High 5 Adventure - The Podcast

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  

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  

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

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

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  

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

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    

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

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 activ

In this episode, Phil shares with Rich that he has applied for US Citizenship and that he is studying for his exam, which results in Phil testing Rich. Following this, Rich introduces the main topic of this episode, the importance of learning the names of your participants. Thoughts are shared on the following; The effectiveness (and ineffectiveness) of name games The best ways they have found for learning names Stories on when names have been forgotten and/or gotten wrong If you have a topic that you would like us to discuss or a question for us, submit them to; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Welcome back to the second installment of our captivating interview with experiential education luminary, Vishwas Parchure. In this engaging episode, we continue our exploration of the art of facilitation as Vishwas delves deep into a range of thought-provoking topics, sharing his profound insights and practical wisdom. Vishwas shines a spotlight on a common practice in facilitation - "hot-seating." Through a critical lens, he unpacks the potential pitfalls of this approach, revealing the hidden dynamics that can hinder authentic engagement and learning. Discover how Vishwas proposes a more nuanced and effective alternative that fosters a truly open and safe learning environment. As the conversation unfolds, Vishwas addresses a fundamental question every facilitator grapples with: How much should you talk? Drawing from his wealth of experience, he provides a refreshing perspective on the delicate balance between guiding participants and allowing space for their own discoveries. Vishwas takes a moment to refle

Join us in the first installment of a captivating two-part interview with the visionary experiential educator, Vishwas Parchure. In this episode, we delve into the very essence of Vishwas' profound work in experiential education and facilitation, gaining insights into his motivations, career-defining moments, and unique perspectives on the art of facilitation. Vishwas opens up about the driving force behind his commitment to experiential education, revealing the transformative impact it has on participants. Through heartfelt anecdotes, he shares the pivotal moments that have shaped his journey, shedding light on the profound personal experiences that fueled his passion for this remarkable field. One of the thought-provoking topics discussed is the concept of reflection within experiential learning. Vishwas begins by emphasizing that genuine reflection is a journey owned by the participants, not the facilitator.  As the conversation unfolds, Vishwas shares his belief that facilitation is an art that cannot be

Phil and Chris delve into the question: What reigns supreme, the classic ATC or the innovative GRIGRI? Join us as we embark on a comprehensive exploration, comparing and contrasting these two climbing essentials from multiple angles. We break down the pros and cons through the lens of program goals, training strategies, risk assessment, and financial considerations. Whether you're an adventure educator pondering your next gear upgrade or an avid listener seeking a deeper understanding of belaying essentials, this episode promises to give you experienced opinions on the use of these 2 pieces of belay gear. How to belay with a GRIGRI - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqrskjKwTfE&list=PL9uQzKJ3xhKp9zG3Y-ux44h_p40lDSUTv&index=8 Submit your questions to the team; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Join us in this podcast episode, "The Shared Experience," recorded live at the High 5 Adventure Symposium. Hosted by Phil and featuring a panel of enthusiastic attendees, this engaging session delves into the transformative power of adventure education. The episode kicks off with an exploration of the profound impact of adventure education on everyday life. Next up, the focus shifts to one of the core aspects of adventure education - encouraging participants to listen actively. The panel discusses various strategies and techniques they employ to create a supportive and open learning environment where individuals feel heard and valued, fostering a genuine sense of connection and growth. Intriguingly, the discussion then delves into the psychology behind the Dunning-Kruger effect and Imposter Syndrome.  The conversation concludes with valuable tips on how to approach a challenging situation - talking to a supervisor about a disagreement. The participants share their experiences, offering practical advice on mai

In this episode, join host Phil as he sits down with his long-time friend in the industry, Cam Miller, the Challenge Course and Facilitation Director at Kieve Wavus Education.  Cam takes us back to the roots of his introduction to the world of adventure, recounting the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for pushing boundaries and exploring the great outdoors. Discover what has fueled Cam's commitment to the adventure industry and how his role as Challenge Course and Facilitation Director allows him to make a profound impact on the lives of others.  Of course, it wouldn't be a complete conversation without a little fun! Join Phil and Cam as they draw unexpected parallels between their favorite Final Fantasy characters and their real-life personalities and what characters they would assign each other. As the episode draws to a close, Cam opens up about the advice he's received throughout his career – the nuggets of wisdom that he holds dear and those that he respectfully disagrees with. This is an episode

In this episode, Phil is joined by Niels Damman, the Course Services Manager at Experiential Resources (ERI), to delve into the world of challenge course training. Niels brings his experience and expertise to shed light on the pros and potential hurdles associated with trainer credentialing in this field. Challenge courses have gained immense popularity as powerful tools for team building, personal growth, and experiential learning. However, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these courses requires skilled and knowledgeable trainers. Phil and Niels discuss the importance of trainer credentialing and how it contributes to maintaining high standards and professionalism within the industry. They explore the numerous benefits of trainer credentialing, such as enhancing participant safety, ensuring consistent and quality experiences, and building trust with clients and participants.  While trainer credentialing offers significant advantages, the conversation also delves into potential hurdles that may arise

In this episode Phil and Lisa explore different strategies and techniques that can enhance and deepen our connections with others. Drawing from their personal experiences, Phil and Lisa shed light on various connection accelerators that have the potential to transform our relationships. They discuss topics such as collective novelty, emotional significance, joy, and the accomplishment of challenging tasks. They emphasize the importance of sharing our WHY and not just our WHAT, allowing us to forge more authentic and meaningful connections. They also explore the role of choice and autonomy in engagement, highlighting how these factors contribute to building stronger bonds. They provide practical insights and actionable advice on how to apply these connection accelerators in our everyday lives, helping us navigate both personal and professional relationships more effectively. Whether you're seeking to enhance your social interactions, strengthen your team dynamics, or cultivate deeper connections with your part

We are joined on the podcast again by Loui McCurley, of PMI ropes and SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians). In this interview, Loui shares her invaluable insights on the critical topic of rescue plans, emphasizing their importance in ensuring the safety of individuals participating in ropes courses and similar activities. We delve into the essential components of a rescue plan. Loui offers practical advice and guidelines for creating effective rescue plans, highlighting key factors such as risk assessment, emergency procedures, communication protocols, and the significance of ongoing training for staff. Suspension trauma, a potentially life-threatening condition, also finds its place in our discussion. Loui sheds light on this physiological phenomenon that can occur during a fall arrest situation and explains the detrimental effects it can have on the body. She shares insights on preventive measures and the importance of prompt rescue interventions to mitigate the risks associated with susp

In this episode Phil had the privilege of sitting down with Loui McCurley, an expert in fall protection and rope access, CEO of PMI (Pigeon Mountain Industries) and original founder of SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians).  One of the key aspects of fall protection is understanding the distinction between fall positioning, fall arrest, and fall prevention. Loui guides us through these different approaches, illuminating how each method serves a unique purpose in safeguarding individuals working at heights. Loui also delves into the contrasting approaches of active fall protection and passive fall protection. Clear communication is vital in the realm of fall protection, and Loui emphasizes the importance of using the correct terminology when describing fall protection systems and equipment. She discusses how accurate terminology eliminates confusion and ensures effective communication between professionals, workers, and regulatory bodies, ultimately promoting a safer work environment. Standar

In this episode Phil is joined by Matt Marcus, the Manager of Adventure Gear and Sales at Challenge Design Innovations. With a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the adventure industry, Matt takes us on a journey through his career, volunteer work, and his thoughts on the future of adventure education. One of the highlights of Matt's journey has been his involvement with the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). We discuss his volunteer work with the ACCT, including his contributions as a board member.  As we peer into the horizon, Matt shares his insightful predictions on the future of the adventure industry. He discusses emerging trends, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of adventure enthusiasts.  We also explore Matt's belief in the importance of media training for adventure educators and facilitators. Recognizing the power of storytelling and effective communication, he discusses how media training can elevate the skills of those in the industry, enabling them to connec