Southwest Outdoor Educator… A “Strong” Finish

Ropes, harnesses, and helmets in tow, Southwest Outdoor Educator students finished strong with a climbing section at Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains of Arizona. Cochise, known for its granite climbing, provides an ideal location for learning rock climbing techniques, climbing systems, knots, and how to manage top rope sites.

Prior to their 10 days at Cochise, the Southwest Outdoor Educator students spent 19 days backpacking in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. This environment, with its jagged peaks and desert landscape, provides ideal habitat for big horned sheep, desert kit fox, desert tortise, white-winged dove, and cactus wren. Throughout their expedition, students learned skills necessary for field-based education and had the opportunity to teach their peers. For more information on NOLS Outdoor Educator Courses, see Courses for Educators.