Vertical Playpen

Christy Brodeur (Project Adventure) and Chris Damboise (High 5) join Phil to discuss the lesser known history of challenge courses. The discussion covers the contributions of Georges Hébert, Yvonne Moreau, the development of obstacle courses, and the integration of challenge courses into Outward Bound and Project Adventure. The conversation also touches on the role of women in the history of challenge courses and the transition from military-focused training to educational and team development purposes. The guests highlight the importance of understanding the historical context and origins of challenge courses in order to have meaningful discussions about accessibility and diversity in the field. It discusses how challenge courses were initially developed as a way to prepare soldiers for war and how they later transitioned into educational and recreational settings. The conversation also touches on the commercialization of challenge courses and the need for practitioners to be intentional and inclusive in their approach. The key themes include the historical context of challenge courses, the impact of culture and community, and the importance of accessibility and inclusivity.   Challenge courses have their origins in military training and physical fitness, specifically in the French military and the experiences of Georges Hébert. The development of challenge courses involved the transformation of military training methods into educational and team development tools. The history of challenge courses includes the contributions of women, although their roles have often been overlooked or minimized. Understanding the historical context and origins of challenge courses is important for discussions about accessibility and diversity in the field. Challenge courses have their roots in military training and the Outward Bound model, which incorporated service projects as part of the experience. The development of challenge courses was influenced by the need to prepare soldiers for war and the realization that traditional sports alone were not sufficient for combat readiness. Challenge courses have evolved to be used in educational and recreational settings, but it is important for practitioners to be intentional and inclusive in their approach. The commercialization of challenge courses has led to a pay-to-play model, which can limit access for certain communities. Efforts should be made to make challenge courses more accessible and culturally relevant. For Christy's sited research click here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A2VTPWo4J43ZPQb2D5f96nTlOZpXjhd1/view?usp=sharing Connect with Christy - cbrodeur@pa.org Connect with Chris Damboise - cdamboise@high5adventure.org Connect with Phil; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

In this episode of Vertical Playpen, Phil discusses the top five skills that every belayer should possess. He emphasizes the importance of physicality, effective communication, openness to feedback, the necessity of checklists, and understanding the physics involved in belaying. Each skill is explored in detail, providing insights and practical tips for improving belaying techniques and ensuring safety while climbing.   Belaying requires a solid understanding of physicality and stance. Effective communication with climbers enhances their experience. Being open to feedback is crucial for growth as a belayer. Checklists help prevent complacency and ensure safety. Understanding physics can improve belaying techniques. Maintaining a proper belay stance protects your back. Regular check-ins with climbers build trust and confidence. Adaptability in technique is key to being a great belayer. Visual aids can enhance understanding of belaying skills. Always prioritize safety through thorough checks and awareness. Connect with Phil; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

A nightmare when travelling is losing your bags, and then nightmare is intensified when you rely on what is in those bags to do you job. Phil and Lisa share their experience of a recent facilitation program in Europe where their bag of props did not arrive. They quickly pivoted and adapted their program to work with the resources they had. In this conversation, Chris Ortiz, Lisa, and Phil discuss the elements of planning and co-facilitation that contributed to the success of a program despite facing setbacks. They emphasize the importance of understanding the goals and themes of activities, rather than just focusing on the activities themselves. They also highlight the value of radical acceptance and trust in co-facilitation, allowing each facilitator to bring their own style and ideas to the program. The conversation touches on the significance of having a process for planning and preparation, as well as the benefits of incorporating novel and unique aspects into a program. Overall, the conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability required in facilitation, and the importance of maintaining a positive and flexible mindset.   Quickly pivot and adapt when faced with unexpected challenges Focus on what you have and make adjustments as needed Avoid over-apologizing or mentioning what's missing Value the importance of planning and preparation, even if the original plan doesn't work out Understand the goals and themes of activities, rather than just focusing on the activities themselves. Radical acceptance and trust are key in co-facilitation, allowing each facilitator to bring their own style and ideas. Having a process for planning and preparation is important for a successful program. Incorporating novel and unique aspects into a program can enhance engagement and create memorable experiences. Resilience and adaptability are essential qualities for facilitators to navigate setbacks and challenges. Connect with Phil; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this conversation, Phil and Angus Firth (Rapid Teams) discuss team building and team development in the context of outdoor education and experiential learning. They explore the challenges of blurring the line between fun, leadership, social events, and professional development. Angus shares his experience with designing and facilitating their Amazing Race event, which combines project adventure games with the structure of the TV show. They also discuss the need for the industry to be more legitimate and the importance of long-term initiatives and planning. Blurring the line between fun, leadership, social events, and professional development is a challenge in team building and team development. The Amazing Race event can be designed to include project adventure games and challenges that foster collaboration, strategy, and problem-solving. Long-term initiatives and planning are essential for making a lasting impact in team development. The industry needs to focus on being more legitimate and avoid taking on jobs that do not align with their mission and values. Pushing individuals to face their fears, such as heights, is not appropriate in the modern workplace and should be avoided. The industry has become more aware of inclusivity and the need to create experiences that cater to different personality styles and energy levels. Competition can be a positive aspect of team development if it is structured well and aligned with the goals of the program. Learn more about Rapid Teams - https://rapidteams.com.au/ Connect with Angus - angus@rapidteams.com.au Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this episode, Phil, Sam, Lisa, Chris, and Anthony play a game called Wavelength. Each player takes turns as the guesser and asks the others to name something in a category that corresponds to a number on a scale. The players try to be on the same wavelength and guess the number correctly.  Wavelength is a fun game that challenges players to think like each other and be on the same wavelength. The game prompts interesting discussions and reveals different perspectives on various topics. Icebreaker questions can be tricky to come up with, as they can be either too easy or too difficult. Knowing each other well and understanding each other's preferences and thought processes can help in playing the game. The game fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork as players try to guess the correct number. Wavelength is a fun game that involves rating various topics on a scale of 1 to 20. Giving detailed answers in the game can lead to more engaging conversations. The hosts and guests have different opinions and perspectives, which adds to the enjoyment of the game. The game prompts discussions and reflections on various topics, such as video game consoles, weather conditions, and NBA teams. Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

What is Adventure Education? In this episode Phil discusses the following;   Adventure education promotes learning through adventure-centered experiences. Adventure education can include a wide variety of activities, both outdoor and indoor. Adventure education is an active process that requires active engagement from learners and instructors. Adventure education can involve emotional and social risks. The outcomes of adventure education programs include leadership development, improved self-concept, academic growth, enhanced personality traits, improved interpersonal skills, and increased adventuresomeness. Program characteristics that contribute to these outcomes include the physical environment, activities, processing, the group, instructors, and the participants. Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and soundeffects - epidemicsound.com  

In this conversation, Phil interviews Brian Lisson about his journey in the adventure education industry. They discuss various topics, including Brian's introduction to adventure education, the value of adventure education beyond the activities, the growth and future of the industry, and advice for emerging professionals. They also touch on the challenges of commercialization and the importance of credentialing and education in the field. Takeaways;   Be good at something and become irreplaceable in that area to increase job opportunities. Take advantage of opportunities to learn from others and build connections in the industry. The industry has seen growth, but there is a need for more focus on education and learning. The commercialization of adventure activities can make it challenging to communicate the unique experiences and outcomes of adventure education. Credentialing and standards are important for the industry's future, along with better education and learning opportunities. Adventure education goes beyond the activities and is about building community, relationships, and social-emotional learning. Connect with Brian - brian@adventureworks.org Learn more about Adventureworks - adventureworks.org Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

This episode was recorded live in front of attendees from the BOOST (Best out of School Time) Conference in Palm Springs California in 2024.   The conversation focuses on emotions and feelings, and the importance of having conversations about them. Phil introduces emotions cards and encouraged participants to choose an emotion or feeling that resonated with them. Participants then discussed their chosen word with a partner. Phil explains the difference between emotions and feelings, emphasizing that emotions are uncontrollable and common, while feelings are subjective and interpretive. Phil also introduced the mood meter, a tool for classifying emotions and feelings based on pleasantness and energy. Participants placed their chosen words on the mood meter grid, leading to discussions about the placement and subjective nature of emotions and feelings. Emotions and feelings are important topics to discuss and understand. Emotions are uncontrollable and common, while feelings are subjective and interpretive. The mood meter is a tool for classifying emotions and feelings based on pleasantness and energy. Emotions and feelings can be subjective and differ from person to person. Having conversations about emotions and feelings can lead to greater understanding and empathy. Learn more about Emotions by High 5 - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/high-5-products/products/emotions-by-high-5 Connect with Phil email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

Phil discusses various acronyms used in the industry, particularly in relation to safety standards and regulations. He goes through 15 acronyms and explains their meanings and significance. The acronyms covered include AHJ, ANSI, ASTM, ISO, ACCT, ICE, PRCA, CWA, AEE, OSHA, UIAA, CE, NFPA, ERCA, EN, and kN.     Takeaways There are numerous acronyms used in the industry, particularly in relation to safety standards and regulations. Understanding these acronyms is important for ensuring compliance and safety in the workplace. Some of the key acronyms discussed include AHJ, ANSI, ASTM, ISO, ACCT, ICE, PRCA, CWA, AEE, OSHA, UIAA, CE, NFPA, ERCA, EN, and kilonewtons. AHJ refers to authority having jurisdiction, which are entities responsible for enforcing building codes and regulations. ANSI is the American National Standards Institute, which oversees the development and use of standards and guidelines. ASTM is the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards. ISO is the International Organization for Standardization, a worldwide federation of national standards bodies. ACCT is the Association for Challenge Course Technology, which advocates for and develops standards for the challenge course industry. OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a governmental oversight body that ensures safe working conditions. UIAA is the Union International Alpine Association, which maintains safety standards for climbing equipment. CE stands for Conformity European and indicates that a product meets European health, safety, and environmental standards. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association, which creates and maintains standards and codes for fire safety. ERCA is the European Ropes Course Association, which updates and optimizes standards for ropes courses. EN refers to European norm standards, which specify requirements for various products and equipment. kN - Kilonewtons is a unit of force used to measure the strength and load capacity of equipment like carabiners. Having a good understanding of these acronyms can help ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations in the industry. Chapters   00:00Introduction to Acronyms in the Industry 02:06ANSI: American National Standards Institute 04:30ISO: International Organization for Standardization 06:43ICE: Inspector Certification Exam 09:03AEE: Association for Experiential Education 11:52CE: Conformity European 12:49EN: European Norm Standard 13:42EN 12492: Safety Requirements for Safety Helmets 18:20Conclusion and Recap   Contact Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen   Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this episode, Phil discusses the importance of proper equipment storage at challenge courses. He highlights common issues such as equipment being stored in damp areas, lack of organization, and staff using equipment for personal use. Phil provides steps to improve equipment storage, including organizing gear for easy inspection, discarding and replacing faulty equipment, establishing local operating procedures, securing equipment in a locked area, and implementing a no personal use policy. He also emphasizes the need for a designated challenge course manager and the importance of program accountability and participant experience.     Takeaways Proper equipment storage is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of challenge courses. Organize gear to facilitate inspections and ensure all equipment is accounted for. Discard and replace any equipment that does not meet safety standards. Establish local operating procedures for storage, use, and inspection of equipment. Secure equipment in a locked area to prevent unauthorized access and protect it from moisture and vermin. Implement a no personal use policy to avoid liability and maintain equipment integrity. Designate a challenge course manager to oversee program accountability and ensure a positive participant experience. Roam Storage Cases - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/equipment-storage/products/roam-adventure-co-rugged-casses High 5 Guide - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/books-digital-resources/products/the-high-5-guide-challenge-course-operating-procedures-for-the-thinking-practitioner-2nd-edition Contact Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com