AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership: Trip Planning * Group Dynamics * Decision Making * Leading Youth * Risk Management

There are a number of standard Outdoor Leadership Books. The focus of each frankly is similar with the basic concept explained... technical/practical skills, interpersonal skills and leadership skills. But that is where they change as to how this is presented. The original AMC Outdoor Leadership was one of the first in this area that was also readable. The is update continues in that tradition.Nit picking....and this really applies to all of the books in this niche. They all need to consider the development of a "syllabus" of chapters or even a set of books where the study and ownership of the series completes your "education" in Outdoor Leadership. The other issue is more practical...not every one has the interpersonal skills or feel for people that is needed to be an effective outdoor leader.The last issue is Judgement... and I don't know how to teach judgement other than providing "lots" of experiences that build on each other that in the end provide a person with the context for good judgement. And then the application of that judgement within some higher level ethical context. The AMC Outdoor Leadership provides this ethical context.

I have been leading various outdoor activities (hiking, rafting, canoeing etc) for 25+ years and while I am sure that the author of this book has far more experience than I have, everything he says jives with my own experience. Leaders of outdoor (and other) activities need to have both certain technical skills as well as certain management, planning and leadership skills. This book is not designed to teach the technical skills, it is designed to teach the other skills and I think it excels brilliantly at this. It is an excellent and very readable book for those new to leading groups in outdoor activities and is also a worthwhile book on management in general (i.e. in a business setting). It is also a worthwhile book for those who have been leading groups in outdoor activities for a while as part of their continuing education.Full Disclosure: I lead day hikes for AMC's NY-NJ chapter. I bought the book on my own volition with my own money (it was not supplied to me via the AMC) and I am also reviewing this book here on my own volition.

Great information

This is a fantastic book on outdoor leadership. From the start the author states that the three purposes of a guide are to maximize enjoyment, maximize learning, and minimize impact. He uses real-life examples from trips he has lead to demonstrate his mistakes and successes and gives an analysis of other courses of action he could have taken with their possible results. Special attention is given to the variables of clients guides may have and how to adapt activities to them. What I really appreciated was his attention to risk management issues in wilderness settings and the impact risk management could have to the guiding company or camp. I have two outdoor leadership instructors, one a college prof and another a graduate level prof, that I'll be recommending this to.

I am currently read this book along with Christian Outdoor Leadership by Ashley Denton. So far, both books are written very well. The AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership is an easy read and makes very helpful, understandable points. This is an excellent book for anyone in a leadership role. From Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H leaders to CEOs, school administrators, and college students in Student Government roles, this book has valuable information.

AMC's Guide to Outdoor Leadership is a clear, concise, and very useful resource for those who want to improve their outdoor leadership skills. This is a very practical guide: theorectical points are always illustrated with real-life examples. It has helped me to better understand my role and responsibilites as a trip leader, and shown me ways to improve my skills. I highly recommend it for volunteers and professionals alike.

I haven't gone completely through this book yet, but I have high hopes for it. What I have read so far seems solid.It seems to be written more in an anecdotal form rather than written in a lecture or "classroom" style.I found the "stories" helpful and thought-provoking.

Well written and easily read. To the point but with adequate anecdotes makes for a very useful book. Excellent for those aspiring to outdoor leadership roles as well as those with significant experience leading.

Este livro cobre de forma clara e interessante todas as habilidades que um líder em atividades ao livre precisa saber.Gostei tanto que vou ler de novo!... E procurar outros livros do autor.