Vertical Playpen

The training team gather to discuss; - Facilitating a 1-day challenge course experience - Facilitating a multi-day challenge course experience - Advice on challenge course programming How to contact us: Phil Brown - pbrown@high5adventure.org OR @verticalplaypen on Instagram Chris Damboise - cdamboise@high5adventure.org Lisa Hunt - lhunt@high5adventure.org Hanne Bailey - hbailey@high5adventure.org...

The Training team discuss; - What is a challenge course? - What's in a name? Challenge, high, ropes? - The history of challenge courses - Our memories of our 1st ever challenge course experiences.

Madeline Brooks (Executive Director - OnBelay) joins Phil to discuss; - Her introduction to the world of adventure education - How to create safe and trusting environments for those impacted by cancer - The work of OnBelay and how you are able to support that work Find out more about OnBelay - https://www.on-belay.org/ Donate - https://www.on-belay.org/donate/ Connect with Madeline - madeline@on-b...

Andrew Florence (Director of Experiential Learning at Crossnore Communities for Children) joins Phil to discuss; - Holiday Traditions and how he entered this industry - Trauma Informed Facilitation and the bringing adventure and experiential programming to Crossnore - The alchemy of facilitation and trying to find your voice in this industry Learn more about Crossnore Communities for Children - ht...

In this episode, the Training team discuss; - Training and preparing your participants to belay - Your role during this process - Advice on ensuring you and your participants are ready to belay How to contact us: Phil Brown - pbrown@high5adventure.org OR @verticalplaypen on Instagram Chris Damboise - cdamboise@high5adventure.org Lisa Hunt - lhunt@high5adventure.org Hanne Bailey - hbailey@high5adve...

The Training Team gather to discuss; - What is Belaying? - What does the word mean? - What are the foundational principles of good belay? - The recommended method of belaying? - Trainer tips that help improve belayers techniques Reach out the training team for more information on how to belay. Instagram - @verticalplaypen Join the Training Team!! - https://high5adventure.org/job/full-time-adventur...

Mark Suroviec (WorkPlay Solutions) joins Phil to discuss; - Finding joy in creating team experiences - The right time to try a new activity - Staying curious in our industry Learn more about Mark - workplaysolutions.com Listen to his podcast - WorkPlay Solutions Podcast Connections before Content - Virtual Workshop - Thursday March 10th - 3:30 - 5:00pm EST Register here - https://store.high5advent...

Kirsten Locke (Koala Tree) joins Phil to discuss; - Being an Arborist and the supportive world of arboriculture - Living life adventurously and asking for help along the way - Protecting your body using mobility and strength training Learn more about Kirsten at her Instagram - @brave.roots Learn more about Koala Tree - koalatree.ca

Scott Catucci (Associate Director - Outdoor Education / Student Development at Syracuse University) joins Phil to discuss; - Volunteering for AEE - Experiential Learning through music - Esports and Video games relationship to experiential learning Learn more about Syracuse's Recreation programs - https://www.syracuse.edu/life/recreation/ Connect with Scott - sacatucc@syr.edu  

Phil recently attempted to ski for the 1st time. In the process he reflected on 4 things that he noticed about being a new learner; - Having patience for the speed of how you learn - The more details shared the better - The effect the environment has on your learning - A word that should stay away from learning environments

In this episode we discuss; - The importance of having a staff training plan - In-house and professional training and in-house refresher training - Why having accurate job descriptions can help - Supervisor participation in trainings - Training documentation - Team development benefits

Brad Moskowitz (Professor at Northern Vermont University) joins Phil to discuss; - Outdoor career paths for graduating students - Seasonal work and the need for a societal shift regarding outdoor adventure. - Facilitation fails and what we can learn from them. Connect with Brad; Email - brad.moskowitz@northernvermont.edu Learn more about Northern Vermont University's Outdoor Education degree progr...

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