Supporting Partners
What’s inside:
A note from the Director of Adventure
Gluski Park Campaign Kickoff Event: Be a part of what we’re building!
Made UP Outdoor Summit: Expanding the Conversation
Countdown to 2026 Adventure Team Season
906AT: Featured in Outside Magazine
MTRS: Schedule Change
906AT: Keeping the Mission at the Center of All We Do
New on Made UP Podcast
Events with 906AT
A note from the Director of Adventure
The June newsletter feels like a great time to say – Thank you. Thank you to the 600+ volunteers who make Adventure Bike Club possible every year. We couldn’t do it without you, and 1,300 fewer kids would experience adventure if you didn’t show up for em’.
Thank you to the volunteer coaches who are planning to show up next week to help with Marji Camp. Year after year, many of the same people keep showing up to share their experience and stoke for all things Marji.
Thank you to Bill and Emily Mason (and other volunteers who pitch in around the office @ basecamp) for doing the little things while we run around trying to get ready for the summer. We see the work you do – and greatly appreciate it.
Thank you to everyone supporting Gluski Park. With your support we’ve raised $1,400,000. Typin’ that out blows me away… We’ve raised $1.4 million!!! Site prep will begin in July. Rock Solid will start building in August. So damn exciting
Thank you to our donors, sponsors, and partners. Some give money. Some give time. Others provide service. Each of you gives in order to help us be stronger, and I want you to know that I see it. Every day.
And last but not least… Thank you to our staff. Marc, Elizabeth, Julie, and Adventure Team Area Leads. Yer’ the heart and soul of 906AT, and you probably don’t hear it often enough. So, thank you. Thank you for always showing up to do the hard things – and finish what you start!
TP
Thank you to the volunteer coaches who are planning to show up next week to help with Marji Camp. Year after year, many of the same people keep showing up to share their experience and stoke for all things Marji.
Thank you to Bill and Emily Mason (and other volunteers who pitch in around the office @ basecamp) for doing the little things while we run around trying to get ready for the summer. We see the work you do – and greatly appreciate it.
Thank you to everyone supporting Gluski Park. With your support we’ve raised $1,400,000. Typin’ that out blows me away… We’ve raised $1.4 million!!! Site prep will begin in July. Rock Solid will start building in August. So damn exciting
Thank you to our donors, sponsors, and partners. Some give money. Some give time. Others provide service. Each of you gives in order to help us be stronger, and I want you to know that I see it. Every day.
And last but not least… Thank you to our staff. Marc, Elizabeth, Julie, and Adventure Team Area Leads. Yer’ the heart and soul of 906AT, and you probably don’t hear it often enough. So, thank you. Thank you for always showing up to do the hard things – and finish what you start!
TP
“It’s for kids like me who had no idea what they were capable of before they got onto the bike.” -Sawyer Stelwagen
May 15, 2026 – Not only did this day mark, perhaps the warmest day of the last six months, this particular day in May was also the Campaign Kickoff Event for Gluski Park. As an organization, 906 Adventure Team, has been behind the scenes developing, planning, preparing, and fundraising for this project – but this day, May 15th, marked our first opportunity to officially present Gluski Park to the community. We’d been anxiously counting down the days to this event – an opportunity to kickoff our public fundraising campaign, and also an opportunity to invite the community to the space at 955 N. Lakeshore Boulevard that will become Gluski Park – to set the tone for what this park will be – the energy, the excitement, the opportunity – our first community gathering – the first of many more to come.
The event did not disappoint. You showed up. You brought a positive, excited and enthusiastic energy. You confirmed and solidified what this space will be. A space for all ages and all skills. A space full of promise and opportunity.
The evening began with a lineup of the following inspirational speakers. 906AT Director of Adventure Todd Poquette who highlighted the vision and the plans for Gluski Park. Todd LaFave from the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation, who shared the legacy of Daniel Kobasic and the work of the foundation after awarding 906AT $800,000. Sandy Gluski, Tara Gluski’s mother who poured her love for her daughter into her words and the space, poignantly named after Tara. Susie Fox from the Great Lakes Sports Commission, an advocate and supporter of Gluski Park through a $150,000 grant. Representative Karl Bohnak who believes in the project and mission, demonstrating his support through his work in Lansing. And Sawyer Stelwagen, an Adventure Team participant, apprentice leader in the program and now coach, shared his experience and the impact the program has had on his growth and development.
Sawyer spoke on behalf of so many kids, who have found a safe space in 906 Adventure Team to Do Hard Things and push beyond their comfort zones. He recounted the first time he made it to the top of Kirby’s Hill:
“I can remember so vividly feeling something I hadn’t felt in a long time. Pride. I felt proud of what I had accomplished. And with that pride came a realization. I could overcome anything. If I spent the time and I put the work in, I could take on any obstacle life threw at me. If I kept showing up, even when things were hard and pushing to do better each day, I would grow.”
That’s what Gluski Park is about – that’s what you’re helping create when you give. You’re supporting our mission of empowering people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor education. With your support, this park means we’ll impact more kids and more families. It allows us to open our arms bigger, expanding our community – a group of people, businesses and organizations who understand the importance of giving every kid an opportunity like Sawyer’s moment on Kirby’s Hill.
“Gluski Park isn’t just for the established racers and the top athletes,” Sawyer shared with the crowd. “It’s for kids like me who had no idea what they were capable of before they got onto the bike. This park provides more than just a place for these kids to hone their skills on the trails but rather provides a place where they can hone their character and mind without feeling like they are being judged by those around them. Gluski Park is a place of challenge for these kids to keep showing up to and one day take pride in their ability to conquer each day.”
The event did not disappoint. You showed up. You brought a positive, excited and enthusiastic energy. You confirmed and solidified what this space will be. A space for all ages and all skills. A space full of promise and opportunity.
Over 200 people joined us for the kickoff. We raised just over $30,000 that day, both online and at the event. Gifts that were doubled by a $155,000 matching grant from the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation. Since May 1st, we’ve raised $125,000 of those matching funds. We’re incredibly grateful for the support and continue to be energized by the belief you have in this project and our organization. Our goal is to raise $2.1 million. We’ve raised $1.3 million. We’re getting close, but we’re far from the finish. Help us keep the momentum going and be part of what comes next, Gluski Park – a community trailhead and adventure park!
Made UP Outdoor Summit: Expanding the conversation
“Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood,” – Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
It’s hard to talk to people outside of your group. There are different perspectives. Different opinions. Different goals. It can be easy to look at the “other user” groups as someone you’re competing against.
So, the goal was straight forward for the Made UP Outdoor Summit: Let’s invite economic developers, direct marketing organizations, outdoor groups, conservancies, land trusts, timberland companies, and more; to create a conversation. We said, let’s talk about where we’re headed in terms of the following four pillars: community, adventure, sustainability and conservation – and why it’s crucial that we work together – and we just did that.
Among an impressive list of keynote speakers, Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition, KORC, shared how they’ve been able to create a coalition representing all outdoor recreation user groups across the Keweenaw. It’s refreshing to see people sharing a vision and working together. The KORC model is something all of our communities should look at across the Upper Peninsula. The best part? A person can’t say it’s impossible to get silent sport folks, the motorized community, and equestrians to work together because KORC is doing it – and they’re doing it well.
People agreed we need to talk more, and the conversation needs to be thoughtful, intentional, and respectful. That’s the goal as we move forward. Respectful communication. Action items. And getting stuff done. If you’d like to know when we set the date for the 2027 Made U.P. Outdoor Summit visit https://madeup-brand.com/outdoor_summit/ and join the mailing list.
Countdown to 2026 Adventure Team Season!
Adventure Team youth programming is set to kick off in 16 communities this month. Over 1,300 kids are registered. Over 600 adults have committed their time and energy as volunteers to make it happen. It’s a big undertaking that year after year isn’t taken lightly. We’re continually refining our process, examining ways to make the program more impactful, easier to navigate for parents and volunteers and doing our due diligence to ensure kids in the program, regardless of the community they’re riding in are having a true 906AT experience.
Every detail is planned with intention – from the setup of basecamps to the nutrition and first aid kits. Volunteers have successfully completed online training; with many also participating in a weekend of deeper training through the leadership summit – they’re ready and committed.
New this year, we’re launching the Adventure Hub – a uniquely designed app to communicate with parents and coaches as well as streamline attendance and health information. The Adventure Hub has been in development for months. 906AT’s Marc Salm has spent hours with Gabe Berghuis and Joe Chrysler focusing on the user experience, imputing data and creating a product that simplifies and improves communication. We’re thrilled to have a system created just for us, built by committed volunteers of the program. Gabe and Joe have been incredible to work with – taking this project on out of their own desire to improve the program and experience for all involved. Their commitment is incredible – Thank YOU!
It’s going to be a busy and exciting season – one supported by you and the 16 communities implementing Adventure Team programming and the 906AT mission. Cheers to getting back on the trails!
Every detail is planned with intention – from the setup of basecamps to the nutrition and first aid kits. Volunteers have successfully completed online training; with many also participating in a weekend of deeper training through the leadership summit – they’re ready and committed.
New this year, we’re launching the Adventure Hub – a uniquely designed app to communicate with parents and coaches as well as streamline attendance and health information. The Adventure Hub has been in development for months. 906AT’s Marc Salm has spent hours with Gabe Berghuis and Joe Chrysler focusing on the user experience, imputing data and creating a product that simplifies and improves communication. We’re thrilled to have a system created just for us, built by committed volunteers of the program. Gabe and Joe have been incredible to work with – taking this project on out of their own desire to improve the program and experience for all involved. Their commitment is incredible – Thank YOU!
It’s going to be a busy and exciting season – one supported by you and the 16 communities implementing Adventure Team programming and the 906AT mission. Cheers to getting back on the trails!
906AT: Featured in Outside Magazine
Outside Magazine is a U.S.-based outdoor lifestyle publication that covers adventure, travel, gear, culture, and environmental issues, aiming to inspire readers to get more time outside. The publication is considered a leading voice in the outdoor media space. Outside circulates over 700,000 copies of the magazine across the country and has an extensive online presence. When a writer for Outside Magazine contacted 906AT about featuring the organization – we knew this was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down. Todd interviewed with the publication sharing the story of 906AT, the mission and what’s ahead into the future.
From the article:
“There’s a lot of concern right now around the resilience of kids. I am a strong believer that life requires you to be a strong competitor. That is the ethos behind the bike club. These kids have no idea what they’re in for. Bike riding is just inherently hard,” he said.
Despite the brutal reputation of his races, Poquette says there isn’t a single bike race on the planet more challenging than life. The skills kids develop at ABC stay with them forever.
Check out the full article at the link below!
From the article:
“There’s a lot of concern right now around the resilience of kids. I am a strong believer that life requires you to be a strong competitor. That is the ethos behind the bike club. These kids have no idea what they’re in for. Bike riding is just inherently hard,” he said.
Despite the brutal reputation of his races, Poquette says there isn’t a single bike race on the planet more challenging than life. The skills kids develop at ABC stay with them forever.
Check out the full article at the link below!
For all of you patiently waiting for MTRS (Marquette Trail Running Series), you’re gonna have to wait a little bit longer. We are gonna move the series kickoff to June 30, 2026. The series will still consist of six events. Locations will not change.
The bottom line: We need a little more time to kick the series off right. Between fundraising for Gluski Park and all of the “usual” stuff, time has been a finite commodity. I’ll be honest – back in January I considered not hosting the series this year. I knew it was going to be tough to fit into an already packed schedule, but I also see the series as being capable of becoming more than it’s been, reaching more people than it has, by introducing more people to adventure and doing hard things.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about MTRS, here’s some background. Marquette Trail Running has been around Marquette for the last 15+ years. Andrew Rickauer was the founder, and last year he handed it off to 906AT. The goal of the series is to get people outside adventuring – on foot. When you sign up for MTRS you’re signing up to compete against yourself. Maybe this is the nudge ya need to try something new or return to an activity you’ve always loved? Life gets in the way sometimes. Training for performance can be daunting when you’re just trying to show up for family and work every day. The activities we love should restore us. They should offer a reprieve from the competitive grind – and a chance to do something for ourselves with people we enjoy being around.
Keep in touch. We’ll be launching a new MTRS digital check-in before the first event. The kiosk will track who’s planning to show up and provide an easy to use solution for event day check-in and timing (Don’t worry – you’ll still be able to check-in the day of the event, too).
The bottom line: We need a little more time to kick the series off right. Between fundraising for Gluski Park and all of the “usual” stuff, time has been a finite commodity. I’ll be honest – back in January I considered not hosting the series this year. I knew it was going to be tough to fit into an already packed schedule, but I also see the series as being capable of becoming more than it’s been, reaching more people than it has, by introducing more people to adventure and doing hard things.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about MTRS, here’s some background. Marquette Trail Running has been around Marquette for the last 15+ years. Andrew Rickauer was the founder, and last year he handed it off to 906AT. The goal of the series is to get people outside adventuring – on foot. When you sign up for MTRS you’re signing up to compete against yourself. Maybe this is the nudge ya need to try something new or return to an activity you’ve always loved? Life gets in the way sometimes. Training for performance can be daunting when you’re just trying to show up for family and work every day. The activities we love should restore us. They should offer a reprieve from the competitive grind – and a chance to do something for ourselves with people we enjoy being around.
Keep in touch. We’ll be launching a new MTRS digital check-in before the first event. The kiosk will track who’s planning to show up and provide an easy to use solution for event day check-in and timing
(Don’t worry – you’ll still be able to check-in the day of the event, too). 
EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO BECOME THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES THROUGH OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
At the core of the programming, projects, and events put on and created by 906 Adventure Team is the mission: Empowering people to become the best version of themselves. For 12 years – this has been our True North. It hasn’t changed. The world has changed. Our board of directors has changed. We’ve grown. We’ve evolved. We’ve challenged the status quo. And yet, our purpose, our reason behind every change, every decision, the foundation of every event remains the same – our mission.
Why?
Because it still holds true today and has only become more important. The world is heavy. It’s noisy. It’s moving quickly and changing rapidly. Some of that we have control over, a lot of it we simply, do not. But we can control our space, we can impact our community, we can work together to ensure today’s youth and families have opportunities to grow and develop into strong, healthy community members.
Our mission has and always will guide who we are and what we do. 906 Adventure Team represents a community of action. And as we get into the busy summer season full of Adventure Teams, Marji Camp, and the Crusher – it’s important to take a moment, take a breath, and sit in why we started this organization – to empower people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure.
New on MADE UP!
Episode 52 – Gary Zanetti & Dale Moilanen- Gary is a retired Educator/School Administrator in the Negaunee School District (20 years Science teacher, 10 years Assistant Principal). Dale Moilanen retired U.S. Airforce, and later retired from his civilian career as CEO of Advanced Center for Orthopedics & Plastic Surgery based in Marquette, MI. Both have been active runners most of their lives, they continue to run and bike in retirement as well as help grow these active lifestyle communities. Both gentlemen serve on the recreation committee for Forsyth Forward. They were also both involved in the startup of the Anderson Lake Backyard Ultra, a 24-hour endurance running race held in Gwinn, MI (Oct 10-11, 2026).
Trilogy Partners
