Successful leaders possess technical, human relations, and conceptual skills. Often, due to its complexity, leadership is overlooked as a teachable skill. Choosing a leadership style depends on several factors, including the leader, group, and situation. Six leadership styles (democratic, benevolent autocratic, consultive, participative,…

Summarizes, in question/answer format, a conversation between Camping Magazine and Reynold E. Carlson, camping pioneer and professor emeritus of recreation at Indiana University. Includes comments on Carlson's camping beginnings, counselors, participation vs. winning, standards, risk management, child abuse, and the future of camping. (NEC)

Examines early development/justification of organized camping for girls. Outlines three strategies to gain support for organized camping for girls: rhetorical, curricular, and organizational. Illustrates how Laura Matoon exemplified commitments and strategies of women leaders in the early camping movement, lending social independence to the task…

Describes study profiling camp-counselor supervisors, their training, and directors' definitions of good supervisor training. Shows head counselors' off-season occupations often education-related. Makes recommendations for staff selection to camp directors. Details 11 suggestions for training camp supervisors and encouraging good relationships…

Profiles Phyllis M. Ford, chairwoman of the Department of Park and Recreation Resources at Michigan State University. Examines background of Ford's support for special education, environmental ethic, and leadership development. Praises her writings and work at University of Oregon, University of Iowa, and Washington State University. (TES)

Findings from three studies show that effective leaders have greater behavioral complexity and fill multiple roles better than ineffective leaders; listening skills are key to effective leadership; there are no gender differences in emerged leadership; and although task-relevant communication is important to leadership, other research indicates…

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…

For over 50 years Catherine Hammett has dedicated her life to the development of organized camping. She started at the ground level as a Girl Scout camper, became a counselor, joined the Girl Scout National Staff, became a camp director, author, and an American Camping Association president. (JHZ)

An interview with Theodore Cavins traces his 50 year career in organized camping, emphasizing changes over the years in camping values and program content. Touches on Cavin's contributions as president of the American Camping Association and director of Camp Mishawaka, his mentors, and his beliefs about camping. (JHZ)

Discusses effective outdoor leadership as the key to successful adventure programs in camping. Emphasizes unique qualities of adventure tripping and required leadership skills and styles: activity/safety skills, organizational skills, instructional skills, group counseling skills, and experience-based judgment. Provides suggestions for selecting…