Rock climbing

A Sabbath of community and climbing

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A group of Walla Walla University students had the opportunity to enjoy a Sabbath of fellowship and exercise led by The Associated Students of Walla Walla University (ASWWU) Outdoors team. 

ASWWU Outdoors organized the trip to Frenchman Coulee to offer students a fun Sabbath activity—rock climbing! The group of about 30 students was full of joy and encouragement as they challenged each other to try new things and improve their climbing. 

Being able to safely enjoy outdoor activities together is especially exciting for students since outdoor trips were limited to groups of five earlier this school year due to the pandemic. 

“It’s just nice to be around people and be outside,” said Lauren Larson, a sophomore studying elementary education. 

ASWWU Outdoors student trip leaders set up climbing routes and ensured that all the students were safe. Students practiced using commands to communicate clearly between the climber and the belayer who secures their safety rope. Others learned some basic skills for lead climbing from Corry Current, who teaches a class on rock climbing at Walla Walla University. 

But beyond the rock climbing, the day was really about fellowship. Students took breaks from climbing to talk about their families, their experience as student missionaries or their struggles in school. Xander Culver, a senior civil engineering student and ASWWU Outdoors trip leader, said that having smaller groups has really made the trips more about building community. 

ASWWU Outdoors is excited to continue offering students guided trips into the outdoors throughout spring quarter, including a backpacking and white water rafting trip. Details and registration can be found at the ASWWU Outdoors Instagram page or online at aswwu.com.

Posted April 22, 2021.

Group of students rock climb
Students enjoy rock climbing together at Frenchman Coulee on a sunny Sabbath.