AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership [Paperback]

Alex Kosseff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

There is a new, second edition of this book available on Amazon.com.

Outdoor leadership-it's more than just knowing which trail to take or how to read a map. Whether out on a day trip or a backcountry expedition, the successful outdoor leader takes on many roles at once-skilled communicator, expert decision maker, thorough planner-and must be as prepared as possible for any and every situation.

In this essential new handbook, author Alex Kosseff fuses his own extensive leadership experience with that of acclaimed experts as he details the critical skills and concepts every outdoor leader needs to know. Building on the basic foundations of leadership, Kosseff explores such critical topics as effective decision-making, group dynamics, risk management, awareness and attitude, environmental impact, and more. Packed with expert advice, practical know-how, and real-life experiences, AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership is a must-read for anyone committed to becoming a safe and effective leader, whether an aspiring guide, an educator, a club leader, or an adventurous parent.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

In this essential new handbook, author Alex Kosseff combines his own extensive leadership experience with that of acclaimed experts as he details the skills and concepts every outdoor leader needs to know. Building on the basic foundations of leadership, Kosseff explores such topics as trip planning, risk management, effective decision making, group dynamics, human impact on the environment, and more. Packed with expert advice, practical know-how, and real-life experiences, AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership is a must-read for anyone committed to becoming a safe and effective leader. Ideal for aspiring guides, outdoor educators, volunteer leaders, or adventurous parents.

About the Author

Alex Kosseff is the Director of the Outdoor Safety Institute and the former Leadership and Volunteer Relations Director for the Appalachian Mountain Club. He lives in Bozeman, Montana.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Appalachian Mountain Club Books; 1st edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1929173210
• ISBN-13: 978-1929173211
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #766,886 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I have been involved in outdoor leadership and education since 1991 during which time I have led outdoor programs in over thirty U.S. states and foreign countries. This direct experience is the basis for both editions of my book, the "AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership." Find out more about my background and current work on my website, www.alex-kosseff.com, or the Outdoor Safety Institute's site: www.outdoorsafetyinstitute.com.

I love hearing feedback from readers so feel free to get in touch (alex[at]outdoorsafetyinstitute.com). If you like the book, I'd certainly appreciate a review on Amazon. You can also learn about the book and connect with others interested in outdoor leadership at facebook.com/outdoorleadership.

I currently direct the Outdoor Safety Institute (www.outdoorsafetyinstitute.com). This mission of OSI is to promote outdoor activities by providing outdoor education and recreation providers with safety, liability and program management solutions and educating the public about outdoor safety. OSI provides global safety management support to organizations of all types operating in remote environments. I have personally conducted over fifty risk management reviews of outdoor recreation, education, and conservation organizations over the past twelve years.

A former member of the management staff at the Appalachian Mountain Club, I established that organization's risk management systems, managed relations with 14,000 volunteers, and founded the AMC Leadership Training Institute. In addition to my consulting work I speak regularly on leadership and risk management topics, and instruct and guide rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering program.

I have also worked as a chief instructor and staff trainer for Outward Bound (and wish I still could, unfortunately the Montana program closed down). My experience with Outward Bound, spread over six seasons in 12 years has profoundly influenced my perspectives on effective outdoor leadership. This is especially true for my emphasis on teaching and facilitation skills.

Living in Bozeman, Montana, I am able to indulge my passions for rock and ice climbing, backcountry skiing, fly fishing and occasionally warming up by the wood stove.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helped me be a better leader, May 12, 2004

By 

Anne McGovern (Golden, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership (Paperback)

I've been working as an outdoor leader and whitewater guide for three years, first with kids on summer programs and currently with a variety of age groups year-round. This book helped me to evaluate the way I work with trip participants and co-workers. It opened my eyes to new ideas and has greatly expanded the bad of tricks I use in the field. I appreciated the safety-first focus and the author's friendly tone. Also, the stories, some of which are classics, made the book entertaining. It is unfortunate I didn't read this book a couple of years ago when I was launching into this line of work. If you don't have a lot of education in this field (I was a biology major) but you're involved in some outdoor leadership role this book can be a great help to you. Personally I'm loaning it to all the guides I work with.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enriching outdoor adventure, April 18, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership (Paperback)

Alex Kosseff's Outdoor Leadership is a thoughtful and thorough review of the leadership qualities required for safe, fullfilling outdoor adventure. The book presents a balanced emphasis on the leader's need for hard or technical skills and soft skills such as dealing with group dynamics and caring for the participants. I read this book from the view of a parent who led his family on many wonderful wilderness adventures for which we were not completely prepared and found innumerable ideas that would have made the trips even more rewarding. Kosseff's use of stories from his own experiences and those of others tranforms a potentially dry subject into thoroughly enjoyable reading. The stories clearly illustrate the major points of the book.
Outdoor Leadership has a wealth of knowledge that will benefit an audience from adventuresome parents to professional guides.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emphasizing necessary qualities in leadership and character, October 18, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership (Paperback)

Alex Kosseff's AMC Guide To Outdoor Leadership is a solidly presented and thoroughly "user friendly", 280-page instructional guide to being a competent leader for outdoor excursions, up to and including activities with the potential to be life-threatening. Emphasizing necessary qualities in leadership and character, and taking into awareness the importance of group cohesion, balanced decision-making, keeping a cool head in a crisis and more, the AMC Guide To Outdoor Leadership is an excellent interpersonal guide offering principles applicable to all walks of life, not just the walks through a wilderness.