Supporting Partners
What’s inside:
New Year. Same Mission.
RESEARCH: Playing in dirt transforms children’s health
Volunteering in 2026: Register NOW
Leading Adventure Summit: April 25 & 26
Adventure Team Youth Programming
Youth & Family Info
Adventure Team Registration: Get Ready!
New on MADE U.P.
Events with 906AT
We’re dedicating the entire newsletter to the youth program and kicking off volunteer recruitment. The LMS (Learning Management System) has been updated. Quizzes have been streamlined and shortened. Video was added to diversify the training experience, and you can complete your training on a mobile friendly app. Progress.
Ya know… I remember a time when the LMS was a three-ring binder. We had a handful of coaches and one Adventure Team. The training was nothing more than stuff I collected to hold myself accountable… A handful of ethics, core values, and rules of engagement. We focused a lot on HOW we would do things because how you do things creates your culture. IMO nothing is more important than an organization’s culture. When you have a group of people who believe in each other, trust one another, and like each other… You can do and overcome anything. Nothing can stop you. Failure is not an option. I’m a big believer that we’ve been successful because of the kinda people that get on our bus.
Before I let you go, there’s one thing I would like to add. It’s something that keeps me up at night. I’ll call it the “Tyranny of Safety.” Our society has become obsessed with scaring the sh!t out of us so they can swoop in and be the safety police. It’s infecting our minds. It’s impacting our kids. We are losing touch with the world around us because we’re afraid of it, and that brings me to this. Our organization will continue to focus on personal accountability, resilience, courage, adaptability, and helping people become more independent. We will continue to provide difficult experiences to test you, and bring you together. We will continue to serve you before ourself, and lead by example.
The world is a dangerous place. No one is going to change that. What we (you) can change is our level of readiness and training. So on that note, it’s 2026… let’s get started.
Ya know… I remember a time when the LMS was a three-ring binder. We had a handful of coaches and one Adventure Team. The training was nothing more than stuff I collected to hold myself accountable… A handful of ethics, core values, and rules of engagement. We focused a lot on HOW we would do things because how you do things creates your culture. IMO nothing is more important than an organization’s culture. When you have a group of people who believe in each other, trust one another, and like each other… You can do and overcome anything. Nothing can stop you. Failure is not an option. I’m a big believer that we’ve been successful because of the kinda people that get on our bus.
Before I let you go, there’s one thing I would like to add. It’s something that keeps me up at night. I’ll call it the “Tyranny of Safety.” Our society has become obsessed with scaring the sh!t out of us so they can swoop in and be the safety police. It’s infecting our minds. It’s impacting our kids. We are losing touch with the world around us because we’re afraid of it, and that brings me to this. Our organization will continue to focus on personal accountability, resilience, courage, adaptability, and helping people become more independent. We will continue to provide difficult experiences to test you, and bring you together. We will continue to serve you before ourself, and lead by example.
The world is a dangerous place. No one is going to change that. What we (you) can change is our level of readiness and training. So on that note, it’s 2026… let’s get started.
RESEARCH: Playing in dirt transforms children’s health
A few weeks ago Todd forwarded me and Marc a link to an article in The Guardian, “read this when you have a quiet moment.” I wasn’t surprised to see the article had to do with kids and the impact of play outdoors. I also wasn’t all that surprised to read about the positive impact on kids who were not just playing outside, but getting their hands into the dirt.
I grew up in a small town outside of Grand Rapids. A highlight of my childhood was spending nearly all of my days playing outside. It wasn’t a question of whether we were going to go outside every day – we woke up, had breakfast and were sent out the door, often only returning for snacks, lunch and the occasional bathroom break. We had an endless number of made up games, tree forts, and shenanigans that were top priority. We took a bath nearly every night because we were typically filthy when we came in. Of course, I didn’t realize, and I’m not sure my parents did either the added benefits of playing in the dirt. It’s just what we did.
We’re beginning to now understand those benefits on a deeper level – because of the negative trends that began popping up when kids weren’t spending their days in the outdoors. Medical experts are asking and beginning to learn the answer to – why are heath trends in today’s kids on a decline?
Our world is different today than it was when I was a kid. Today’s world moves faster, it’s louder, distractions are everywhere. Play, like what’s discussed in the article, often has to be intentional – but that doesn’t make it any less impactful. I don’t think it’s ever been more important to make sure we’re creating opportunities for kids to adventure, play in the mud, and get dirty – it opens up a whole new realm of imagination and discovery – and how great that at the same time, as the research in this article suggests, aids in healthy growth and development.
This article also presses the importance of protecting green spaces, parks, trails and places for kids and families to spend time outside together. We need to work together as a community to ensure there isn’t a barrier for this type of play – that our kids have the spaces and places to get dirty. I loved reading the below article and learning about what they’re doing in Finland – I only wish there was more of that happening on a larger scale. But, we can all do our part – and it’s rewarding to know we’re all a part of a community, the 906AT community, that’s creating opportunities and spaces to do just that!
I grew up in a small town outside of Grand Rapids. A highlight of my childhood was spending nearly all of my days playing outside. It wasn’t a question of whether we were going to go outside every day – we woke up, had breakfast and were sent out the door, often only returning for snacks, lunch and the occasional bathroom break. We had an endless number of made up games, tree forts, and shenanigans that were top priority. We took a bath nearly every night because we were typically filthy when we came in. Of course, I didn’t realize, and I’m not sure my parents did either the added benefits of playing in the dirt. It’s just what we did.
We’re beginning to now understand those benefits on a deeper level – because of the negative trends that began popping up when kids weren’t spending their days in the outdoors. Medical experts are asking and beginning to learn the answer to – why are heath trends in today’s kids on a decline?
Our world is different today than it was when I was a kid. Today’s world moves faster, it’s louder, distractions are everywhere. Play, like what’s discussed in the article, often has to be intentional – but that doesn’t make it any less impactful. I don’t think it’s ever been more important to make sure we’re creating opportunities for kids to adventure, play in the mud, and get dirty – it opens up a whole new realm of imagination and discovery – and how great that at the same time, as the research in this article suggests, aids in healthy growth and development.
This article also presses the importance of protecting green spaces, parks, trails and places for kids and families to spend time outside together. We need to work together as a community to ensure there isn’t a barrier for this type of play – that our kids have the spaces and places to get dirty. I loved reading the below article and learning about what they’re doing in Finland – I only wish there was more of that happening on a larger scale. But, we can all do our part – and it’s rewarding to know we’re all a part of a community, the 906AT community, that’s creating opportunities and spaces to do just that!
By Elizabeth Peterson
VOLUNTEER IN 2026: SIGN UP IS OPEN!
The number of kids we’re able to sign up for Adventure Team programming is directly tied to the number of volunteers in each community.
For every volunteer, we’re able to open up three youth spots.
Volunteers do NOT need to be expert bikers. We provide the training to be an effective volunteer.
Volunteers DO need to Lead by Example and commit. Commit to the program. Commit to the 906AT ethos and mission. Commit to putting Service Before Self. And commit to showing up and being present. This program doesn’t just positively impact the kids participating – it changes the adults – for the better.
Volunteers must pass a background check and successfully complete the 906AT online training module. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend the Leading Adventure Summit in Marquette in April to further your training and development.
906AT needs active, engaged and dedicated volunteers who believe in building up today’s kids – not by coddling them – but by providing opportunities for growth and community.
LEADING ADVENTURE SUMMIT
The Leading Adventure Summit is a chance to take your training beyond what is offered in the mandatory online LMS training module. We’ll cover some of the topics in more detail and we’ll offer On The Bike training – giving you the opportunity to master skills before riding with your Adventure Teams.
Who is this for? Any volunteers, on the bike or off, who will interact with youth in any of the Adventure Team communities.
This year we’re moving the event to a new venue – which means more space to gather and learn from one another.
Leadership Training is offered free to volunteers!
When: April 25-26, 2026
Where: Bluff Street Station & 906AT Basecamp, Marquette
Speakers this year include: Director of Adventure Todd Poquette, Dr. Jame Reinhart, Adventure Team Midland Lead, 906AT Board Member & Basecamp Volunteer Julie Cunningham, Clinical Social Worker Cori Nordyk, Adventure Team Lansing Area Lead Laurie De Young, and Dr. Ryan Brang
Back by popular demand: Sunday skills training at 906 Adventure Team Basecamp on Lakeshore Boulevard. Bring your bike and be ready to tackle obstacles, brush up on riding techniques and more!
Who is this for? Any volunteers, on the bike or off, who will interact with youth in any of the Adventure Team communities.
This year we’re moving the event to a new venue – which means more space to gather and learn from one another.
Leadership Training is offered free to volunteers!
When: April 25-26, 2026
Where: Bluff Street Station & 906AT Basecamp, Marquette
Speakers this year include: Director of Adventure Todd Poquette, Dr. Jame Reinhart, Adventure Team Midland Lead, 906AT Board Member & Basecamp Volunteer Julie Cunningham, Clinical Social Worker Cori Nordyk, Adventure Team Lansing Area Lead Laurie De Young, and Dr. Ryan Brang
Back by popular demand: Sunday skills training at 906 Adventure Team Basecamp on Lakeshore Boulevard. Bring your bike and be ready to tackle obstacles, brush up on riding techniques and more!
Adventure Team Youth Programming
Adventure Team is a Youth Resilience Development program.
You’ve probably seen the stats: 17 communities will be running the program in 2026 throughout the Midwest impacting over 1,500 kids with the help of over 650+ volunteers.
But, what does this really mean?
It means 1,500 kids, ages 5-17, will spend two hours once a week for 10-12 weeks developing skills they might not have the opportunity to develop elsewhere. They’ll gain bike skills – but more importantly, they’ll gain core life skills through the experience: Resilience, Adaptability, Respect, Effort, Consistency, Grit.
It’s not easy. It’s not a race to the finish line. It’s about learning what Doing Hard Things means to you.
You vs. You
We focus on growth mindset – learning to view challenges as opportunities.
We focus on community and working together.
We focus on strength and positive outcomes.
Adventure Team is about giving the next generation the tools to become the best version of themselves.
You’ve probably seen the stats: 17 communities will be running the program in 2026 throughout the Midwest impacting over 1,500 kids with the help of over 650+ volunteers.
But, what does this really mean?
It means 1,500 kids, ages 5-17, will spend two hours once a week for 10-12 weeks developing skills they might not have the opportunity to develop elsewhere. They’ll gain bike skills – but more importantly, they’ll gain core life skills through the experience: Resilience, Adaptability, Respect, Effort, Consistency, Grit.
It’s not easy. It’s not a race to the finish line. It’s about learning what Doing Hard Things means to you.
You vs. You
We focus on growth mindset – learning to view challenges as opportunities.
We focus on community and working together.
We focus on strength and positive outcomes.
Adventure Team is about giving the next generation the tools to become the best version of themselves.
YOUTH & FAMILY INFO
Know what you’re signing up for! Before Adventure Team registration opens, check out the Family Handbook. We cover everything from attendance and gear to etiquette and weather. We lay out the expectations, so you can focus on the experience!
Dates to remember:
- April 17: Volunteers register their kids early (must pass background check and complete training first)
- April 18: Public registration
- April 26: Registration closes
- April 27 – May 31: Lots of stuff happens behind the scenes. You will receive info as we move through the month.
- June 1: As each team prepares for their orientation night (refer to the chart below), you will receive an invitation to Stack Team App.
- June 2 – 17: Teams host their orientation night.
ADVENTURE TEAM REGISTRATION
Adventure Team registration opens to the public on April 18. The link below will take you to the registration page through Reg Online. Registration is earlier than it’s been in the past. Operationally it makes sense. It allows more time for the 906AT staff to get each community ready for the season ahead.
What can you do now to prepare for registration?
Set up your Reg Online account. Get familiar with the site. And be ready! Some of our Adventure Team communities will sell out right away. Don’t wait to register if you want your son or daughter to participate in 2026!
What can you do now to prepare for registration?
Set up your Reg Online account. Get familiar with the site. And be ready! Some of our Adventure Team communities will sell out right away. Don’t wait to register if you want your son or daughter to participate in 2026!
Train for Life:
New MADE U.P. Episodes! The podcast studio was busy in December – check out the latest episodes:
Episode 35 – Fred & Beth Egge: Fred is a Mechanical Automation problem solver and hands on Business owner with 36 years of engineering nuts, bolts, and a lot of other mechanical fun stuff. Beth is a certified Heroic Coach and owner of Beth Egge Coaching. Both are certified pilots. They talk about their why (behind flying) and share some stories. We talk about rediscovering cycling, and how they got connected to the 906AT community.
Episode 36 – James & Trisha Fues: James (brother) is an excavator, Trisha (sister) is a teacher. They dropped into to 906AT Basecamp on a brisk mid-December Saturday morning to talk 906AT Trilogy Events on foot, youth development, backpacking, wilderness canoe trips, and much more.
Episode 37 – Vincent Cate: Vincent works in the construction trade, does graphics work at his business Cate Graphics, and aspires to explore outer space as an astronaut in his current 5-year plan. Todd and Vince debrief on a 2025 Marji Gesick 100 #FINISHER, and the hard lessons/injuries over the years to get himself there.
Check ’em out on Spotify
Check ’em out on YouTube
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.
Trilogy Partners
