How can we create psychologically safe learning environments for our participants?

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode, Phil, Lisa Hunt and Romy Alexandra discuss;

- What is a psychologically safe learning environment?

- How, using 4 animals, you can identify the needs of your group

- Role-modeling vulnerability and asking for feedback during a program.

Connect with Romy - [email protected]

Learn more about Romy - http://www.romy-alexandra.com/

This episode, inspired by the Multi-stage fitness test (PACER or beep test), brings in Phil to become a guest facilitator for your program.

Phil guides your participants through 3 different opening activities, providing you with framing ideas and reflection prompts. 

Activity 1 - Jump In Jump Out - 3:00 - 12:40

Activity 2 - Alternative Introductions - 12:50 - 22:50

Activity 3 - The Wright Family Vacation - 23:00 - 27:10

Be sure to let us know if this type of episode is valuable and you would like to see more.

Follow us @verticalplaypen on Instagram.

This phrase describes both our work as Experiential educators but it is also a large part of Bryn's pathway in this industry.

In this episode, Bryn Lottig (co-founder of Kikori) talks to Phil about;

- The transformational power of working in the outdoors and its effects on her

- The need for this educational pedagogy to be taken seriously 

- The best advice she has recieved in her career so far

Connect with Bryn - [email protected] 

Learn more about Kikori - https://www.kikoriapp.com/

Do connection activities actually help our participants connect?

This was the topic of discussion in this live recorded episode of the podcast.

It was recorded while attending the BOOST (Best Out-Of-School Time) 2022 Conference

The contributors in this conversation;

Phil Brown - @verticalplaypen

Sam Copland - [email protected]

Ian Hockley - [email protected]

ElizaBeth Phillips - [email protected]

Peter Silvius - [email protected]

Activities used were introduced to me by Jan Keck - you can find more about Jan here - https://www.jankeck.com/

This is a short update episode to let you know that VPP will be on the road!

Phil will be bringing his microphones with him this busy training season to learn more about the life of a trainer and to interact with the diversity of people he meets along the way.

If you would like to submit questions he should ask folks on his journey, you can submit them via instagram - @verticalplaypen.

Have a great spring and summer everyone!

Josh Nadzam (Co-founder of On The Move Art Studio) joins Phil to discuss;

- Discovering the power of facilitation

- Growing as a facilitator

- Facilitating dialogue sessions and why it is so novel

Learn more about Josh - https://www.joshnadzam.com/

Learn more about On the Move - https://www.onthemoveartstudio.org/home.html

Email Josh - [email protected] 

Joe Hirsch (Ted X Speaker and Author of "The Feedback Fix) joins Phil to discuss;

- The qualities of positive and negative feedback

- Moving from a feedback to a feedforward mindset

- The feedback wrap

- How we can empower our participants and colleagues using feedback

Connect with Joe - [email protected]

Learn more about Joe's work - https://joehirsch.me/

Myriam Hadnes (workshops.work) joins Phil to discuss;

- The importance of leaders role modeling vulnerability

- The work before the work, assessing the needs of your clients

- Why doing things you have never done before can enhance your facilitation skills

Connect with Myriam - [email protected]

Learn more about Myriam's work - http://workshops.work/

The training team gather to discuss;

- Facilitating a 1-day challenge course experience

- Facilitating a multi-day challenge course experience

- Advice on challenge course programming

How to contact us:

Phil Brown - [email protected] OR @verticalplaypen on Instagram

Chris Damboise - [email protected]

Lisa Hunt - [email protected]

Hanne Bailey - [email protected]

Rich Keegan - [email protected]

The Training team discuss;

- What is a challenge course?

- What's in a name? Challenge, high, ropes?

- The history of challenge courses

- Our memories of our 1st ever challenge course experiences.