Excitement with Challenge Island’s Sports-Themed Field Trips

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