Ep 1. I'm Trying to Be a Leader Here

In the first episode of Kid Nation, titled "I'm Trying to Be a Leader Here," 40 children between the ages of 8 and 15 are transported to the abandoned town of Bonanza City in the New Mexican desert. Their mission is to create a functioning society and live without any adult supervision for a total of 40 days.

Upon arriving in Bonanza City, the children are split into four different districts based on their age ranges. Each district has their own designated headquarters and set of rules to abide by. The blue district, made up of the youngest children, must rely on the other districts for basic necessities such as food and water. The oldest district, the green district, has a more autonomous living style and are responsible for leading the others in various tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

The main challenge for the first episode is the election of a town council, consisting of one leader from each district who will guide the community and make all important decisions. The children quickly realize that leadership is not as easy as it seems, and that being a leader comes with many responsibilities and challenges.

As the children campaign for leadership positions, tensions rise between different districts and individuals. It becomes clear that not everyone has the same vision for the town, and that some children are more interested in power than in the well-being of the community.

In order to make their case as potential leaders, the children participate in a series of challenges. These challenges test their problem-solving skills, physical abilities, and teamwork. The first challenge involves locating and collecting cooking supplies and utensils that have been scattered throughout the town. The second challenge is a relay race, with each district taking turns running a lap around a track. The third and final challenge involves building a water pump using only the resources available in their district.

After a day of campaigning and challenges, the town council is finally elected. The council is composed of five members, one from each district, and they immediately get to work making important decisions for the community. They decide on where certain resources will be allocated and how to distribute chores and responsibilities among the different districts.

The episode ends with some of the children expressing their frustration with the new leadership and questioning whether they made the right decision. Others are optimistic about the future and excited to see how the community will progress over the next 39 days.

Overall, "I'm Trying to Be a Leader Here" sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season of Kid Nation. The children are faced with real-world challenges and must navigate complex social dynamics in order to create a functional and thriving community.