Book Reviews

Emma Gatewood read about the Appalachian Trail in National Geographic Magazine"I thought it would be a nice lark," she said.

I may have earned the equivalent of a few college credits related to the study of developmental, or cognitive, differences during my tenure as a Scoutmaster.

Most of us can recall being part of an unusually motivating and effective team or group when the dynamics of people, purpose and situation fell together in a particularly rewarding way.

An author was being interviewed on the radio in the background as I was working away at my desk.

“We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes.

Ernest Thompson-Seton founded his vision of Scouting on the lore of Native American life.

After I posted my Ten Essentails Infographic a reader (thanks Andrew!) pointed out the " Ten Essential Systems" approach from The Mountaineers.

In recent years parents seem increasingly reluctant to allow their children to do things for themselves – to be ‘free range kids’.

Backpacker Magazine’s Complete Guide to Outdoor Gear Maintenance and Repair is your ticket to becoming a camping gear repair guru.

Kevin Callan is the most famous camping and canoeing expert you’ve never heard of.

A minor miracle in the world of knots the icicle hitch won’t slip on a smooth and/or tapered surface (like an icicle).

Each year 3000 students spend two weeks to three months in the backcountry on National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) courses.

Author Gerald Finley ’s book ‘Rope Works Plus’ is one of the better knot books out there.

I actually made a canoe paddle, and plan on making some more.

It’s about time! Working the Patrol Method a Scout leader’s guide to youth leadership training is the best work on the patrol method since ‘Green Bar’ Bill Hillcourt’s Handbook for Patrol Leaders last published in 1965 or Baden Powell’s Aids to Scoutmastership originally published in Authors Rob Faris,Ted Knight and Harry Wimbrough have created an indispensable tool for understanding, implementing and maintaining Scouting’s centrally important concept, the patrol, in the 21st century.

Why? –in a world of matches? Ernest Thompson Seton answered well when a group of ‘practical business men questioned his zest for the rubbing stick fire – said he, pointing to the ground, ‘You are thinking of the fire that is lighted down there,’ and pointing to his breast continued, ‘I am thinking of the fire that is kindled in here!" Impractical it is only to staid, prosaic oldsters who have forgotten that enchanted world of dreams called childhood! .

Those interested in advanced knotting and ropework do no better than these venerable references; Ashley’s is the standard work on knots, bar none.

Outdoor leadership is different.

In his book, The Left Handshake, Hilary St.

’ I am on my mountain in a tree home that people have passed without ever knowing that I am here.

I have spent some memorable hours reading an advance copy of David C.

My first reaction to this title was “yeah, right”.

‘ He worked slowly and carefully, keenly aware of his danger.

Anyone planning a canoe trip of a few days or a few weeks will benefit from studying the advice given in this book.