Vertical Playpen

In this episode we take a deeper look into the field of Adventure Education and discuss; - The definition of Adventure and Adventure Education - Adventure Education outcomes - Adventure Education processes - The difference between Learning and Education

Phil and Lisa discuss a question submitted by Meg Bolger. "How do you teach a new facilitator to read your group?" If you are planning on attending the ACCT conference in Cleveland (Feb 2022) then consider joining us for our pre-con "A Critical Look at Core Concepts".

Phil is joined by President Emeritus of the Global Organization of Tree Climbers, Harv Teitelbaum to discuss; - What recreational tree climbing is and what it provides those who climb. - What 1st drew him into the world of tree climbing and how you can find tree climbing trainers near you. - The importance of educating our participants about trees and the natural world that we work in. You can lea...

In Part 2 of The Shared Experience, the group answers the following 2 questions; - How has the "Great Resignation" affected our industry? - How has the past 2 years influenced the way that we interact with our participants? Contributors to this episode were; Lisa Hunt - High 5 Trainer Danielle Chevalier - Field's of Recovery Hutch Hutchinson - Boston University Laura Baird - Polk County Recreation...

The Shared Experience was a session Phil hosted at the International Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Conference.  Those who attended had the opportunity to ask questions and as a collective group we answered those questions utilizing their shared experience. The questions asked; - How do you prepare to facilitate a program? - What is your go-to activity to make people laugh? The contr...

Jim Grout (High 5's Executive Director) joins Phil to talk about a concept that originates from the book "Legacy" by James Kerr; Sweeping the Shed. This has become an essential part at the core of High 5's work in Leadership Development.

Megan Meinen (UVM Outdoor Programs) joins Phil to discuss; - Finding a career in outdoor programming - Advice for emerging professionals - The importance of mentorship in our industry

Chip Wood returns to VPP, this time joined by Phil Brown, Jim Grout, Beth Buoro and Anne Louise Wagner. Today's discussion revolves around relational trust, a concept based on relationships in schools between teachers and students, with other teachers, with parents and principals.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Phil reflects upon the last 4 days of the AEE (Association for Experiential Education) International Conference. Topics discussed are; - The Virtual Conference format - Workshop takeaways - The value of connecting with this community Find more about AEE - aee.org

In this episode, Chip Wood joins host Phil Brown and High 5's Executive Director, Jim Grout, to discuss; - His background in child development and education - The compatibility between his work, Adventure Education and Leadership Development

Phil tells the story of a near miss when lowering a participant on a Climbing Wall. This is the first in a series of stories that will help you learn what not to do (and what to do) thanks to the experiences of others. If you have a story you would like to share let us know by emailing us - podcast@high5adventure.org or message us on Instagram - @verticalplaypen.

Ryan, Anne Louise, Phil and Lisa talk about; - Role modeling vulnerability and its importance in creating a space for emotions to shared. - Effective strategies and facilitation techniques for discussing emotions with your participants.

Anne-Louise guest hosts an interview with Ryan McCormick and Mike Anderson as they discuss; - The importance of what we say and how it matters in the classroom. - Communication skills Find more about Mike: www.leadinggreatlearning.com

This episode is an invitation to listen in on a conversation between Lisa Hunt (Manager of Team Development) and Ryan McCormick (Edge of Leadership Director) as they discuss; - Problem Solving - Activity Selection - Advice for educators on how to adapt activities

We made it! Another milestone moment for the podcast! 100 episodes! In this special 100th episode Phil takes us on a journey recalling past moments of the podcast that stand out to him. These include; Examples of recording in the car Inspirational challenge course and facilitation stories A sample of jokes that keep the episodes fun The signature sign-off "Thanks for listening…" from Ella, Phil's...

Tre Gammage joins Phil to discuss; - His work with SEL and how he started in the education - Why teaching educators about SEL is so important tregammage.com seleducators.com

Jill Vialet (Founder of Playworks) joins Phil to discuss her new book; Why Play Works - Big Changes Start Small. In this conversation Jill shares; - Her introduction to play and how she forged a career in this industry - A story about a colleague interacting with a school that didn't have recess - How the research supports the importance of play - The activity that she often ends her programs with...

Tom Percival (author of Ruby Finds a Worry) joins Phil to discuss; - Writing children's books that focus on emotions - What inspired him to write them - The importance of role modeling vulnerability. Find more about Tom - tom-percival.com

Mark Flynn (formally of UCONN and the Four Arrows Challenge Course Program) joins Phil to discuss: - His unusual entry into the industry - How important and transferable facilitation skills are for students - Facilitation Tools vs Props - How language and context matters in our industry Contact Mark - mflynn86@gmail.com

In this episode Phil answers some listener questions; - When do you NOT do warm up or icebreaker activities? - Is there a game you've recently revived and love to play? - Advice and things we wish we would have known before starting a new job in the industry. - ATC vs GRIGRI Submit any questions you may have to podcast@high5adventure.org or DM on instagram @verticalplaypen

Brian (President and Founder of Adventureworks, and also the 2021 ACCT Critical Link Award Recipient), joins Phil to share; - His introduction to the world of Adventure Programming - His perspective on the growth of the industry and changes coming to ACCT - Advice to emerging professionals in the industy Find more at - adventureworks.org

Micheal and Kyle (Social Play Club - thesocialplayclub.com) join Phil to share: - Their introduction to creating immersive social experiences - How they facilitate their social play club on Clubhouse - Tips on facilitating when participants join midway through a program - Their favorite activity to use in an audio-only setting

Jeff Harry (rediscoveryourplay.com) joins Phil to discuss; - Favorite kid's TV shows - How to bring play into the workplace - The benefits that adding play can do for team culture.

In this episode Phil answers some listener questions; - How do you experientially create norms without sitting down and just writing a list? - What are some trends in our industry you hope will not continue? - Pudding vs. Jello? If you have a question for Phil submit them to; - podcast@high5adventure.org - DM on Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Gary Ware (Breakthroughplay.com) joins Phil to talk about; - His 1st experiences of learning through play. - How he brings meaning through play. - What Improv can teach us about play and facilitating play