About Challenge Island

Established: 2013

Reservations/Appointments: Required

Staff Size: 2–10 people

Average Duration of Services: 2–4 hours

Brands Used: We proudly use recycled and green materials in the classrooms.

Pro Tip: We always want to know your child's unique traits and qualities—such as special dietary, social, and physical needs—so expect a registration form. Please fill it out and return it as soon as possible.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Parking: Parking lot

Most Popular Attraction/Offering: For grades K–2, it's Beach Party; for grades 3–6, it's Volcano Island.

Recommended Age Group: 5–12

Q&A with Tamara Menteer Gonzalez, Owner And Lead Island Fun-time Hostess.

What is Challenge Island?

Challenge Island is based off the TV show, Survivor—but the good news is, nobody gets kicked off the island. Every island has a different set of challenges. We use recycled and green materials that can be found in most home pantries, so children can challenge themselves (and others) again. The program is designed to introduce intellectual challenges and encourage children to interact with others, rather than taking on each challenge alone. Children start by thinking through the experiment and drawing out plans by brainstorming with their tribes. Then they tackle the challenge once and determine if anything needs to be fixed before trying it again. Sometimes challenges have up to three opportunities for improvement.

This is scientific methodology at its best. The entire program is structured in a manner to address the child's thinking powers and improve social skills, team spirit, and public speaking skills. Many intellectually smart children have unique differences in the social spheres due to how their minds work. Our camp focuses on the child in a holistic fashion. Our teachers also undergo background checks, and campers may request to be placed in the same tribe as their friends.

I'm a first-timer. How do you get me ready for the experience?

Children should dress comfortably. Snacks should be sent along for our four-hour camps; otherwise, we will offer popcorn and some vegetables and fruit. Children will be asked to be good team players and social skills are part of the regular curriculum. Just make sure your child is rested, well fed, and does not have a tummy full of sugar, and things will likely go perfectly. However, if a child becomes unruly, parents will be called in to participate with their child until the improper behavior stops.

Have you ever been a patron of your own business? If so, what was the most enjoyable part?

I did get training by being a "student" in both Las Vegas and Atlanta. The best parts of the experience were gaining a sense of belonging to a team, thinking confidently about engineering concepts, and having a ton of fun. I laughed and used my brain a lot. Who knew building towers from paper and tape would be so challenging? And studies show that laughter improves learning.