Outdoor Leadership: Theory and Practice

Outdoor Leadership, Third Edition With HKPropel Access, introduces students to a wide variety of theories and concepts that are integral to the understanding of outdoor leadership, and it demonstrates how these concepts come to life in the field. Written by a team of internationally recognized authors, the text introduces eight core competencies that are essential to outdoor leadership:

1. Foundational knowledge
2. Self-awareness and professional conduct
3. Decision making and judgment
4. Teaching and facilitation
5. Environmental stewardship
6. Program management
7. Safety and risk management
8. Technical ability

The third edition of Outdoor Leadership effectively positions students to develop the knowledge and expertise required to excel as outdoor leaders. Along with updated references, learning activities, and chapter-opening vignettes, the third edition offers the following new features:

• New content on intersectionality and the importance of universal design
• A look at the contribution of outdoor recreation to the economy
• An examination of transformative learning and updated material on interpretive programming
• Expanded content on the importance of protecting ecological resources

The text begins with the foundations of outdoor leadership, the historical and philosophical foundations of the profession, and the nature of outdoor leadership as a professional practice. Historical and contemporary theories of leadership and the practical application of these theories are examined, facilitating a discussion of the roles that decision making and judgment play in real life. The text then explores the role of teaching and facilitation in outdoor leadership. Topics such as natural resource management, environmental sustainability, and program management--including program administration, safety and risk management, expedition planning, and program evaluation--are addressed.

Each chapter opens with a vignette that illustrates the practical application of outdoor leadership concepts so that students recognize the importance of the material. Throughout the text, students are introduced to various types of organizations and agencies in which outdoor leaders work. Learning activities and professional development exercises within the text encourage readers to engage in a process of self-reflection and to draw connections between theory and practice. Glossary flashcards and relevant forms are available via HKPropel. As students progress through the text, they will create a professional portfolio that demonstrates their competency and showcases their talents.

Outdoor Leadership, Third Edition With HKPropel Access, is the definitive text for developing student leadership in outdoor and adventure settings. This useful resource will help aspiring outdoor leaders plan safe, enjoyable, and ecologically responsible expeditions; acquire and showcase their leadership abilities; and develop knowledge and expertise.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with all print books.

Bruce Martin, PhD, is a professor and department chair in the department of recreation, sport pedagogy, and consumer sciences at Ohio University, where he teaches both theoretically oriented and practically based courses related to outdoor leadership, adventure programming, and experiential education. He has been in higher education since 1998 and has significant experience as an outdoor leader and instructor, working as a camp counselor, professional river guide, and Outward Bound instructor. He holds certifications through the American Canoe Association as a whitewater kayak instructor trainer and open-water coastal kayak instructor.

Martin has served in varying capacities for professional organizations such as the Association for Experiential Education, the Wilderness Education Association, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, the American Canoe Association, and the Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education. He is the recipient of both the Ohio University Outstanding Advisor Award (2020) and the Patton College of Education Distinguished Faculty Research Award (2015). Martin is also author of numerous publications related to outdoor leadership and adventure programming.

Mary Breunig, PhD, is an associate professor in the department of recreation, park, and tourism administration at California State University in Sacramento. She previously served as an associate professor in the department of recreation and leisure studies and as graduate program director of the social justice and equity studies program at Brock University in Canada. She has been involved in outdoor and experiential education, with a focus on social and environmental justice, for more than 20 years. Breunig is a research consultant, a past president and current member of the Association for Experiential Education, a former Outward Bound instructor, and a National Outdoor Leadership School instructor. In 2019, Breunig was awarded the Kurt Hahn Address honor by the Association for Experiential Education. She is both an outdoor enthusiast and an urban flaneur.

Mark Wagstaff, EdD, is a professor emeritus of recreation, parks, and tourism at Radford University in Radford, Virginia. He taught outdoor leadership and adventure education in a university setting for more than 20 years and has led extended expeditions to develop outdoor leaders for more than 30 years. Wagstaff worked in the challenge course industry for many years and was an instructor for Outward Bound and the Wilderness Education Association as well as being certified as a Leave No Trace Master Educator. He has authored books, chapters, and journal articles on outdoor-related topics, and he is a cofounder of the Virginia Adventure Education Conference. He currently serves as the park interpreter at Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Virginia.

Marni Goldenberg, PhD, is a professor in the experience industry management department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She teaches courses in recreation, parks, and tourism administration with a focus on outdoor and adventure leadership. She has instructed courses for the Wilderness Education Association and North Carolina Outward Bound School and worked as a ropes course and team-building facilitator for more than 30 years. She holds the Leave No Trace Master Educator certification. Her research focuses on outcomes and benefits associated with participating in recreation and outdoor experiences. She has received several awards for her teaching, research, and service and has several publications and presentations on various outdoor and adventure topics.