Vertical Playpen

High 5 Adventure Learning Center
Vertical Playpen Podcast

Want to learn more about Adventure and Experiential Education? Then this podcast is for you! Listeners of this podcast will get; - Adventure Programming Theory - Facilitation Tips - Activity Ideas - Industry Career Advice - Interviews from Industry Professionals High 5 Adventure Learning Center is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals, teams, schools, communities and businesses improve the way they live, learn and work together. Connect with us at high5adventure.org

  1. 17 SEPT

    Facilitation Nightmare! We Lost our Props!

    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

    57 min
  2. 10 SEPT

    Blurring the Line Between Fun and Purpose | Angus Firth

    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

    23 min
  3. 30 JUL

    Who Else Feels That Way? | BOOST Conference 2024

    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

    36 min
  4. 23 JUL

    Industry Acronyms EXPLAINED!

    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

    20 min

About

Want to learn more about Adventure and Experiential Education? Then this podcast is for you! Listeners of this podcast will get; - Adventure Programming Theory - Facilitation Tips - Activity Ideas - Industry Career Advice - Interviews from Industry Professionals High 5 Adventure Learning Center is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals, teams, schools, communities and businesses improve the way they live, learn and work together. Connect with us at high5adventure.org

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