
Vertical Playpen
Want to learn more about Adventure and Experiential Education? Then this podcast is for you!
Listeners of this podcast will get;
- Adventure Programming Theory
- Facilitation Tips
- Activity Ideas
- Industry Career Advice
- Interviews from Industry Professionals
High 5 Adventure Learning Center is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals, teams, schools, communities and businesses improve the way they live, learn and work together. Connect with us at high5adventure.org
Latest episodes

Dec 20, 2022 • 29min
Hiring Summer Camp Staff | Greg Stoutzenberger
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

Dec 13, 2022 • 13min
How to End a Workshop
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

Dec 6, 2022 • 20min
How to Start a Workshop
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

Nov 29, 2022 • 13min
Brain Chemistry and Play
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

Nov 22, 2022 • 31min
Pond Traverse Problem Solving
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

Nov 15, 2022 • 18min
Hanne Bailey - High 5 - Trainer
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

Nov 8, 2022 • 23min
Memorable Moments | Doug Cramphin
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

Nov 1, 2022 • 23min
Civil War Day | Doug Cramphin
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

Oct 25, 2022 • 24min
Building Comfort Zones | Tom Leahy
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

Oct 18, 2022 • 31min
World Wide Facilitation | Steve Ockerbloom
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