Leave No Trace’s professional educators recently traveled to Utah’s Indian Creek, an internationally renowned rock-climbing destination, to teach an advanced Level 2 course for outdoor instructors. Participants included Brown Girls Climb staff, local community members, and Access Fund staff. Altogether, the course brought together 12 folks committed to making a lasting impact on the environment and their communities.
Thanks to generous support from Teva, the training was offered at no cost, making it accessible to educators who might not otherwise have the option of taking a comprehensive 4-day class. “This affinity course shows what’s possible when community and brands like Teva invest in outdoor education. Together, we’re equipping people to protect the land and create pathways for future educators of Leave No Trace,” said Brittany Leavitt, the Executive Director of Brown Girls Climb.
Participants engaged in hands-on training focused on Leave No Trace practices and methods for effectively teaching them. The desert setting and jaw-dropping sandstone cliffs lent themselves to discussing strategies for reducing environmental and social impacts associated with rock climbing and bouldering. A morning climb at Supercrack Buttress provided a fun way to teach and apply the lessons at a spectacular crag.
Course members traveled from across the nation to participate, sharing different perspectives and experiences, including several insightful conversations about race and historically marginalized people in relation to Leave No Trace education. Participants also explored common Leave No Trace principles that climbers often overlook, as well as strategies for integrating them, which Leavitt described as particularly valuable because of the opportunity to share multiple experiences as outdoor educators.
Everyone left with tools to support stewardship and education in their communities. Whether through guiding clients in rock-climbing destinations, leading events with Brown Girls Climb, or in their personal outdoor adventures, everyone attending the course felt better equipped to teach Leave No Trace, reduce their impact, and care for the places we all enjoy.
