Phil and Jerry Kolber (producer of the tv show Brain Games, and the podcast Who Smarted?) explore the intersection of play and education, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how to make learning more engaging and relatable. They discuss the importance of memorable moments in life, the role of play in education, and the inspiration behind the show 'Brain Games.' Jerry emphasizes the need for humor and relatability in teaching, while also highlighting the impact of educational content on young audiences. The conversation concludes with reflections on sustaining passion in education and crafting engaging learning experiences.

• Play is essential for effective learning and engagement.
• Memorable moments shape our experiences and learning paths.
• Education should be fun and relatable to spark curiosity.
• Humor can significantly enhance the learning experience.
• Experiential learning allows for creativity and critical thinking.
• Creating opportunities for play in education can lead to better outcomes.
• The education system needs to evolve to meet modern needs.
• Engaging content can inspire students to pursue their passions.
• Sustaining passion in education is crucial for both educators and students.

Connect with Jerry - jerry.kolber@atomicentertainment.com 

Listen to Who Smarted? - https://whosmarted.com/

Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org

Podcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

Music and sound effects - https://www.epidemicsound.com/

In this episode, guest host Anne Louise Wagner and Honor Woodrow (Winston Prouty Center) discuss the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of viewing children as capable and competent learners. They explore how the environment plays a crucial role in facilitating learning and how educators can create engaging spaces that promote exploration and play. The conversation also touches on the challenges educators face in adopting child-led learning approaches within structured educational systems, highlighting the need for balance between freedom and structure in teaching. This conversation explores the themes of trust, risk, empowerment, and conflict resolution in education. The speakers discuss the importance of allowing children to take risks in their learning, the biases educators may hold, and the concept of 'lighthouse parenting' as a guiding philosophy. They emphasize the value of conflict as a learning tool and the emotional aspects of education, advocating for a supportive environment where all emotions are valid and children have the right to learn and express themselves.  

• The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes children's capabilities from birth.
• Learning is co-constructed through play and exploration.
• The environment should be intentionally designed to foster learning.
• Facilitators must be responsive to children's interests and needs.
• Child-led learning does not mean a lack of structure.
• Cultural context influences educational practices and philosophies.
• Educators face challenges in letting go of control in the classroom.
• Documentation of learning processes is essential for reflection.
• Building relationships is key to effective learning environments.
• The goal is to support children in becoming healthy members of society. Trust is essential in educational settings.
• Risk-taking is a crucial part of learning.
• Educators must be prepared for potential risks.
• Children need to experience challenges to learn effectively.
• Biases can be positive and aligned with values.
• Empowerment and autonomy are key in education.
• Lighthouse parenting offers a balanced approach.
• Conflict can be a valuable learning opportunity.
• Emotional experiences are integral to learning.
• All children have the right to learn and express emotions.

Connect with Honor - honor@winstonprouty.org 

Connect with Anne Louise - alwagner@high5adventure.org

Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this episode, Phil shares his thoughts on various topics related to training and experiential learning. He recounts an incident involving an Apple Watch that mistakenly called 911 during a climbing session, emphasizing the importance of understanding technology's impact on safety. Phil also discusses the need for clarity in training procedures, urging trainers to differentiate between standard operating procedures and personal preferences. He highlights the significance of embracing failure as a learning tool, sharing activities designed to reinforce this concept. Overall, Phil encourages open communication and feedback in the training community.  

• Phil shares personal experiences and insights from his training sessions.
• The Apple Watch incident highlights the need for safety awareness.
• Trainers should clarify standard operating procedures versus personal preferences.
• Normalizing failure is crucial for effective learning.
• Phil emphasizes the importance of feedback in the training process.
• Understanding technology's role in safety is essential for trainers.
• Creating a supportive learning environment fosters growth.
• Encouraging mistakes can lead to better understanding and retention.
• Phil's approach to training focuses on experiential learning principles.
• Open communication is vital for improvement in the training community.

Let us know your questions;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Hiring staff for summer camp can be a constant struggle. New thoughts and strategies should be considered.

Phil and Greg (formally of the Mayhew program) sit down to discuss their thoughts on;

- Creating a culture that encourages staff retention

- Training staff

- Staff hiring pitfalls

*This was originally recorded in the winter of 2019*

Connect with Greg - gregorystoutzenberger@gmail.com 

Learn more about the Mayhew Program -https://www.mayhew.org/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - I've Found My Way by Hallman

How do you end your program, training or workshop?

The Training Team (Phil, Rich, Chris and Lisa) discuss how they end a program or workshop with a group.

Saying goodbye, closing activities and when to reflect with the group.

Donate here - https://high5adventure.org/donate/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - I've Found My Way by Hallman

Outro music - Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day

What do you do at the very start of your program, training or workshop?

In this episode members of our training team (Phil, Rich, Chris and Lisa) discuss how they begin a program or workshop with a group.

Activities that set the tone, strategies to connect with the group early on and coping with awkward silences.

Priya Parker Ted Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppfONdsOkWI

Donate here - https://high5adventure.org/donate/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - I've Found My Way by Hallman

Outro music - Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day

 

 

Play brings us joy and is an essential component of experiential learning.   In this episode Phil discusses the 4 primary neurochemicals that elicit happiness; Endorphins, Dopamine, Serotonin and Oxytocin, as well as activities that you can use with your participants to help participants experience them.

Disclaimer: Phil is not a neuroscientist.

Donate here - https://high5adventure.org/donate/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

Outro music - Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day

If you were not limited by time, what problem solving activity would you like to lead?

Today's featured activity with no time constraints - The Pond Traverse

The traverse is an activity featured in High 5's Edge of Leadership summer program that really embodies the concept of problem solving.

Phil is joined by Anne Louise Wagner, and 2 past participants, Martha Lavigne from Keene High School and her former student Meagan McLaughlin to discuss their shared experiences.

Donate here - https://high5adventure.org/donate/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

Outro music - Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day

Hanne joins Phil to discuss;

- Her road to working at High 5

- Training philosophy and what she says at the start of a workshop

- How ducks are cute

Be sure to stick around to the end for a great fish joke.

Kyoob - https://store.high5adventure.org/products/kyoob?_pos=1&_sid=15975c890&_ss=r

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

 

When you experience 40 years of adventure programming you accumulate many impactful moments with special individuals.

In part 2 of our conversation with Doug, we hear about;

- Creating ropes course elements and well known activities with Karl Rohnke

- Polar dips in honor of beloved facilitators

- Mountaineering experiences that test abilities to recognize risk and acknowledge struggle.

Ubuntu Cards - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/high-5-products/products/ubuntu-cards

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

There are so many opportunities within the 4 walls of the classroom for experiential learning.

That is the overarching message behind this episode.

Guest Host, Rich Keegan, sits down with Doug Cramphin, longtime facilitator and educator to discuss;

- Bringing adventure and experiential education into the classroom

- Using experiential education to teach about the civil war.

Tinker Book - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/books-digital-resources/products/tinker-building-purposeful-experiences-from-classic-adventure-activities

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

When was the last time you attended a professional training?

Recently, Tom Leahy (Leahy & Associates) joined us at High 5 for a Level 2 Training led by Phil and during the week they found time to discuss;

- His start in the industry and those that inspired him.

- An alternative perspective on comfort zones.

- Advice for those wanting a career in adventure education.

Connect with Tom - tom@leahy-inc.com

ROAM Storage Case - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/equipment-storage/products/roam-adventure-co-rugged-casses

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

Facilitation has the possibility of opening doors to global travel and connections.

In this episode, Steve Ockerbloom sits down with guest host Rich Keegan to discuss;

- His memorable experiences facilitation around the world

- Advice for professionals wanting to expand their facilitation work

- His thoughts on the industry at large.

Connect with Steve -info@creativehorizonstraining.com

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

In this conversation, Phil and Dave Searle explore the journey of leaving England for a life in the mountains, the challenges and rewards of building a career in outdoor guiding, and the importance of physicality in this demanding profession. They discuss the perceptions of outdoor professionals, the generational differences in outdoor education, and the balance between teaching and learning. The conversation also delves into critical discussions about knot tying, the importance of dressing knots, and the mental health challenges faced by professionals in the industry. Throughout, they emphasize the need for open communication, continuous learning, and the importance of community in the outdoor world.  

• Physical activity is essential for outdoor professionals.
• Guides must balance work and personal well-being.
• Teaching requires understanding the learner's perspective.
• Knot tying is a critical skill that requires attention to detail.
• The outdoor industry is evolving with new generations.
• Mental health is an important topic in outdoor professions.
• Community support is vital for outdoor professionals.
• Continuous learning is key to effective teaching.
• Open conversations can bridge generational gaps in knowledge.

Dave's socials;

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/davejsearle/
• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DaveSearle

Oak App - https://getoak.app/

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Connect with Phil;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

 

How do we lead people of all generations more effectively?

This is one of the questions Jerrod Murr tackles in his soon to be released new book - From 8 Track to Emoji - The Secret To Cross Generational Leadership

In this episode Jerrod joins Phil to discuss;

- How love and passion informs his work

- What brought him into the experiential learning world

- The genesis of the book and what we can learn from reading it

Find more about Jerrod and the book - jerrodmurr.co

Learn about Paradigm Shift - paradigmshiftleadership.com

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Do you operate an adventure program in a school? Are you interested in beginning one?

Mark Friedrich (Milburn High School) joins Phil to discuss;

- Running an Adventure Program in a school

- How to manage short class times (43mins)

- His 8 week curriculum

- Methods to incorporate the larger school community into the program

Want to reach out to Mark, heres how;

Email - mark.friedrich@millburn.org

Twitter: @AdventureEdGuy
Instagram: adventure.ed.guy
TikTok: @adventureedguy

Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzNKXdBkHSqe6UqaBXwObzg

Ubuntu Cards - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/facilitation-tools/products/ubuntu-cards

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

 

Phil, Sam and Jamie sit around a table at High 5 HQ and answer questions about themselves and play "This or That".

Ubuntu Cards - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/high-5-products/products/ubuntu-cards

Submit any questions you have to either;

- Instagram - @verticalplaypen

- Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

Do you find learning names challenging? Especially when you are leading a 1-day program?

In this "Listener Question" episode, Phil gives 2 ideas on how he learns names during shorter programs.

Adventure Basics Training  - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/multi-day-workshops-and-trainings/products/adventure-basics-level-1-training?_ga=2.88191451.15375352.1662925267-1772421505.1613053803

Submit any questions you have to either;

- Instagram - @verticalplaypen

- Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

Do you struggle with encouraging reluctant participants to participate?

In this Listener Question episode, Phil addresses this topic and discusses;

- Creating Engaging agendas

- Being aware of activity types

- Giving participants purposeful roles

Spot markers - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/props-throwables/products/spot-markers

Reach out to Phil either via Instagram - @verticalplaypen

email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Join Phil and Rich as they travel together for a training. So many great conversations go unrecorded when traveling for work so in this episode we had a microphone ready as we discussed;

- Best and Worst Traveling stories

- A couple of canadian misadventures

- The luxuries of airtravel 30 years ago

Reach out to Phil either via Instagram - @verticalplaypen

email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Are you looking for a career in the adventure industry?

One of the main driving reasons for creating the podcast was to highlight the many ways that people have found careers in the adventure industry.

This summer Phil wrote an article for Adventure Park Insider (API) titled "Mapping Career Paths".

In this episode Phil reads the article while using the voices of those professionals featured in the article.

Subscribe to API - https://adventureparkinsider.com/subscribe-to-the-adventure-park-insider-magazine/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Article song - At First Light by Gavin Luke

This episode has very little educational value, but should, at the very least, put a smile on your face!

You can be the judge of who in this episode has the talent.

Featured are;

- Ella singing "A little seed"

- Phil singing "Pure Imagination"

- Sam Hunt - instrumental performance

Ubuntu Cards - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/high-5-products/products/ubuntu-cards

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Newer facilitators (understandably) rely on bags full of props when facilitating programs....I certainly did.

In this episode Phil and Ryan discuss;

- the value of enhancing your facilitation skills

- the importance of avoiding becoming too reliant on props

- using props in deeper ways

Tinker Book - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/high-5-products/products/tinker-building-purposeful-experiences-from-classic-adventure-activities

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Poor gear storage can lead to;

- Replacing damaged gear

- Lack of professionalism

- Participants who are now less likely to climb

In this episode Phil shares his recommendations for gear storage.

ROAM Storage Case - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/equipment-storage/products/roam-adventure-co-rugged-casses

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - Future is Now by FLYIN

In this conversation, Phil talks to Brandon Peacock, a trauma survivor and founder of the charity Hit the Ground Running. They discuss Brandon's personal experience with trauma and how he has turned it into a positive force in his life. They also touch on the importance of empowerment, community, and accountability in the recovery process. Brandon shares his insights on mentorship and the value of connecting with others who have similar experiences. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of resilience and the ability to find purpose in the face of adversity.  

• Trauma survivors can find empowerment and purpose by using their experiences to make a positive impact in the world.
• Supportive structures, such as a strong community and mentors, play a crucial role in the recovery process.
• Accountability and taking personal responsibility are important for overcoming trauma and achieving personal growth.
• Sharing personal stories and connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of community and hope.
• Empowering individuals to take control of their own recovery and providing them with the tools and resources they need is essential.

Learn more about Hit the Ground Running - https://www.htgrcharity.com/

Learn more about Brandon's story - https://www.htgrcharity.com/brandon-peacock

Connect with Brandon - brandon@htgrcharity.com

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Summer Camp Training season recently wrapped up for our training team.

In this episode, Phil shares his 5 big takeaways.

- Practice makes progress

- Belay stance is so important

- Lighter belayer/heavier climber

- Prior knowledge isn't always a good thing

- Where is the gear?

Link to Tinker - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/high-5-products/products/tinker-building-purposeful-experiences-from-classic-adventure-activities

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Do we adequately prepare our participants for struggle and frustration on the ropes course?

It's a challenge course, not a success course, after all.

In this episode, Phil, Lisa and Rich talk about facilitating struggle, share stories of struggle and give some activity ideas that you can use with your next group.

Referenced in this episode are 2 blog posts;

- The Struggle is Real - https://high5adventure.org/the-struggle-is-real/

- A Force to Be Reckoned With: The Helium Hoop - https://high5adventure.org/a-force-to-be-reckoned-with-the-helium-hoop/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - It's Real by Blake Everett

Parachute Cords (aka P-cords) are an essential feature of a ropes course, as they are what you use to set your ropes up and take them down at the end of the day.

They can also be the MOST ANNOYING part of facilitating on a course as they can get tangled in everything they touch, and can also be the reason for having to perform a gear retrieval.

In this episode, Phil and Rich discuss all things parachute cord on your course!

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - Be My Parachute by Basixx, Mia Pfirrman

As a full-time adventure education trainer, travel is a part of the work. 

Traveling can be full of great experiences but it also features a lot of time in cars and hotels.

In this episode, Phil details 2 of those car/hotel experiences and also shares a recent mistake and reminder that he had during this summer travel season.

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - Memorabilia by Phello

Do you feel anxious before facilitating programs?

Our training team collectively says an emphatic yes!

This episode is a re-release of a conversation we recorded a couple of years ago, sharing our anxiety experiences and giving some tips on how we overcome them.

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Song - Anxiety by Mindme

Over the years, we all make mistakes. 

However, we are often too embarrassed to bring them up because of the possibility of being negatively judged.

It is through these mistakes though that we learn and by sharing them with others we can help prevent them from making the same ones.

In this episode, Phil and Rich will be sharing some of the mistakes they have made over the years, with 2 main goals;

- Help you learn from their mistakes

- Role-model the vulnerability that comes from sharing those mistakes.

If you would like to share a mistake you have made for the benefit of your fellow listener, consider letting us know either by;

- Sending a message via Instagram - @verticalplaypen

- Emailing podcast@high5adventure.org

How do you prepare to present at conferences?

In this episode, Phil and Rich Keegan discuss;

- How to come up with conference workshops

- How to submit workshops

- How to prepare for presenting the workshops

Follow @verticalplaypen on Instagram

Email questions or comments to podcast@high5adventure.org

What contributes to a psychologically UNSAFE learning environment?

In this episode (Part 2) Phil, Lisa and Romy discuss;

- The power of evaluative words

- Mining for opposite experiences

- Making yourself equally accessible to all participants

- Our own psychological safety

- Managing participants that negatively impact the psychological safety of the group

Connect with Romy - romy@romy-alexandra.com

Learn more about Romy - http://www.romy-alexandra.com/

How can we create psychologically safe learning environments for our participants?

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode, Phil, Lisa Hunt and Romy Alexandra discuss;

- What is a psychologically safe learning environment?

- How, using 4 animals, you can identify the needs of your group

- Role-modeling vulnerability and asking for feedback during a program.

Connect with Romy - romy@romy-alexandra.com

Learn more about Romy - http://www.romy-alexandra.com/

This episode, inspired by the Multi-stage fitness test (PACER or beep test), brings in Phil to become a guest facilitator for your program.

Phil guides your participants through 3 different opening activities, providing you with framing ideas and reflection prompts. 

Activity 1 - Jump In Jump Out - 3:00 - 12:40

Activity 2 - Alternative Introductions - 12:50 - 22:50

Activity 3 - The Wright Family Vacation - 23:00 - 27:10

Be sure to let us know if this type of episode is valuable and you would like to see more.

Follow us @verticalplaypen on Instagram.

In this episode, Phil reflects on his 2018 blog post 'Finding Pinecones,' emphasizing the significance of small moments in learning and connection. He shares a personal story about a child's unexpected favorite camp memory and discusses the impact of unplanned interactions during a training session with students from Iraq. Phil offers practical strategies for facilitators to enhance group dynamics, such as sharing meals, encouraging questions, and adapting to the group's needs. He concludes by highlighting the importance of flexibility in facilitation and the value of recognizing those small, impactful moments.  

• The small moments often have a bigger impact than we think.
• Unplanned interactions can lead to significant learning experiences.
• Eating meals together fosters connection and openness.
• Creating opportunities for questions enhances engagement.
• Flexibility in facilitation is crucial for meeting group needs.
• Listening to participants can reveal their true interests.
• Building relationships is key to effective group dynamics.
• Recognizing the value of simple moments can enrich experiences.
• Facilitators should be prepared to adapt their plans.
• Finding 'pinecones' can lead to unexpected insights.

Connect with Phil;

email - podcast@high5adventure.org

instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

This phrase describes both our work as Experiential educators but it is also a large part of Bryn's pathway in this industry.

In this episode, Bryn Lottig (co-founder of Kikori) talks to Phil about;

- The transformational power of working in the outdoors and its effects on her

- The need for this educational pedagogy to be taken seriously 

- The best advice she has recieved in her career so far

Connect with Bryn - bryn@kikoriapp.com 

Learn more about Kikori - https://www.kikoriapp.com/

 

Do connection activities actually help our participants connect?

This was the topic of discussion in this live recorded episode of the podcast.

It was recorded while attending the BOOST (Best Out-Of-School Time) 2022 Conference

The contributors in this conversation;

Phil Brown - @verticalplaypen

Sam Copland - scopland@high5adventure.org

Ian Hockley - ian@dylanswingsofchange.org

ElizaBeth Phillips - cerphillips@gmail.com

Peter Silvius - psilvius@seguin.k12.tx.us

Activities used were introduced to me by Jan Keck - you can find more about Jan here - https://www.jankeck.com/

 

This is a short update episode to let you know that VPP will be on the road!

Phil will be bringing his microphones with him this busy training season to learn more about the life of a trainer and to interact with the diversity of people he meets along the way.

If you would like to submit questions he should ask folks on his journey, you can submit them via instagram - @verticalplaypen.

Have a great spring and summer everyone!

Josh Nadzam (Co-founder of On The Move Art Studio) joins Phil to discuss;

- Discovering the power of facilitation

- Growing as a facilitator

- Facilitating dialogue sessions and why it is so novel

Learn more about Josh - https://www.joshnadzam.com/

Learn more about On the Move - https://www.onthemoveartstudio.org/home.html

Email Josh - joshnadzam@gmail.com 

Joe Hirsch (Ted X Speaker and Author of "The Feedback Fix) joins Phil to discuss;

- The qualities of positive and negative feedback

- Moving from a feedback to a feedforward mindset

- The feedback wrap

- How we can empower our participants and colleagues using feedback

Connect with Joe - joe@joehirsch.me

Learn more about Joe's work - https://joehirsch.me/

Myriam Hadnes (workshops.work) joins Phil to discuss;

- The importance of leaders role modeling vulnerability

- The work before the work, assessing the needs of your clients

- Why doing things you have never done before can enhance your facilitation skills

Connect with Myriam - myriam@workshops.work

Learn more about Myriam's work - http://workshops.work/

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

Rich Keegan - rkeegan@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-belay.org 

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 - https://www.crossnore.org/

Connect with Andrew - aflorence@crossnore.org

Join the Training Team!! - https://high5adventure.org/job/full-time-adventure-educator-trainer/

In this conversation, Phil and Lisa explore the concept of flow state, particularly in the context of facilitation and training. They discuss personal experiences with flow, the balance between ability and challenge, and the role of facilitators in creating an environment conducive to flow. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual and group dynamics to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.  

• Facilitators play a crucial role in creating flow for participants.
• Personal experiences can significantly influence the perception of flow.
• Boredom and apathy can arise from low challenge in a group setting.
• High challenge with low ability can lead to frustration and disengagement.
• Designing activities that promote flow requires understanding group dynamics.
• Intrinsic motivation is key to maintaining engagement in learning environments.
• Facilitators should model flow to inspire participants.
• Challenge by choice allows individuals to find their own balance of ability and challenge.
• Reflection on past experiences can inform future facilitation strategies.

Connect with Lisa - lhunt@high5adventure.org

Connect with Phil;

email - podcast@high5adventure.org

instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Ted-Ed Flow State video - https://www.ted.com/talks/ted_ed_how_to_enter_flow_state?subtitle=en

 

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@high5adventure.org

Rich Keegan - rkeegan@high5adventure.org

Join the Training Team!! - https://high5adventure.org/job/full-time-adventure-educator-trainer/

 

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-adventure-educator-trainer/

 

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.high5adventure.org/collections/virtual-workshops

Coupon Code at Checkout - ConnectionsBOGO