In this episode Phil reads a blog he wrote back in 2018 titled "Finding Pinecones" which highlights the importance of being flexible with your agenda, reading your group's needs and enjoying the small moments.

Scott, founder and CEO of the Children's Mental Health Network discusses the importance of advocacy and connection, gives some advice to educators regarding student mental health and shares what gives him hope for the future of child and family services.

You can find more about CMHN and Scott here: cmhnetwork.org

Welcome to Vertical Playpen! The podcast all about Adventure and Experiential Education! Join us as we interview experts in our field and give tips and advice utilizing our decades of experience. If you are an educator in any way, this is the podcast for you. Thanks for listening!

Michelle joins Phil (while at the ACCT conference) to discuss how she got her start in experiential education, the importance of making connections and her parenting advice on coping with a world full of screens.

Find her website full of resources here: training-wheels.com

The Training team give takeaways from their first in-person trainings while using COVID-19 protocols and discuss what participants can expect from attending our new workshop "Gathering Again - Adventure Activities with Physical Distance".

Rohan (Director of Training) joins Phil to discuss the importance of asking "why?", his role on the Board of ACCT and variations on traditional low elements.

Check out Challenge Works - challengeworks.com

Chad joined Phil (via Zoom) to talk about being a collaborator instead of a consumer, ways to maximize your use of We! Connect Cards, and his tips for creating conversations that matter.

Find out more about Chad and his work here: weand.me

Rich joins guest host and longtime friend Chris Damboise as they discuss meeting in the early 90's, the creation of ACCT and the standards and making a career out of working on Challenge Courses.

Connect with Rich - [email protected]

Jim, Ryan, Anne Louise, Rich and Phil discuss what traits and behaviors great leaders possess, how they teach their students about leadership and how they, as facilitators, aim to get groups in the same physical space again once the COVID-19 challenge diminishes.

Geoff (Interim Head Coach, Calgary Flames) joins Phil and Jim in a discussion about his connection to High 5, how he defines his leadership style and why connection and empowerment have been an integral part of his team's seasons and successes.