It is a funny thing how one's perceptions are oftentimes influenced as one moves through life's journey. People that may seem totally alien become friends, mentors, and/or heroes. Exposure to a diverse society makes for a smorgasbord of opportunity and enlivens one's journey. Any public high school experience forces a mixing of personalities and…

Discusses ways in which outdoor leadership preparation differs in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada based on questionnaire responses of 169 selected experts. Examines skills (technical activity, organizational, environmental, instructional, group management, problem solving) and attributes (motivational,…

This paper discusses subjective hazards in wilderness activities and suggests means of assessing and managing related risks. Wilderness educators conveniently group hazards into objective and subjective ones. Objective hazards such as rockfall, moving water, and weather, while not necessarily predictable, are visible and understandable. Subjective…

Questionnaire responses of 130 women outdoor leaders representing Outward Bound, all-women groups, university recreation instructors, and primary/secondary school teachers were compared as to background, income, motivations, and leadership perceptions. Essential leadership qualities were identified: effective communication skills and knowledge of…

Hypothesizing that positive change in students' attitudes concerning leadership behavior would result from participation in a basic level five-week course at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), 80 student participants (16 years or older) were pre- and post-tested for attitudinal change. Using the Leadership Opinion Questionnaire (LOQ),…