Vertical Playpen High 5 Adventure Learning Center

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

Tre Gamage shares his journey into social-emotional learning (SEL) and the importance of SEL in education. He discusses the need for SEL programs for both students and adults, bridging the gap between generations, and the impact of every decision in life. He emphasizes that now is the time for SEL to shine, especially in the current climate of COVID-19 and discussions around equity. Tre provides resources for further learning and skill-building in SEL.  


 
Takeaways; SEL is essential in education and should be a part of school plans SEL programs should be implemented for both students and adults Bridging the gap between generations is crucial for understanding and connection Every decision in life matters and contributes to one's legacy Now is the time for SEL to shine, especially in the current climate Resources for further learning and skill-building in SEL are available Connect with Tre - 
https://www.tregammage.com/
Contact the podcast - 
email - podcast@high5adventure.org
instagram - @verticalplaypen
music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
 

In this conversation, Phil Brown interviews Jim Grout and Jen Ottinger about their roles at High 5 Adventure Learning Center and the past, present, and future of the organization. Jen shares how she was drawn to High 5 and the adventure education field, while Jim reflects on the early days of High 5 and the growth of the organization. They discuss their complementary leadership styles and the importance of trust and collaboration. They also talk about the future of High 5, including exploring the concept of social enterprise, promoting career building in the industry, and supporting professional development through a scholarship fund.  

 
Takeaways; Jen was drawn to High 5 because of the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people and the excitement and passion she saw in the organization and its customers. Jim and Jen have complementary leadership styles, with Jim being the visionary and Jen being the integrator, which has been a successful partnership for High 5. Trust and collaboration are key elements of their leadership approach, and they prioritize putting people first and supporting the team. The future of High 5 includes exploring the concept of social enterprise, promoting career building in the adventure education industry, and supporting professional development through a scholarship fund. high5adventure.org
Contact the podcast -
email - podcast@high5adventure.org
instagram - @verticalplaypen
music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

High 5 Trivia is a quiz show about the challenge course industry. The host, Jamie Thibodeau, asks questions from different categories such as gear, facilitation, construction, history, and general knowledge. The participants compete to answer the questions correctly and earn points. The show covers topics like wooden utility poles, passive zip line braking systems, facilitation techniques, gear terminology, and challenge course elements. 
 
Takeaways; High 5 Trivia is a quiz show about the challenge course industry The show covers various topics related to gear, facilitation, construction, history, and general knowledge Participants compete to answer questions correctly and earn points The show provides insights into the challenge course industry and promotes learning and knowledge sharing Submit your questions;
Email - podcast@high5adventure.org
Instagram - @verticalplaypen
Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
 

This conversation explores the theme of leadership and the importance of building relationships in effective leadership. The discussion highlights examples of leadership from the movie Saving Private Ryan and the director of professional development (at the time the article was written) for the National Association of Independent Schools, Dave Mallory. The conversation also includes an exercise to reflect on positive and negative experiences with leaders and the impact of relationships in leadership.   



Takeaways; Effective leadership is never without the attribute of building relationships. Leadership is about caring and forming connections with others. Positive leadership experiences leave a lasting impact and evoke feelings of respect, value, and happiness. Poor leadership can have negative effects and create a sense of discomfort or fear. Building relationships is a powerful tool in leadership and can create a safe and trusting environment. Understanding oneself and one's relationship with others is essential in effective leadership. High 5 Symposium - https://store.high5adventure.org/products/adventure-practitioners-symposium-1-day?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web&_ga=2.244240269.92209463.1712521573-69781410.1683822041
Contact the podcast - 
Email - podcast@high5adventure.org
Instagram - @verticalplaypen
Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

At the recent ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) Conference in Oklahoma City, OK, Phil and Jamie had the pleasure of recording an episode with an in-person audience. The structure of the time was split between audience questions and a trivia show based on the Challenge Course industry. Play along and let us know how you did!
Submit your questions - 
Email - podcast@high5adventure.org
Instagram - @verticalplaypen
Learn more and register for the High 5 Symposium -  https://store.high5adventure.org/products/adventure-practitioners-symposium-1-day?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web&_ga=2.7451954.1611139391.1712014415-69781410.1683822041
Learn more about Catchbox - catchbox.com
Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com