Readings have a long history at EL Education, rooted deeply in the organization's heritage with Outward Bound and its founder, Kurt Hahn. The readings in this book are a powerful source of inspiration and reflection, curated specifically with educators and students in mind.

What makes a book of readings such a powerful tool for educators?

As Scott Hartl states in the Preface, readings "serve as a bridge between our unique personal experiences and the accumulated wisdom of our shared experience." In the Introduction, Cyndi Gueswel echoes his words: "A well-chosen reading serves as a brief, yet powerful offering that provides a group with a touchstone, an inspiration, a provocation. Over time, readings become like a series of tiny webs that bind groups across time and space. Imagine each reading as a fine thread catching dew and light, stitching us together as we read them again and again, with fresh eyes each time."

The readings in this book fall into the following categories:

• Challenge
• Character
• Craftsmanship
• Crew
• Engagement
• Equity and Social Justice
• Leadership
• Nature and Adventure
• Service and Contribution
• Teaching and Learning