High 5 Adventure - The Podcast

In this episode, Phil and Lisa engage in a fun guessing game where they explore memorable moments and guilty pleasures shared by the High 5 staff. This is an episode produced for our staff to listen to and play along while traveling to our annual retreat. Feel free to play along by downloading the scoresheet below. SCORESHEET - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GSRDGzpJroSCmHcIDxZwVkGfRnNWKcEAapQYZQFbmqI/edit?usp=sharing Connect with Phil email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this conversation, Phil and Professor Colin Beard delve into the evolving landscape of experiential learning, discussing its significance, challenges, and the role of educators. They explore the importance of understanding the learning experience, the impact of space and senses, and the necessity of bridging academic knowledge with practical application. The dialogue emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in teaching methods and encourages new educators to embrace their passion for learning and teaching.   Experiential learning is gaining traction in educational settings. The history of experiential learning reveals its complex evolution. Understanding the learning experience is crucial for effective education. Senses play a vital role in how we learn and experience the world. Imagination is key to engaging students in learning. There is a need to bridge the gap between academia and practical experience. Educators must embrace their role as facilitators of learning. Continuous improv

In this conversation, Phil and Mark Collard discuss the essential props that facilitators should carry to enhance their sessions. They explore the versatility and functionality of these tools, emphasizing the importance of emotional literacy and connection in group settings. The discussion highlights specific props, their uses, and the impact they have on facilitating meaningful interactions among participants. Props are essential for effective facilitation. Versatility of props allows for multiple uses in activities. Emotional tools help in building connections. Ubuntu cards are a top choice for facilitators. Weekendit cards offer a simple yet effective resource. Rope can be used in various activities and settings. Decks of cards can facilitate interaction and vulnerability. Emotional literacy is crucial for both young people and adults. Using props can transform the perception of activities. Facilitators can create hundreds of activities with a few tools. Mark's Top 5;  Ubuntu Cards (AUS) -

In this conversation, Phil and Jo Lee explore the concept of creative confidence, its roots in drama education, and the importance of arts in fostering self-worth and community. Jo shares her journey from being a drama teacher to advocating for the arts, discussing the transformative power of drama in education and the challenges faced in integrating arts into school curriculums. They delve into the significance of experiential learning, the fight for recognition of the arts, and the personal struggles with confidence and imposter syndrome. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support and the journey of self-discovery in building confidence and articulating one's skills. Creative confidence is essential for personal and professional growth. Drama serves as a powerful tool for building confidence. The arts are often undervalued in education despite their benefits. Experiential learning enhances engagement and skill acquisition. Transformative moments in drama can lead to significant person

In this episode, Phil shares his thoughts on various topics related to training and experiential learning. He recounts an incident involving an Apple Watch that mistakenly called 911 during a climbing session, emphasizing the importance of understanding technology's impact on safety. Phil also discusses the need for clarity in training procedures, urging trainers to differentiate between standard operating procedures and personal preferences. He highlights the significance of embracing failure as a learning tool, sharing activities designed to reinforce this concept. Overall, Phil encourages open communication and feedback in the training community.   Phil shares personal experiences and insights from his training sessions. The Apple Watch incident highlights the need for safety awareness. Trainers should clarify standard operating procedures versus personal preferences. Normalizing failure is crucial for effective learning. Phil emphasizes the importance of feedback in the training process. Unde

In this conversation, Phil and Dave Searle explore the journey of leaving England for a life in the mountains, the challenges and rewards of building a career in outdoor guiding, and the importance of physicality in this demanding profession. They discuss the perceptions of outdoor professionals, the generational differences in outdoor education, and the balance between teaching and learning. The conversation also delves into critical discussions about knot tying, the importance of dressing knots, and the mental health challenges faced by professionals in the industry. Throughout, they emphasize the need for open communication, continuous learning, and the importance of community in the outdoor world.   Physical activity is essential for outdoor professionals. Guides must balance work and personal well-being. Teaching requires understanding the learner's perspective. Knot tying is a critical skill that requires attention to detail. The outdoor industry is evolving with new generations. Mental hea

In this conversation, Phil talks to Brandon Peacock, a trauma survivor and founder of the charity Hit the Ground Running. They discuss Brandon's personal experience with trauma and how he has turned it into a positive force in his life. They also touch on the importance of empowerment, community, and accountability in the recovery process. Brandon shares his insights on mentorship and the value of connecting with others who have similar experiences. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of resilience and the ability to find purpose in the face of adversity.   Trauma survivors can find empowerment and purpose by using their experiences to make a positive impact in the world. Supportive structures, such as a strong community and mentors, play a crucial role in the recovery process. Accountability and taking personal responsibility are important for overcoming trauma and achieving personal growth. Sharing personal stories and connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide a

In this episode, Phil reflects on his 2018 blog post 'Finding Pinecones,' emphasizing the significance of small moments in learning and connection. He shares a personal story about a child's unexpected favorite camp memory and discusses the impact of unplanned interactions during a training session with students from Iraq. Phil offers practical strategies for facilitators to enhance group dynamics, such as sharing meals, encouraging questions, and adapting to the group's needs. He concludes by highlighting the importance of flexibility in facilitation and the value of recognizing those small, impactful moments.   The small moments often have a bigger impact than we think. Unplanned interactions can lead to significant learning experiences. Eating meals together fosters connection and openness. Creating opportunities for questions enhances engagement. Flexibility in facilitation is crucial for meeting group needs. Listening to participants can reveal their true interests. Building relationships i

In this conversation, Phil and Lisa explore the concept of flow state, particularly in the context of facilitation and training. They discuss personal experiences with flow, the balance between ability and challenge, and the role of facilitators in creating an environment conducive to flow. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual and group dynamics to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.   Facilitators play a crucial role in creating flow for participants. Personal experiences can significantly influence the perception of flow. Boredom and apathy can arise from low challenge in a group setting. High challenge with low ability can lead to frustration and disengagement. Designing activities that promote flow requires understanding group dynamics. Intrinsic motivation is key to maintaining engagement in learning environments. Facilitators should model flow to inspire participants. Challenge by choice allows individuals to find their own balance of ability and ch

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 t

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

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 highli

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 t

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 opini

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 e

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 interpre

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 con

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 lock

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