The fourth edition of Leadership in Leisure Services: Making a Difference explores contemporary practices for leadership in the broad field of recreation and parks. It discusses the concept of leadership as well as the complexities of people, with a focus on development across the lifespan and diversity among, between, and within people.

Topics such as communication, group dynamics, behavior management, conflict resolution, and risk management provide introductory knowledge for expertise that leaders use on a regular basis. It also delves into topics such as values, ethics, and other professional issues.

In addition to higher education experience, the authors have professional experiences as an outdoor trip leader, an outdoor programmer for adjudicated youth, and a director of leadership camps, and working for not-for-profit, federal, and commercial organizations in the parks and recreation profession.