A collaborative effort between non-profits bring metro-Detroit students to Crystal Mountain
March 10, 2025
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (March 10, 2025) – A collaborative effort between Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC), Detroit Outdoors, SOS Outreach, and Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching (BOAT), is set to bring a group of students from Hamtramck High School to Crystal Mountain for an unforgettable winter adventure. The initiative is to break down socio-economic barriers and provide access to snowsports for students who might otherwise miss out on the joys of winter in Michigan.
This trip, March 12-14, marks the culmination of a mentorship program between SOS Outreach, Detroit Outdoors and Hamtramck High School. Throughout the winter, students in the Hamtramck High School Adventure Club have been learning to ski and snowboard at Mt. Brighton, laying the foundation for this exciting finale at Crystal Mountain. This is the fourth consecutive year this impactful program has brought students to Crystal Mountain.
"We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of winter sports," said Hunter Steinkamp, CCSC Executive Director. "By partnering with these incredible organizations, we're able to provide a life-changing experience for these students, fostering a sense of community and opening their eyes to new possibilities."
The three-day trip will be filled with opportunities for the Hamtramck students to hit the slopes alongside coaches and peer mentors from the Crystal Community Ski Club. Besides sliding on snow, students are building relationships with their mentors and peers. It’s part of the common goal all of these nonprofits have for these teenagers – provide an avenue to develop a stronger sense of self, increase student engagement, and open their eyes to new opportunities beyond high school.
"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," said 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.”
Part of the trip will include a heartwarming potluck dinner at one of Crystal Mountain’s lodging units, where the Hamtramck students will share authentic dishes from their home countries, including Bangladesh, Yemen, and Poland. This cultural exchange will provide a unique opportunity for everyone involved to learn and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of the students.
Crystal Mountain is pleased to host this event. "We are honored to welcome these students and be a part of this collaborative effort," said Karyn Thorr, COO of Crystal Mountain. "Providing access to outdoor recreation is a core value of ours, and we are thrilled to see the positive impact this program has on the lives of these young people."
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About Crystal Community Ski Club: Established in 2018, CCSC is a 501(c)(3) offering a variety of core Alpine and Nordic ski programs for beginners to elite athletes. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the organization has grown exponentially, touching the lives of thousands of young athletes and transforming the way communities experience winter. While CCSC provides programs and outreach to its members, Crystal Mountain generously supports those CCSC members through donations, reduced-rate lift passes, and cross-country trail use.
About Crystal Mountain: Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort destination located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 1,500-acre resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, shopping, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, Peak Fitness, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings, a conference center, and real estate options.