Phil is joined by Jan Keck to explore innovative approaches to group facilitation, risk-taking, and designing impactful activities. Jan shares practical frameworks like the 'campfire method' and 'risk ramp' to help facilitators create safer, more engaging spaces that encourage authentic participation.

• The campfire analogy for reflection and learning
• Replacing traditional icebreakers with meaningful activities
• The concept of a 'risk ramp' to gradually increase participant comfort
• The importance of setting clear promises and expectations
• Strategies for effective time management in facilitation

Pre-order the book here - https://www.jankeck.com/campfire-campaign/

Contact the podcast - [email protected]

Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

Little Green Straw Activity -

Group Size: 8–30 participants

Time: 10–15 minutes

Materials:

• A small object (traditionally a green straw/pen, but any small item works)

Setup:

Have the group stand or sit in a circle. One person (or the facilitator) secretly "hides" the pen somewhere on or near themselves while others close their eyes or look away.

Challenge:

Participants open their eyes and try to find the "hidden" pen—without anyone moving or obviously revealing it.

Once someone spots it, they do not announce it. Instead, they quietly sit down (or give a subtle signal) indicating they've found it.

The round ends when most of the group has found the object.

Progression:

Run multiple rounds, increasing difficulty:

• Start with moderately hidden
• Move to more obvious-but-overlooked placements
• Final round: place the pen in plain sight (e.g., behind the facilitator's ear, on their shoulder, or clipped visibly)

This usually produces the "aha" moment—participants realize they were overthinking or searching too hard.

Debrief Questions:

• What strategies did you use to find the pen?
• When did you feel most/least successful?
• What made the final round difficult, even though it was more visible?
• How did your assumptions affect what you were looking for?
• Where do we miss "obvious" things in real work or life?