What is Challenge Day?
Challenge Day is an organization that helps young people learn to connect through powerful, life-changing programs in their schools and communities. The day-long, interactive Challenge Day program provides teens and adults with tools to tear down the walls of separation and inspires participants to live, study, and work in an encouraging environment of acceptance, love, and respect.
Using highly interactive and energetic activities, Challenge Day Leaders guide teens on a carefully designed exploration of the ways people separate from each other and model tools for creating connection and building community.
Challenge Day programs increase self-esteem, help shift dangerous peer pressure to positive peer support, and reduce the acceptability of teasing, and all forms of violence. Our programs inspire youth and communities to Be the Change they wish to see in the world and challenge others to do the same.

What exactly happens during the program?
The Challenge Day program is approximately 6 hours long and takes place during a school day. Challenge Day is most effective when it is implemented on the school campus on a school day during normal school hours. It is critical that teachers understand the value of the program so that they are open to allowing students to take part in the day.
Challenge Day Leaders begin the morning by helping teens step out of their comfort zones through music and games. When the teenagers begin to feel safe in the group, they are then willing to be vulnerable with one another and connect as human beings and no longer from stereotypes and labels that have been placed upon them such as nerds, jocks, popular, gangsters, etc. Leaders also spend a portion of the morning talking about the healthy expression of emotions, and the negative effects of keeping feelings inside. During the afternoon, participants dive into the issues studends face and examine the impact it has on their lives and the lives of people around them. By the end of the afternoon, participants have an opportunity to take a stand against bullying, make amends for hurts they have caused each other, and state their commitment to creating change on their campus and in their community. The day is both inspiring and awakening for students and adults.
Click Here For A Challenge Day Overview

What do you need from me?
In order for Challenge Day to take place, we must have one adult volunteer for every four students. Each school typically has around 100 students eager to participate, which means we need at least 25 volunteers per school. Your involvement is crucial to making the event a success. If you are able to volunteer, please fill out the volunteer form at your earliest convenience. 

What will volunteers do?  
Volunteers will play a vital role in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for students throughout the day. They will cheer, clap, and encourage students, participate in fun ice-breaker activities, and help foster a safe and enjoyable environment. Additionally, each volunteer will be assigned a “family group” of four students. In these small groups, volunteers will support students, provide a listening ear, and model active listening. Volunteers will also notify counselors if any student appears to be struggling. Your involvement is key to ensuring a meaningful experience for the students.

Is there any training required for volunteers?
Yes, there will be a brief orientation prior to the event to ensure all volunteers are prepared for their roles. In addition, please watch the volunteer video under the Volunteer tab.

How long will volunteers need to be there?
Volunteers are typically required to arrive by 7:30 AM for a staff training session and an overview of the day. Students will arrive at 8:00 AM, and Challenge Day will conclude around 3:00 PM. Volunteers are expected to stay for the entire duration of the event. Lunch will be provided. Please note that times may vary slightly depending on the location, so be sure to check the schedule for your specific site.

What should I wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and gym shoes, as you’ll be participating in various activities throughout the day. A sweater or hoodie is also advisable, as school gymnasiums can sometimes be chilly. We encourage all volunteers to fully engage with the students—be ready to be silly, bust out your dance moves, and have fun during the games! Dressing comfortably will help you dive into the spirit of the day and create a positive, energetic environment for the students.

What do I need to volunteer?
All new volunteers will need to cooperate with a background check to ensure the safety of our students. Returning volunteers can easily register by following the provided link or scanning the QR code.

Can I volunteer at the school where my child attends?
Yes, parent volunteers are highly encouraged! However, to maintain the program's integrity, you will not be assigned to a family group with any relatives, including your child. This helps ensure a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

I am a Jackson College faculty member. What about my classes?
Jackson College faculty members and adjuncts have the option to move their face-to-face (F2F) classes online for one day to volunteer for Challenge Day. If your class meets during the same time as the event, it is understood that you will forgo the synchronous session, and students will work asynchronously. This allows you to participate in the event while ensuring your students continue their coursework independently.

What happens if there are not enough volunteers?
 If there are not enough adult volunteers, the number of students who can participate will need to be reduced. In the event that a scheduled volunteer does not show up and no replacement is available, the affected students may have to return to their classrooms or spend the day in the library. Adequate volunteer participation is essential to ensure all students can fully engage in the program.

Can I leave and then come back, or leave during lunch and come back? 
No, once the program begins, all adult volunteers are required to remain with their assigned students for the entire day, including lunch. Volunteers are also encouraged to refrain from using cell phones during this time, as this helps foster a strong sense of community and engagement throughout the event. Your full participation is essential to the program’s success. However, if you would like to volunteer but are unable to commit to the entire day, there are other opportunities to contribute. For example, you can assist with set-up, clean-up, serving lunch, or checking students in when they arrive.

Can I use my cell phone during the day?
No, adult volunteers are expected to be fully engaged in the activities throughout the day. We kindly ask that all cell phones be set to silent and stored in the designated volunteer area until the program concludes. While there may be a brief opportunity to check your phone during lunch, we request that this be done quickly to ensure that no participant is left without a lunch companion. Creating a supportive, inclusive environment is a key part of the event.

I am breastfeeding and will need to pump. Can I still volunteer?
 Yes, breastfeeding volunteers are welcome to participate. However, due to the need for flexibility, you will serve as a support volunteer rather than the lead for any group. Please let the Challenge Day Coordinators know beforehand so we can assign you a role that meets your needs while ensuring the program runs smoothly.  Additionally, please let our volunteer coordinator, Shana Rhoades, know in advance so we can plan to have another adult in your group who can be present with the students at all times.  

Does the committee collect data from the students about the impact of CD?
Yes, each year the students are surveyed to ask how they felt about certain groups and topics before and after their CD. The results are documented in our annual report. The report for the 2023 CD is linked HERE

Every journey starts with a single step