Vertical Playpen

Amy talks with Phil about her advice to students when embarking on a career in experiential education, thoughts on the future of the industry and also a couple of tips and insights on Climer Cards. amy@climerconsulting.com

Chris, Director of Training and Team Development, speaks with Karen (Assistant Director) and Patrick (Head Counselor) about the history of Camp Agawam, building a new challenge course and how it benefits both the campers and the staff who operate it.

Jim Grout, Executive Director of High 5, discusses how ego can be problematic when operating a challenge course and how being a "chameleon" can help when teaching others.

In this episode of Tinker Talk, the Training Team (Phil, Jim, Chris and Lisa) talk about the positives and possible pitfalls of using the same activities from group to group and how to respond to participants who have "seen this one before".

Justin chats with Rich Keegan, High 5 Trainer, about his start in adventure programming, his great work with Dylan's Wings of Change and his love of our Executive Director, Jim Grout.

Mistakes can occur in the work that we do and these can result in many different outcomes ranging from the more common; not meeting a group's needs, to the hopefully rare; physical injury. The Training team (Phil, Chris, Lisa and Jim) discuss mistakes they have made (real and/or perceived) in their careers and the significance of making them. This question is a follow up from a previous episode; T...

Alicia talks with Phil about making Summer Camp a full-time career, the benefits of professional training and tiny tiny pocket horses. Learn more about Fernwood Cove here: www.fernwoodcove.com

Warm weather months often result in our calendars filling with programming which can lead to staff having low energy. The Training team (Phil, Chris, Lisa and Jim) talk about how they manage their energy levels during the busy training seasons and when the weather may not cooperate.

Mark shares with Phil his story about the transformative power of experiential learning, his thoughts about the future of the industry and how ducks have the ability to detect vegans. www.playmeo.com

Phil Brown, High 5 Lead Trainer, gives 3 tips that could improve your belaying.

Ian talks to Phil about the joy of designing challenge courses, having a strong work ethic and eating too much Fish & Chips on the road.

The team answer the question - "What has been the method by which you have most learned your facilitation techniques?"

Pam talks to Phil about the joys of living in Vermont, a challenging air travel experience and the Great British Baking Show

Phil talks to guest hosts, Jamie and Rich, about his start in Adventure Education, Branston Pickle sandwiches, and announces an artistic opportunity to win some High 5 products.

The Training Team answer the question - "Are there any facilitation tips or advice you've had over the years that you disagree with or struggle with?"

Jim continues his conversation with Phil talking about his thoughts regarding the future of Adventure Education, the most recent books he has read and how he would never turn down a conversation with a penguin.

Jim talks to Phil about his first Adventure Education work, people who have supported him along the way and the Edge of Leadership program. 

Ryan, Rich and Phil look through antique game books (some over 100 years old) with the task of identifying how to play the games with only the name and a few other clues to help. In this episode the games to identify are Nose and Toes Tag, Have You Seen My Sheep?, Pig in a Hole, Jamaquack and Flowers and the Wind.

Lisa talks to Phil about garden gnomes, her hopes for the future of this industry and our role in helping new facilitators. They also masterfully deal with a mid-interview interruption.

Ryan, Rich and Phil look through antique game books (some over 100 years old) with the task of identifying how to play the games with only the name and a few other clues to help. In this episode the games to identify are Huckleberry Beanstalk, Look out for the Bear! and Squirrels in Trees.

Taylor talks to Phil about starting at High 5 at an early age, being a sour patch kid and jumping all the way to the moon.

Todd talks to Phil about his thoughts on the changing challenge course industry, the many variations of coleslaw and adding hot sauce to salty foods.

Ryan talks to Phil about prop bags weighing more than he does, being influenced by The Wizard of Oz and life as a Gummi Bear.

The Training Team talk about being anxious before programs, the pros and cons and what strategies they use of compensate for that nervous energy.

Chris talks to Phil about his background in climbing, having issues with ducks and his regrets around not learning to play the recorder.