Vertical Playpen

Latest Episodes:

Advice We Disagree With Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, members of the training team (Phil, Lisa, Chris and Rich) sit down to discuss an often used theme of this podcast - What is something you were taught that you now disagree with?

Topics covered;

Everyone joining in
Eye contact
Activity Sequencing
Do Low elements have much lead-in to High elements
Group goals

Submit your questions to the team -

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com

The Story School | Chris Wiley Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Join Phil in a conversation with Chris Wiley, from The Story School, as they delve into the world of Live Action Role-Playing (LARPing) and how Chris has seen growth in the campers that attend.

Chris passionately shares the many social and educational benefits hidden within this unique and immersive experience. From fostering creativity and problem-solving to building strong communities, LARPing has much to offer for both participants and educators.

Learn more about The Story School - https://www.thestoryschool.org/

Connect with Chris - cwiley@thestoryschool.org

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Adventure Park Facilitation | JJ Stapleton Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Phil sits down with JJ Stapleton from The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring to dive into the world of facilitating guides and the ripple effect of investing in employee training and development. Together, they explore the benefits of teaching facilitation techniques to guides and how it enhances the overall guest experience. Discover how investing in your team's growth can lead to a workforce that's not only highly skilled but also fiercely loyal. If you're interested in the secrets behind successful employee development and creating exceptional guest interactions, this podcast is a must-listen.

Learn more about The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring - https://sandyspringadventurepark.org/

Employment opportunities - https://sandyspringadventurepark.org/employment/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Episode 200 - Thank You! Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

We made it! Episode 200!

4 years ago we decided to start recording conversations with the aim of supporting adventure educators and we are so proud of where we are now.

200 episodes, 100+ educators interviewed, magazine articles written, live audience recordings made, 25+ countries listening, and countless lessons learned.

This episode is a giant THANK YOU to you all.

So thanks for listening.

If you know someone who should be interviewed, or you have a topic for us to discuss, let us know;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.org

Facilitation Differences - USA vs England Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Phil to explore the intriguing question: Is there a difference between English facilitation style and the US facilitation style?

*Note - these views are specific to Phil's experiences and thoughts.

Phil delves into various aspects, shedding light on the nuances that make each style unique. From energy and positivity to the use of curse words, Phil shares his thoughts on the cultural distinctions that shape facilitation on either side of the Atlantic. Join the conversation as they discuss the role of summer camps in the US, providing an insight into how these cultural elements influence the world of facilitation. If you're curious about the cross-cultural aspects of facilitation, this episode is a must-listen.

Share your thoughts on this subject;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

What Makes a Group "Great"? Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

Join Phil and Lisa as they embark on an insightful exploration of the question, "What makes a group great?" We've all been there, finishing a program, and when asked, "How was the group?" we casually respond with "They were great."

But what exactly defines greatness in a group? Is it the absence of issues, genuine camaraderie, collective learning, or something more?

Here are some factors a facilitator might consider that impact how much a group may struggle (as mentioned by Lisa):

Social, Emotional, Economic and Cultural history of the group
Length of Program (hours)
Structure of the program (in school, year long, field trip)
Goals of Program
Relationship facilitator has to group
Relationship facilitator has to the "Client" or chaperone
Experience level of Facilitator

If you have a topic or question for us to discuss you can send it to;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Music and Unique Locations Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

Join Phil and Lisa in this special episode as they address two intriguing questions from you, the podcast listeners.

In the first segment, they delve into the ways music can be used when facilitating group activities. They share ways that it has been successful and ways that should be avoided.

In the second part of the episode, the question focuses on unique locations that they have facilitated in; a wedding, an army base and snowy canadian mountains.

Submit your questions to be answered on a future episode;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com

Freezing in the Air Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, join Phil and Rich as they dive into a fascinating discussion on the causes and effective strategies to reduce that moment when participants freeze in the air on a ropes course.

Drawing from their extensive experience in outdoor adventure and team-building activities, they explore the psychology behind this common challenge and offer practical tips to help facilitators navigate their participant's fear.

Strategies include;

Framing the day and creating an atmosphere of choice
Designing the program that scaffolds skill and challenge
Allowing participants to be lowered at any point in the their climb

Submit your questions to;

email - podcast@high5adventure.org

instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Episode supported by Stickermule. Create your own custom stickers - https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers

Adventure and the Unknown Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

In this thought-provoking episode Phil and Lisa delve deep into the world of adventure education and one specific component: the concept of the unknown. Traditionally, adventure education often emphasizes keeping participants in the dark, shrouding activities in secrecy to create an element of surprise and uncertainty. However, we challenge this approach, arguing that it can have unintended consequences.

Join us as we explore the importance of maintaining a psychologically safe learning environment in adventure education. We discuss why withholding information and keeping participants in the dark may not always be the best strategy. We believe that pushing people into the unknown without adequate preparation can have adverse effects, potentially pushing them out of their comfort zones too soon, leading to discomfort, anxiety, and even negative learning experiences.

Whether you're an educator, adventure enthusiast, or simply curious about the dynamics of adventure education, this episode will provide valuable perspectives on how to create a more effective and psychologically safe learning environment. Join us for a candid conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and explores innovative ways to optimize adventure education for everyone involved.

Have a question for us?

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intrinsic Motivation Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

Join Phil and Lisa in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the fascinating world of intrinsic motivation. We explore how motivation that arises naturally, rather than from external rewards, can be enhanced through various activities. We'll uncover the four key elements that play a pivotal role in boosting intrinsic motivation:

Challenge: Discover the importance of setting tasks that are just the right level of difficulty. Find out how striking the perfect balance between skill and challenge can ignite your inner drive.
Curiosity: Uncover the power of curiosity in fueling motivation. Learn how novel experiences and questions can stimulate your intrinsic desire to learn and explore.
Creativity: Explore how activities that encourage creativity can be a catalyst for motivation. We delve into the significance of having a voice in designing, executing, and solving tasks.
Choice: Understand the role of individual choice in intrinsic motivation. Whether it's a facilitator allowing for choices or activities naturally providing options, we explore how autonomy can empower motivation.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on harnessing your intrinsic motivation and applying these principles to various aspects of your life. Don't miss out on this episode that can transform the way you approach motivation and program design.

What topics would you like us to discuss? Let us know in the following ways;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com