Supporting Partners
If you’re worried about doing it wrong, don’t!
I came home from spring break with a story to share. Cable (my 14-year-old son) and I went to camp for a few days during spring break. We had a bunch of stuff planned, like shooting the bow he got for Christmas, scouting our hunting area for the best spot to put a bow blind, and getting all the gear (rods, reels, and tackle) ready for spring fishn’.
Cable loves to fish, and he has collected a lot of gear over the last several years that’s all kinda been living in a hogpog of small tackle boxes and little plastic boxes. When we got to camp, I surprised him with a brand new tackle box I figured was big enough to consolidate all of his stuff into a one-stop shop. He was pretty excited.
When he was ready, I helped get the stuff together and set him up with a workspace. Then, I discretely moved on to another project… leaving him to figure things out independently. Of course, that didn’t last long 😂
“Hey, Dad. Can you come here? I don’t know how to do this.” I went over to the table and asked, “What’s up, bud?” There was gear everywhere. He had a lure in each hand and looked up at me, kinda overwhelmed, “I’m not sure what to do. I don’t think it’ll all fit.”
This was an important moment for both of us. Naturally, I have opinions about how I would set up that tackle box, but this was his box, not mine, and I wanted him to own every step. So, I just started asking him some questions. “How do you think you should organize the lures? By species? Or maybe by lure type?” He pulled out two plastic trays from the tackle box and said, “At first, I was gonna have a tray for bass, another for pike, and one for walleye, but a bunch of the lures can be used for multiple species, so that doesn’t make sense.” He set the trays down and got quiet. “I think organizing by lure type makes the most sense.” I nodded. He continued, “I can put all of the floaters together in this (showing me an empty bin), countdowns in this one, and spoons in another.” He smiled. I smiled, too. “I think you’re onto something, Cable,” I said and started to walk back to what I was working on, but then stopped and added, “If you’re worried about doing it wrong, don’t. This is your tackle and box; you can set it up any way you want. If you don’t like it… change it. You’re the boss.”
I wanted to share this story with our 906AT community because I think we (adults) all too often miss opportunities to encourage curiosity and empower kids to get creative and make decisions. In this example with Cable, I was trying to let him take control and let him know I trusted him! I also wanted to make sure he knows there’s no wrong way to set up his tackle. Even if there was a right and a wrong way – what’s the worst that can happen? He has to do it again? Heck, there’s nothing wrong with learning that way (hands-on). It’s fun for adults to feel like they have all of the answers, but what’s the cost for our kids? Let’s give em’ some space to run with their ideas. Who knows. Maybe they’ll teach us something we didn’t know.
Cable loves to fish, and he has collected a lot of gear over the last several years that’s all kinda been living in a hogpog of small tackle boxes and little plastic boxes. When we got to camp, I surprised him with a brand new tackle box I figured was big enough to consolidate all of his stuff into a one-stop shop. He was pretty excited.
When he was ready, I helped get the stuff together and set him up with a workspace. Then, I discretely moved on to another project… leaving him to figure things out independently. Of course, that didn’t last long 😂
“Hey, Dad. Can you come here? I don’t know how to do this.” I went over to the table and asked, “What’s up, bud?” There was gear everywhere. He had a lure in each hand and looked up at me, kinda overwhelmed, “I’m not sure what to do. I don’t think it’ll all fit.”
This was an important moment for both of us. Naturally, I have opinions about how I would set up that tackle box, but this was his box, not mine, and I wanted him to own every step. So, I just started asking him some questions. “How do you think you should organize the lures? By species? Or maybe by lure type?” He pulled out two plastic trays from the tackle box and said, “At first, I was gonna have a tray for bass, another for pike, and one for walleye, but a bunch of the lures can be used for multiple species, so that doesn’t make sense.” He set the trays down and got quiet. “I think organizing by lure type makes the most sense.” I nodded. He continued, “I can put all of the floaters together in this (showing me an empty bin), countdowns in this one, and spoons in another.” He smiled. I smiled, too. “I think you’re onto something, Cable,” I said and started to walk back to what I was working on, but then stopped and added, “If you’re worried about doing it wrong, don’t. This is your tackle and box; you can set it up any way you want. If you don’t like it… change it. You’re the boss.”
I wanted to share this story with our 906AT community because I think we (adults) all too often miss opportunities to encourage curiosity and empower kids to get creative and make decisions. In this example with Cable, I was trying to let him take control and let him know I trusted him! I also wanted to make sure he knows there’s no wrong way to set up his tackle. Even if there was a right and a wrong way – what’s the worst that can happen? He has to do it again? Heck, there’s nothing wrong with learning that way (hands-on). It’s fun for adults to feel like they have all of the answers, but what’s the cost for our kids? Let’s give em’ some space to run with their ideas. Who knows. Maybe they’ll teach us something we didn’t know.
By Todd Poquette
Mark your calendars! AT registration opening soon!
Adventure Team Youth Registration: Saturday, May 3 @ noon
Early Registration for kids of volunteers: Friday, May 2 @ 6:00am – 9:06pm
Step 1: Sign up
Step 2: Show up
Step 3: Enjoy the ride (especially the hard stuff)
Many of the teams sell out within a few hours. Set a reminder and be ready to register!
Adventure Team kids learn how to do hard things AND that they are capable of doing them without always needing an incentive. Learning how to do the hard stuff for the sake of doing it is a skill that will serve them as children and adults.
The goal of Adventure Team is to reach all youth, regardless of ability, goals or equipment. From there we focus on discovery. Everyone rides at AT, no one sits out – regardless of age or experience. This is about developing a lifestyle, building a community, and removing the finish line. Failure is viewed as an opportunity to learn. Competition is within the individual: You vs. You.
If you’re on our mailing list – watch your inbox, we’ll be sending more information via email regarding registration as the date gets closer.
In the meantime – click the link below and watch the video on how to prepare for registration and make sure you’re ready to claim a spot.
We’re adding 2 new Adventure Teams!
This year we’re excited to be running Adventure Teams in 15 communities in the Midwest with the addition of Adventure Team Kalamazoo and Adventure Team Ludington. This means more kids will be given opportunities to get outside, get off the sideline and get into the elements.
This is what it’s about. This is what we show up for. Today’s kids, tomorrow’s leaders.
Adventure Team Coach Training: Get er done!
Volunteers! Don’t wait – get your online training started (and finished)!
Deadline to complete: April 23
If you’ve registered to volunteer, check your inbox for instructions on how to go through the online training. It will come from 906@csod.com
There are nine modules covering everything from Adventure Team mindset, basecamp logistics and expectations to trail etiquette, riding, first aid and abuse prevention.
Take this seriously – take notes – and come prepared to Adventure Team!
Made U.P. Episode 3: Sean is the owner of Winnebago Bicycle in Oshkosh, WI. He’s an accomplished weightlifter and classically trained singer.
Todd & Sean discuss bike touring, music, theater, weight training, the cycling industry, diet and fuel among other topics. Sean says he’s always felt the most at home in the outdoors. Find out how that feeling has cultivated a life of taking chances and digging in.
*intended for audiences 18 and older.
Made U.P. Episode 4 – April 1st fittingly marked the 1-year anniversary of Marc Salm becoming a staff member with 906 Adventure Team as “Partner in Adventure”. Marc reflects back on a significant year. The transition, the feeling of making his first commute to Basecamp on his bike from Negaunee and his emotional first day.
Plus, the move to become a Yooper – the challenges and the excitement!
*intended for audiences 18 and older.
New on the #blametodd pod – Can someone turn up the heat?
We’re checking in with Elizabeth Peterson as she nears three weeks on the job with 906AT. The projects, her fears, why she’s not afraid to admit she’s failed, and transitioning to a new wardrobe and a new version of herself (she’s working on hanging up the anchor suit for good!)
Plus, why does Todd have bacon in his pocket?
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Leading Adventure Summit is fast approaching!
When: April 26-27
Where: Marquette
Cost: Free to current volunteers, potential volunteers or people interested in starting an Adventure Team in their community
What: Fill your toolbox with the tools you need to be an impactful volunteer leader
- Leading by example: How action, not words will set you apart.
- 2024 impact survey: What we learned about 906AT events and the way they’re impacting the lives of participants and parents.
- Connections that matter: Learn skills to build meaningful relationships with kids.
- Youth mental and physical health: The trends and impacts of exercise, sports and getting outdoors.
- Enhanced first-aid: Scenarios to improve your response to injury, safety, and illness.
- Volunteer Panel: What you’ll really face as a volunteer with 906AT – you can prepare for it all – but be ready for surprises!
- On the bike skills: A hands on experience of the skills you’ll teach this summer from bike mechanics to obstacles.
Limited space remaining! Secure your spot now!
Check out the full event schedule and register today at the link below!
Extinction of Experience
I read a term in a book recently that stuck with me. The term is extinction of experience. It refers to experiences (specifically those in an outdoor or natural setting) that children are missing out on and the author used it to make a point about how screens are often replacing these experiences for children. As I work regularly with children and value outdoor experiences thinking about children growing up without nature in their lives on a regular basis gave me pause and an additional reason to notice the event I describe below.
I live in a quiet suburban neighborhood where many of the streets are not through streets, so one would expect to see kids outside regularly, and yet I rarely see kids out playing in yards. However, I was walking my dogs a few nights ago and two boys playing in their front yard caught my attention. They seemed like brothers, perhaps age 8 and 10. They were making their own game that clearly had defined “rules”. At the same time, an older boy across the street came out of his house with a basketball in hand followed closely by a younger sister. He called out to the boys across the street “is it okay if we come over?” The younger boys across the street answered “yes”. I thought about how nice it was that the older boy asked permission before interrupting their play.
The idea that I do not regularly see this type of behavior and find it novel, says something about the times we live in. While I know that my immediate neighbor kids play in their fenced in back yards and therefore do get play outside, this example seemed like something more valuable. Specifically, these kids were experiencing community – conversations with non-family members and outdoor play with autonomy over their play – no adult was negotiating or overseeing the terms of their activity. Both experiences of value for young people.
While in this instance, I am adopting the term extinction of experience to encompass more than just kids’ time playing in nature, I think the sentiment is the same. If kids don’t have opportunities to experience autonomy over their play (experiences), interactions in a community and an appreciation of the outdoors – what are they missing and what experiences are replacing these?
I say it each year that I volunteer with our community’s Adventure Team. I get as much out of the adventure in the woods as the kids do. Let this be your encouragement – to spend time in nature with kids.
I live in a quiet suburban neighborhood where many of the streets are not through streets, so one would expect to see kids outside regularly, and yet I rarely see kids out playing in yards. However, I was walking my dogs a few nights ago and two boys playing in their front yard caught my attention. They seemed like brothers, perhaps age 8 and 10. They were making their own game that clearly had defined “rules”. At the same time, an older boy across the street came out of his house with a basketball in hand followed closely by a younger sister. He called out to the boys across the street “is it okay if we come over?” The younger boys across the street answered “yes”. I thought about how nice it was that the older boy asked permission before interrupting their play.
The idea that I do not regularly see this type of behavior and find it novel, says something about the times we live in. While I know that my immediate neighbor kids play in their fenced in back yards and therefore do get play outside, this example seemed like something more valuable. Specifically, these kids were experiencing community – conversations with non-family members and outdoor play with autonomy over their play – no adult was negotiating or overseeing the terms of their activity. Both experiences of value for young people.
While in this instance, I am adopting the term extinction of experience to encompass more than just kids’ time playing in nature, I think the sentiment is the same. If kids don’t have opportunities to experience autonomy over their play (experiences), interactions in a community and an appreciation of the outdoors – what are they missing and what experiences are replacing these?
I say it each year that I volunteer with our community’s Adventure Team. I get as much out of the adventure in the woods as the kids do. Let this be your encouragement – to spend time in nature with kids.
By Julie Cunningham
906 Adventure Team Gear store powered by Borah Teamwear is open!
Here’s the exciting news – not only can you order your favorite gear, the company is telling us they’ll be able to get it to you faster right now than any other time of the year (it’s their down time of the year and they are itching for something to do!).
All sales will be shipped directly from Borah to you!
Get your gear in time for the start of the season!
Choose from 906AT, Polar Roll, The Crusher, and Marji Gesick.
THE STORE WILL CLOSE AT 11:59PM SUNDAY, APRIL 13TH.
Training Day 160
When Dawn Lundin set her sights on the Marji Worst of Both Worlds Duathlon in 2025 she knew it would be the biggest event she’d ever committed to. But, she recalls now her motivation and her reasons to sign up.
“Tara (Gluski) was the first person I told I was going to do this race. I’ve got promises to keep,” said Lundin.
Lundin has been a runner for most of her life, however she admits the last few years she hasn’t felt like a runner. Despite completing 19 marathons, an injury forced her to take a break from hitting the pavement. Participating in the Marji is about reclaiming that title, and reminding herself what she’s capable of.
“There was a moment during Marji camp,” said Dawn. “I just got this overwhelming feeling, not only am I going to do this. I know that I CAN do this.”
Talking with Dawn, it’s clear, she believes in herself, in the process and in the work she’s putting in. While she spends time visualizing herself on the trail during the event and at the finish line her training focus doesn’t go farther than the day in front of her.
“I focus on each day. I ask myself, what work needs to be done.” She says that keeps her from spending too much time on what happened yesterday or what could happen tomorrow.
And so, she rides… on a trainer in her basement for 1-1.5 hours a few days a week. She strength trains other days for 1-1.5 hours and she runs, for a couple of hours, one day a week.
While relatively new to biking, picking it up in 2022, she’s not unfamiliar with 906AT events – she’s completed a number of the Marji Gesick and Crusher races. Biking for her began with a way to connect and spend time with her family, but has undoubtedly turned into so much more.
“Somewhere in my life, I acquired this assumption that I am fragile,” said Lundin. “These events are a way to remind and prove to myself that I’m anything but fragile.”
And so she keeps at it. Taking daily photos of herself to record her progress – motivating herself and perhaps unknowingly motivating others along the way. It’s hard to follow her story and not be inspired.
Her advice for others?
“Don’t give yourself the option of not doing the work. When you show up for yourself and honor the goals, the less you’re going to give yourself an out.”
Words of wisdom relatable to any goal, regardless of what it is. Keep crushing it Dawn! We’ll see you at the starting line (and the finish line)!
“Tara (Gluski) was the first person I told I was going to do this race. I’ve got promises to keep,” said Lundin.
Lundin has been a runner for most of her life, however she admits the last few years she hasn’t felt like a runner. Despite completing 19 marathons, an injury forced her to take a break from hitting the pavement. Participating in the Marji is about reclaiming that title, and reminding herself what she’s capable of.
“There was a moment during Marji camp,” said Dawn. “I just got this overwhelming feeling, not only am I going to do this. I know that I CAN do this.”
Talking with Dawn, it’s clear, she believes in herself, in the process and in the work she’s putting in. While she spends time visualizing herself on the trail during the event and at the finish line her training focus doesn’t go farther than the day in front of her.
“I focus on each day. I ask myself, what work needs to be done.” She says that keeps her from spending too much time on what happened yesterday or what could happen tomorrow.
And so, she rides… on a trainer in her basement for 1-1.5 hours a few days a week. She strength trains other days for 1-1.5 hours and she runs, for a couple of hours, one day a week.
While relatively new to biking, picking it up in 2022, she’s not unfamiliar with 906AT events – she’s completed a number of the Marji Gesick and Crusher races. Biking for her began with a way to connect and spend time with her family, but has undoubtedly turned into so much more.
“Somewhere in my life, I acquired this assumption that I am fragile,” said Lundin. “These events are a way to remind and prove to myself that I’m anything but fragile.”
And so she keeps at it. Taking daily photos of herself to record her progress – motivating herself and perhaps unknowingly motivating others along the way. It’s hard to follow her story and not be inspired.
Her advice for others?
“Don’t give yourself the option of not doing the work. When you show up for yourself and honor the goals, the less you’re going to give yourself an out.”
Words of wisdom relatable to any goal, regardless of what it is. Keep crushing it Dawn! We’ll see you at the starting line (and the finish line)!
By Elizabeth Peterson
Whether through a donation to youth resilience programming or a sponsorship of your local Adventure Team, your support is crucial to keep the momentum going. We’ve made incredible progress, but we’re already fully immersed in the planning and building for the next decade of growth. Through your financial partnership, you can be a key part of helping us build the foundation for the next 10 years of leadership, resilience and growth for thousands of youth.
Have a story you’d like to see featured in an upcoming edition of ‘Doing The Hard Things’?
Contact Elizabeth Peterson at elizabeth@906adventureteam.com