40 kids from the ages of 8-15 are put into the abandoned town of Bonanza City, New Mexico for 40 days. They have to build their own society by electing leaders, passing laws, and establishing an economy.

Debate over acquiring a new source of food divides the Pioneers.

When disorder erupts among the Pioneers, the Town Council is forced to make some tough decisions regarding the rules and maintaining order that don't go over well with everyone.

The Town Council is faced with a dilemma when the topic of religion arises. Their suggestion of having one religious ceremony to accommodate all faiths ruffles some feathers.

The kids get the opportunity to choose new leaders. Olivia vows to defeat Anjay in the elections, which leads to a heated exchange between them.

The town council also hands out its first punishment to one of its citizens. And pigs, rats and flies become a problem in Bonanza city.

The kids try to make more money by selling products on the streets of Bonanza. The town council finds a treasure chest in a gold mine and have to decide what to do with it. And one pioneer is accused of bribing fellow towns people for support in winning the gold star.

Kennedy and Savannah cook the town an authentic Kentucky dinner which leaves one of the girls feeling homesick and wanting to leave. Also the kids hold a talent show to bring some entertainment to Bonanza City but one kid goes on stage to make a very surprising announcement instead.

The town council makes a big decision regarding the districts which upsets a lot of the pioneers. The pioneers also learn about equality and realize that it's not that easy to achieve.

The town council is faced with another hard decision regarding a reward challenge. Their decision causes emotions to run high in Bonanza City.

The town council elects a law enforcer for the city and Taylor is banned from participating in any of the future rewards.

Bonanza's town-council leaves the city to visit with nearby Native Americans. While the town-council is away Bonanza City's sheriff sees this as an opportunity and takes control of the town.

The first season comes to an end with the pioneers trying to keep the town running after they find out that the job board has been destroyed. The pioneers take part in three challenges, each victor winning a gold star worth ,000. At the end, the pioneers all receive a surprise that brings many of them to tears.