Vertical Playpen

The conversation explores the importance of relationships and adapting to individual needs as a facilitator. The speaker shares their experience working with diverse populations and emphasizes the role of relationships in connecting with participants and creating meaningful outcomes. They discuss the challenge of teaching the importance of relationships and share strategies for building trust and rapport with groups. The conversation also touches on the concept of buy-in and the need to present the value and purpose of activities to participants. The speaker highlights the importance of vulnerability and feedback in facilitating group dynamics and emphasizes the need to adjust facilitation goals based on the needs of the group.     Takeaways Building relationships is crucial in connecting with participants and adapting facilitation style to meet their needs. The role of trust and rapport in facilitating meaningful outcomes and creating a safe space for participants to learn and grow. Presenting the value and purpose of activities is essential in gaining buy-in from participants. Being vulnerable and open to feedback as a facilitator can help build trust and improve group dynamics. Adjusting facilitation goals based on the needs of the group is important for meeting their social-emotional learning needs. Connect with Stephen - sham@ramapoforchildren.org  Learn more about Ramapo for Children - https://ramapoforchildren.org/ Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Phil discusses whether staff should be allowed to use their own personal equipment while facilitating on a challenge course. The main points covered include the comfort factor, the availability of gear loops, and instilling confidence in participants. Phil argues against the policy of using personal equipment and provides reasons such as the limited time spent hanging in the harness, the availability of rescue equipment, and the potential liability issues. The importance of uniformity, understanding manufacturer's recommendations, and the psychological benefits to participants are also highlighted.   Takeaways Consider the reasons for allowing staff to use personal equipment on a challenge course The comfort factor may not be significant as challenge course facilitators do not spend much time hanging in the harness The availability of gear loops may not be essential and can add unnecessary weight to the harness Instilling confidence in participants can be achieved by wearing the same harness as them Liability issues arise when personal equipment is not included in the inspection report Uniformity and understanding manufacturer's recommendations are important for safety and ease of use Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Phil explores the challenges and solutions related to team building and team development activities. It delves into personal experiences, frustrations, and strategies for enjoying and improving the facilitation of such activities. The discussion covers the importance of finding enjoyable activities, program design, relaxation, and managing external pressures.     Takeaways Finding activities that YOU enjoy is crucial for effective facilitation. Program design should consider energy flow and balance between activities. Relaxation and managing external pressures are essential for enjoying the facilitation process. Connect with Phil; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this episode, Phil discusses the concept of power in the context of challenge courses and ropes courses. He identifies six areas where facilitators may unintentionally take power away from participants and provides solutions to empower them. The areas include harnesses, knots, belaying, the challenge itself, support, and lowering. Phil emphasizes the importance of giving participants choice and control, ultimately honoring empowerment.   Takeaways Facilitators may unintentionally take power away from participants in challenge courses and ropes courses. Empowering participants involves giving them choice and control in various aspects of the experience. Teaching participants how to put on their own harnesses, tie their own knots, and belay can enhance their sense of power and control. Contact the podcast; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com

Hutch Hutchinson, a senior lecturer at the Questrom School of Business, shares his journey in experiential education and the historical context of outdoor education. He discusses the impact of industrial education, the role of associations like AEE, and the future of experiential education in a changing world.     Takeaways; Experiential education has a rich historical context that predates the industrial education model and is rooted in the philosophy of student-centered learning. Associations like AEE provide a diverse and enriching platform for experiential educators to learn and grow, offering a wide range of perspectives and expertise. The future of education will require a focus on trauma-informed teaching, empathy, and personal connection, all of which are inherent in experiential education. Mentorship and networking are essential for emerging professionals in the field of experiential education, providing guidance and diverse perspectives for career development. Contact the podcast; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this conversation, Phil Brown and Andrew Jillings discuss their shared passion for adventure and experiential education. They delve into their personal experiences, the evolution of risk management, and the advice for emerging professionals in the field. The conversation also touches on the balance between experience and certifications in the industry. Phil Brown discusses the importance of experience, decision-making, and risk management in the field of experiential education. He emphasizes the value of diverse experiences and the ability to make quick, critical decisions. Phil also shares insights on the selection and training of student leaders for orientation trips, as well as the significance of repetition and variation in skill development.     Takeaways: Passion for adventure and experiential education drives the work of professionals in the field. The evolution of risk management and the balance between minimizing negatives and maximizing positives. The importance of both experience and certifications in establishing legitimacy in the industry. Advice for emerging professionals to gain diverse experiences and demonstrate a commitment to the field. The value of diverse experiences in decision-making and risk management The importance of repetition and variation in skill development The significance of selecting and training student leaders for orientation trips Contact the podcast; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

This conversation explores the pitfalls of over-reliance on props and tools in facilitation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing conversation and relationship-building. It delves into the need for time and depth in facilitation, the skills and goals of facilitation, and the challenges of the adventure education field. The conversation also addresses the need for a more mature and professional approach to facilitation, advocating for deeper, more meaningful conversations and relationships.   Takeaways; The importance of prioritizing conversation and relationship-building over the over-reliance on props and tools in facilitation. The need for time and depth in facilitation, emphasizing the skills and goals of facilitation. Challenges faced in the adventure education field and the need for a more mature and professional approach to facilitation. Advocacy for deeper, more meaningful conversations and relationships in facilitation. Contact the podcast; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this episode, Phil Brown interviews Chad Littlefield, the Chief Experience Officer of We and Me Inc. They start with a fun segment of random questions before diving into Chad's journey in experiential adventure education. Chad shares his first experience in experiential education and how it influenced his career path. He also discusses the importance of curiosity and connection in his work. Chad explains his role as the Chief Experience Officer and how WeConnect cards are designed to make connection easy for people. He offers advice on using the cards effectively, emphasizing the power of choice and incorporating content in activities. In this conversation, Phil Brown and Chad Littlefield discuss the importance of listening and asking powerful questions in creating meaningful connections. They explore different frameworks and techniques for effective communication, including the use of WeConnect cards and the concept of intention and openness. They also discuss the need for adaptation and innovation in the field of experiential education, especially in the context of remote work and virtual connections.     Takeaways; Experiential adventure education can have a profound impact on personal and professional development. Following curiosity can lead to finding one's passion and purpose. Connection is essential for healing, growth, and success in various contexts. WeConnect cards are designed to make connection easy and can be used by facilitators and non-facilitators alike. Giving people choice in answering questions can lead to deeper and more authentic conversations. Incorporating content and weaving it into activities can enhance the effectiveness of using WeConnect cards. Listening to understand is more effective than listening to win. Being clear about your intention and sharing it with others can create a foundation for trust and collaboration. Entering a conversation with an open mind and being willing to be changed by the other person can lead to deeper connections. Asking open-ended questions, particularly those starting with 'how' or 'what', can foster curiosity and meaningful dialogue. In the field of experiential education, there is a need for adaptation and innovation to create impactful experiences. Simplifying tools and focusing on purpose can enhance the effectiveness of facilitation. Learn more about Chad - https://weand.me/ Check out Chad's Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@chad.littlefield Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com Contact the podcast; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Harv discusses his journey into tree climbing and the emotional and physical benefits it provides. He explains the accessibility of tree climbing and the equipment used. The conversation also touches on the overlap between tree climbing and challenge courses, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature and the environment. Harv shares information about the Global Organization of Tree Climbers and where to find more information about tree climbing.     Takeaways Tree climbing provides a sense of perspective, adventure, and discovery, and offers a reset in the universe. Tree climbing is accessible to people of various physical abilities and does not require extensive physical fitness. There is an overlap between tree climbing and challenge courses in terms of connecting with nature, teaching about the environment, and fostering empathy and support for nature. Knowing the species of trees and understanding their importance in ecosystems can enhance the tree climbing experience and build a constituency for environmental protection. The Global Organization of Tree Climbers (GOTC) provides guidelines, training, and a network of instructors and facilitators for safe tree climbing. Tree climbing is a fun and social activity that enhances relationships and provides a shared context for conversations. https://www.gotreeclimbing.org/ contact the podcast -  email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

Adam Ames, a visual artist, shares his experience attending a workshop at High 5 and how it transformed his approach to art and teaching. He discusses the initial skepticism he had, the moments of reflection and realization, and the impact of experiential education on his life. The conversation also touches on the creation of a sculpture that represents the group and the philosophy of adventure and experiential education. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of embracing new experiences, the value of reflection, and the power of teamwork.     Takeaways Experiential education can have a profound impact on one's approach to art, teaching, and life in general. Reflection and moments of realization are key components of the experiential education process. The creation of a sculpture that represents a group can be a powerful way to convey the philosophy of adventure and experiential education. Embracing new experiences and being open to different perspectives can lead to personal growth and transformation. Teamwork and collaboration are essential in both art and experiential education. https://www.typea.us/ Contact the podcast - email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com