Phil is joined by President Emeritus of the Global Organization of Tree Climbers, Harv Teitelbaum to discuss;

- What recreational tree climbing is and what it provides those who climb.

- What 1st drew him into the world of tree climbing and how you can find tree climbing trainers near you.

- The importance of educating our participants about trees and the natural world that we work in.

You can learn more about tree climbing by visiting their website - gotreeclimbing.org and/or by emailing them at [email protected]

In Part 2 of The Shared Experience, the group answers the following 2 questions;

- How has the "Great Resignation" affected our industry?

- How has the past 2 years influenced the way that we interact with our participants?

Contributors to this episode were;

Lisa Hunt - High 5 Trainer

Danielle Chevalier - Field's of Recovery

Hutch Hutchinson - Boston University

Laura Baird - Polk County Recreation

Sam Steiger - Minnesota State University, Mankato

Dan Miller - Fifth Pillar Consulting

John Losey - IntoWisdom Group

David Maskell - Somerset College

Arman Rajput - Ontario

The Shared Experience was a session Phil hosted at the International Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Conference.

Those who attended had the opportunity to ask questions and as a collective group we answered those questions utilizing their shared experience.

The questions asked;

- How do you prepare to facilitate a program?

- What is your go-to activity to make people laugh?

The contributors were;

Lisa Hunt - High 5 Trainer

Danielle Chevalier - Field's of Recovery

Hutch Hutchinson - Boston University

Laura Baird - Polk County Recreation

Sam Steiger - Minnesota State University, Mankato

Dan Miller - Fifth Pillar Consulting

Hanne Bailey - High 5 Trainer

John Losey - IntoWisdom Group

Kellie Donajkowski - Texas State University

Jim Grout (High 5's Executive Director) joins Phil to talk about a concept that originates from the book "Legacy" by James Kerr; Sweeping the Shed. This has become an essential part at the core of High 5's work in Leadership Development.

Megan Meinen (UVM Outdoor Programs) joins Phil to discuss;

- Finding a career in outdoor programming

- Advice for emerging professionals

- The importance of mentorship in our industry

Chip Wood returns to VPP, this time joined by Phil Brown, Jim Grout, Beth Buoro and Anne Louise Wagner. Today's discussion revolves around relational trust, a concept based on relationships in schools between teachers and students, with other teachers, with parents and principals.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Phil reflects upon the last 4 days of the AEE (Association for Experiential Education) International Conference. Topics discussed are;

- The Virtual Conference format

- Workshop takeaways

- The value of connecting with this community

Find more about AEE - aee.org

In this episode, Chip Wood joins host Phil Brown and High 5's Executive Director, Jim Grout, to discuss;

- His background in child development and education

- The compatibility between his work, Adventure Education and Leadership Development

Phil tells the story of a near miss when lowering a participant on a Climbing Wall.

This is the first in a series of stories that will help you learn what not to do (and what to do) thanks to the experiences of others.

If you have a story you would like to share let us know by emailing us - [email protected] or message us on Instagram - @verticalplaypen.

Ryan, Anne Louise, Phil and Lisa talk about;

- Role modeling vulnerability and its importance in creating a space for emotions to shared.

- Effective strategies and facilitation techniques for discussing emotions with your participants.