CHALLENGE ISLAND Launches in Holly Springs, Apex and Cary

RALEIGH, N.C. - Oct. 28, 2013 - PRLog -- Holly Springs -- October 28, 2013 –Challenge Island®, the highly-popular children’s education and enrichment program that promotes creative and critical thinking skills in children, today announced it will hold its Grand Opening Launch Event on Thursday, November 7th,at the Holly Springs Cultural Arts Center located at300 West Ballentine St., Holly Springs. The launch event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is free to attend; RSVP is required as space is limited. Offering after-school enrichment programs, week-long summer camps, in-school field trips, birthday parties and more, Challenge Island started in Florida nearly ten years ago, but is new to North Carolina.

         “We invite the entire community to join us for our free pilot class and discover a new way to play here in Southwest Wake County,”said Tom Harrington, co-owner of the new location.  “With exciting islands such as Shark Tooth Island, Volcano Island, Amusement Park Island and more, the new Challenge Island program doesn’t just entertain children but gives parents a new way to empower them to think outside of the box and flex their cognitive and creative muscles.”

Every Challenge Island session introduces a new STEM-based concept (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in the form of an interactive project. In this cutting-edge educational thought program, students work collaboratively to apply the scientific method--brainstorming, problem solving, testing and retesting as a unified group. Through what is called “Cooperative Learning,” children ages five and up strengthen their skills and teamwork to accomplish a shared goal.  In a Cooperative Learning environment, the focus moves from teacher-centered to student-centered education. Each member of the island "tribe" is responsible not only for what he or she does, but also for helping other tribe members succeed, thus creating an atmosphere of team spirit, respect, mutual goals and pride in collaborative achievements.

The Challenge Island program officially begins serving the community in November, with programs available at Holly Grove Middle School with additional schools to follow shortly.   In addition Challenge Island offers Birthday Parties, In-School Field Trips, Trackout Camps and Parents Night Out. Those interested in finding out more about Challenge Island programs and opportunities may contact Tom and Wendy Harrington, co-owners by calling, 919-285-1597 (Tom); 919-753-5111 (Wendy)or emailing tharrington@challenge-island.com or wharrington@challenge-island.com.  For additional information on Challenge Island please visit www.challenge-island.com/northcarolina-cary-apex/ (http://www.challenge-island.com)