Vertical Playpen

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, the Director of Experiential Learning at Crossnore Communities for Children, dives into the nuances of trauma-informed facilitation. He shares insights on how adventure-based programs can foster healing and personal growth. The conversation includes lighthearted moments about quirky family traditions and the joy they bring. Andrew highlights the importance of finding one's authentic voice in education and the role of community in supporting facilitators. A rich mix of humor, nostalgia, and meaningful discussions makes this chat truly engaging.