About the Challenge Island STEAM Program

Challenge Island is a cross-educational STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) enrichment program for kids! They are currently the #1 STEM/STEAM Franchise and are completely unplugged with no digital technology or Legos. Children are taken on unique "island" adventures where they work in collaborative groups to take on high-level thinking challenges on real world issues using only the materials in their treasure chest and their creativity.  

Kids experience all five aspects of STEAM - science, technology (invention & innovation), engineering, arts (language & creative), and math - to successfully complete challenges on real world issues; while also increasing their soft skills / life skills in communication, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, flexibility, sociability, initiative, leadership, and perseverance through difficulty. Challenge Island is dedicated to ensuring a brighter future for our kids and our communities by helping you prepare your child to succeed in the 21st Century and beyond! 

TCAPS FALL Enrichment - 

September-October - 5 Weeks

@ Central Grade School

·       Tuesdays: Sept 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26

·       Time: 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

·       Programs are once a week for 5 weeks

STEAM Tank Entrepreneurs: Part 1

Calling all innovative and inventive kids to an adventure in STEAM and entrepreneurship! You and your teammates will design, create, and open new businesses and/or product lines each session: From restaurants to toys to candy shoppes and haunted houses.  We will explore Business Names, Themes, Business Strategies, Logos, and Target Markets. Can you convince the shark “investors” to give you seed money to start your business?  Every week at the end of class, parents are the “investors” in our own personal Shark Tank experience!  Don’t miss out on this-one-of a kind entrepreneurial adventure!

Registration is also open for STEAMtank Entrepreneurs Part 2 which will cover new and different aspects of starting a business.  Participation in Parts 1 & 2 stand alone and do not require participation in both to have a well-rounded entrepreneurial experience.

Participation Fee

·       $90 for the 5-week program, which includes five 1-hour & 30-minute sessions, all five aspects of STEAM as well as Life Skills, all materials, and take-aways.

·       Entrepreneurs Part 1 registrations will be accepted up through Friday, September 24th, 11:59 PM

·       If the program spots fill up, we highly encourage you to place your child on the waiting list.  There are many times people have cancelled at the last minute and spots have opened up.  

·       TCAPS reduced fees are not available for this program.

·       In the event TCAPS cancels after school classes due to Covid issues OR if TCAPS schools go virtual, no LEAP activities will be held per TCAPS policy. If cancellations happen due to Covid issues, Challenge Island will prorate the classes and refund families for the cancelled classes which will not take place.   

·       In the event school is closed due to WEATHER, no LEAP activities will be held per TCAPS policy. There is no guarantee of a make-up date in the case of inclement weather. Missed sessions will be made up if schedules allow (which includes Challenge Island schedules/school room schedules/TCAPS LEAP schedules). Challenge Island will make all efforts to make up sessions cancelled due to weather where possible.

Registration

·       Registration through Challenge Island Northwest Michigan’s website is secure and only for Challenge Island use in the safety and security of the participants.

·       Hold on to your ID and password for registration in future programs as well (Afterschool, Summer Day Camps, Challenge Island Junior (preschool), Kids Night Out, Family Night Events, and Community Events). 

·       If you have forgotten your password, follow prompts to set a new password.

If you have forgotten your ID, email Renee (rallen@challenge-island.com ) and she can provide that to you.  

·       Multiple-Island Discount** - If your child is registered in more than one Challenge Island afterschool program within the same school year, receive a 10% discount on the 2nd and 3rd island enrollment.  If it is your second time registering for a 2021-2022 after school program, email Renee (rallen@challenge-island.com ) the name of the child and what class you want to register for.  She will register the child at the discounted amount and let you know when the balance is ready for payment.

·       Multiple Child Discount** - If you have more than one child from the same household enrolled in a CI after school program at the same time, you will receive a 10% discount on additional children.  Register the first child, then email Renee (email above) the names of the additional child(ren) and what class you want to register them for.  She will register them for you at the discounted fee and let you know when the balance is ready for payment.

We want to offer more classes at additional school locations; however, we need instructors/teachers & Assistants!  WE ARE HIRING!   

·       Either teaching position is PERFECT FOR teachers, college students, graduate students, retired teachers, and stay-at-home parents seeking to supplement income. A perfect experience for college students majoring in education or psychology (especially if needing classroom hours).

·       All positions are Part-Time.

·       Any type of teaching experience (school, church, volunteer) is beneficial, but not required.  We will train qualified candidates in our unique program and teaching philosophy.

·       All supplies and lesson plans are provided.

·       You tell us when YOU want to work. Choose classes that fit YOUR schedule.

If you have questions or are interested in a fun and rewarding position that fits your weird schedule ~ Contact Renee Allen today!  231-633-4955 or rallen@challenge-island.com