Nonprofits partner to bring Hamtramck high school students to ‘Up North’ ski resort

What’s happening: A unique partnership between several Michigan nonprofits will soon result in a unique opportunity for a group of city kids to experience something that isn’t readily available in their neck of the woods. High school students enrolled in the Hamtramck Adventure Club will visit Crystal Mountain Resort for a weekend of skiing, mentorship, and cultural exchanges.

What it is: The trip, scheduled from Wednesday, March 12, through Friday, March 14, represents the fourth year of the initiative from the Crystal Community Ski Club nonprofit, which operates the youth outreach program to encourage a love for winter and its outdoor sports while also providing personal development opportunities.

What’s in store: The students enrolled in the Hamtramck Adventure Club have been learning to ski and snowboard at Mt. Brighton this winter, with the trip to Crystal Mountain serving as the program’s peak experience. A potluck dinner is planned at one of the resort lodges as the students share some of their favorite dishes from their own communities; Hamtramck is home to several robust immigrant communities, with families primarily hailing from Bangladesh, Yemen, and Poland.

Who’s involved: The Crystal Community Skip Club has partnered with several nonprofits and organizations to make this year’s trip possible. They include Detroit Outdoors, SOS Outreach, Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching, and Hamtramck High School.

Why it’s important: "This trip to Crystal Mountain is more than just a day of skiing and snowboarding; it's a chance for these students to connect with nature, build confidence, and create lasting memories," says Foley DeCoste, SOS Outreach Program Coordinator. "Off the mountain, they engage in community service projects and enhance life skills through social-emotional learning workshops. It’s all about giving them tools to see the opportunities and possibilities beyond high school.”

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