Challenge Day

Programs That Transform Through Compassion

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What Is

Challenge Day?

Challenge Day is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps people learn to connect through powerful, life-changing programs in their schools, businesses, communities and families. Challenge Day is also the name of our signature school program. Using highly interactive and energetic activities, our programs provide teens and adults with tools to break down the walls of separation and isolation and replace them with compassion. We inspire people to live, study, and work in an environment of acceptance, love, and respect. We stand for a world where everyone feels safe, loved and celebrated.

What Happens in a

Challenge Day Program?

Our signature Challenge Day program is 6 ½ hours and takes place in a gym, assembly room, or large conference room. Challenge Day Leaders work to create trust and connection in the morning by helping participants step out of their comfort zones through music and games. Participants begin to recognize stereotypes and labels that exist among them, and are then willing to share and connect as human beings. During the afternoon, participants examine the impact that bullying, oppression and other forms of violence has on their lives and the lives of people around them. They find commonality and a sense of belonging through a deeply memorable exercise known as Cross The Line. Our programs go beyond traditional anti-bullying efforts, building compassion and igniting a movement of positive change. The experience is inspiring and awakening for students and adults - many say it's "the best day of my life!"

 

FAQ's

Is Challenge Day a good fit for my school or organization?

We’ve held Challenge Days in public and private schools, parochial schools, alternative or continuation schools, in community organizations of all types, for sports teams, teachers, businesses, prisons, police officers and many others. Some Challenge Days are held in communities that are experiencing high degrees of trauma, bullying, violence, and poverty; some are not. We find that teens are often dealing with difficult social and emotional issues and academic and social pressures in a wide variety of school settings.

What research supports Challenge Day's effectiveness?

We’ve developed and honed Challenge Day programs for nearly 30 years with more than 1.5 million participants. In our Research and Evaluation section, you’ll find the outcomes of our standardized surveys and also our periodic external evaluations. Validated outcomes include Intellectual Flexibility, Task Leadership, Emotional Control, Self Confidence, and Social Competence. We’ve also mapped the program outcomes to the five competencies that are recommended for social and emotional learning (SEL) programs.

Will Challenge Day bring up feelings and emotions?

Young people in our schools face negative judgments, bullying, teasing, racism, violence, loneliness and separation; some have faced trauma in their lives, and some feel empowered and positive about their experience. Challenge Day creates the emotional safety for people to express their real feelings. Students typically leave the program inspired to seek ways to help create a positive school environment. In addition to feeling inspired, some students may need additional support. To support these youth, we work carefully and confidentially to identify them and get them the follow-up counseling support they deserve.

Can I attend a Challenge Day?

Adult participation is crucial for the success of Challenge Day. The program is a great place to bring together parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, representatives from local civic organizations, law enforcement, fire departments, the Chamber of Commerce, local businesses or corporations, community foundations, local nonprofits, influential community members, and potential funding sources. Please visit our Calendar to find schools in your area that are open to having adult participants attend a Challenge Day.

Do you offer programs for adults as well as teens?

Yes! We offer many programs for schools, faculties, businesses, communities, families and personal growth workshops for adults. Our programs provide an opportunity to dive into Challenge Day’s philosophies and practices with our founders Rich and Yvonne Dutra-St. John and to strengthen relationships in all areas of your life. Visit Our Programs menu to see all that we offer and find one that is right for you and/or your organization.

How much does Challenge Day cost?

Please see our Prices. Clients repeat the program year-after-year because it achieves outcomes rarely seen in more costly and resource-intensive school programs.

How do I fund my school's Challenge Day?

Once a student’s social and emotional needs are met, their behavior and engagement improves, grades go up, and their overall life satisfaction improves. That’s why more than 90% of Challenge Days are funded from school resources. Local community foundations, civic groups such as Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions groups, police departments, businesses, service clubs, school safety funds, drug use prevention funds, and private donors have all provided funding for Challenge Days. Better yet, they can experience the immediate impact of their donation by participating in the program. See our Funding Handbook under Resources for more fundraising ideas.

What happens after a Challenge Day?

By the end of a Challenge Day program participants are empowered, motivated and excited to "be the change" in their schools and communities. These skills are lasting, and to keep Challenge Day alive, we recommend that schools form a "Be the Change Team" to inspire ongoing positive change in the school and community. We offer many free resources, including our Be the Change Guide, that has year-round activities. Schools wanting to learn how to incorporate Challenge Day empathy-building practices into classrooms and the school environment can also find tips in our online Challenge Day Coordinator Handbook in the Resources section.

For those wishing to deepen their knowledge in Challenge Day's practices and philosophies, or for those who have not attended Challenge Day but wish to experience this life-changing work, join our Founders for any of our workshops designed for adults and teens, ages 15+.

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