In this episode of Vertical Playpen, Phil discusses the top five skills that every belayer should possess. He emphasizes the importance of physicality, effective communication, openness to feedback, the necessity of checklists, and understanding the physics involved in belaying. Each skill is explored in detail, providing insights and practical tips for improving belaying techniques and ensuring safety while climbing.  

• Belaying requires a solid understanding of physicality and stance.
• Effective communication with climbers enhances their experience.
• Being open to feedback is crucial for growth as a belayer.
• Checklists help prevent complacency and ensure safety.
• Understanding physics can improve belaying techniques.
• Maintaining a proper belay stance protects your back.
• Regular check-ins with climbers build trust and confidence.
• Adaptability in technique is key to being a great belayer.
• Visual aids can enhance understanding of belaying skills.
• Always prioritize safety through thorough checks and awareness.

Connect with Phil;

email - [email protected]

instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

A nightmare when travelling is losing your bags, and then nightmare is intensified when you rely on what is in those bags to do you job. Phil and Lisa share their experience of a recent facilitation program in Europe where their bag of props did not arrive. They quickly pivoted and adapted their program to work with the resources they had. In this conversation, Chris Ortiz, Lisa, and Phil discuss the elements of planning and co-facilitation that contributed to the success of a program despite facing setbacks. They emphasize the importance of understanding the goals and themes of activities, rather than just focusing on the activities themselves. They also highlight the value of radical acceptance and trust in co-facilitation, allowing each facilitator to bring their own style and ideas to the program. The conversation touches on the significance of having a process for planning and preparation, as well as the benefits of incorporating novel and unique aspects into a program. Overall, the conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability required in facilitation, and the importance of maintaining a positive and flexible mindset.  

• Quickly pivot and adapt when faced with unexpected challenges
• Focus on what you have and make adjustments as needed
• Avoid over-apologizing or mentioning what's missing
• Value the importance of planning and preparation, even if the original plan doesn't work out Understand the goals and themes of activities, rather than just focusing on the activities themselves.
• Radical acceptance and trust are key in co-facilitation, allowing each facilitator to bring their own style and ideas.
• Having a process for planning and preparation is important for a successful program.
• Incorporating novel and unique aspects into a program can enhance engagement and create memorable experiences.
• Resilience and adaptability are essential qualities for facilitators to navigate setbacks and challenges.

Connect with Phil;

email - [email protected]

instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this conversation, Phil and Angus Firth (Rapid Teams) discuss team building and team development in the context of outdoor education and experiential learning. They explore the challenges of blurring the line between fun, leadership, social events, and professional development. Angus shares his experience with designing and facilitating their Amazing Race event, which combines project adventure games with the structure of the TV show. They also discuss the need for the industry to be more legitimate and the importance of long-term initiatives and planning.

• Blurring the line between fun, leadership, social events, and professional development is a challenge in team building and team development.
• The Amazing Race event can be designed to include project adventure games and challenges that foster collaboration, strategy, and problem-solving.
• Long-term initiatives and planning are essential for making a lasting impact in team development.
• The industry needs to focus on being more legitimate and avoid taking on jobs that do not align with their mission and values.
• Pushing individuals to face their fears, such as heights, is not appropriate in the modern workplace and should be avoided.
• The industry has become more aware of inclusivity and the need to create experiences that cater to different personality styles and energy levels.
• Competition can be a positive aspect of team development if it is structured well and aligned with the goals of the program.

Learn more about Rapid Teams - https://rapidteams.com.au/

Connect with Angus - [email protected]

Connect with Phil;

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this episode, Phil, Sam, Lisa, Chris, and Anthony play a game called Wavelength. Each player takes turns as the guesser and asks the others to name something in a category that corresponds to a number on a scale. The players try to be on the same wavelength and guess the number correctly. 

• Wavelength is a fun game that challenges players to think like each other and be on the same wavelength.
• The game prompts interesting discussions and reveals different perspectives on various topics.
• Icebreaker questions can be tricky to come up with, as they can be either too easy or too difficult.
• Knowing each other well and understanding each other's preferences and thought processes can help in playing the game.
• The game fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork as players try to guess the correct number. Wavelength is a fun game that involves rating various topics on a scale of 1 to 20.
• Giving detailed answers in the game can lead to more engaging conversations.
• The hosts and guests have different opinions and perspectives, which adds to the enjoyment of the game.
• The game prompts discussions and reflections on various topics, such as video game consoles, weather conditions, and NBA teams.

Connect with Phil;

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

What is Adventure Education? In this episode Phil discusses the following;  

• Adventure education promotes learning through adventure-centered experiences.
• Adventure education can include a wide variety of activities, both outdoor and indoor.
• Adventure education is an active process that requires active engagement from learners and instructors.
• Adventure education can involve emotional and social risks.
• The outcomes of adventure education programs include leadership development, improved self-concept, academic growth, enhanced personality traits, improved interpersonal skills, and increased adventuresomeness.
• Program characteristics that contribute to these outcomes include the physical environment, activities, processing, the group, instructors, and the participants.

Connect with Phil;

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and soundeffects - epidemicsound.com

 

In this conversation, Phil interviews Brian Lisson about his journey in the adventure education industry. They discuss various topics, including Brian's introduction to adventure education, the value of adventure education beyond the activities, the growth and future of the industry, and advice for emerging professionals. They also touch on the challenges of commercialization and the importance of credentialing and education in the field. Takeaways;  

• Be good at something and become irreplaceable in that area to increase job opportunities.
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn from others and build connections in the industry.
• The industry has seen growth, but there is a need for more focus on education and learning.
• The commercialization of adventure activities can make it challenging to communicate the unique experiences and outcomes of adventure education.
• Credentialing and standards are important for the industry's future, along with better education and learning opportunities.
• Adventure education goes beyond the activities and is about building community, relationships, and social-emotional learning.

Connect with Brian - [email protected]

Learn more about Adventureworks - adventureworks.org

Connect with Phil;

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

This episode was recorded live in front of attendees from the BOOST (Best out of School Time) Conference in Palm Springs California in 2024.   The conversation focuses on emotions and feelings, and the importance of having conversations about them. Phil introduces emotions cards and encouraged participants to choose an emotion or feeling that resonated with them. Participants then discussed their chosen word with a partner. Phil explains the difference between emotions and feelings, emphasizing that emotions are uncontrollable and common, while feelings are subjective and interpretive. Phil also introduced the mood meter, a tool for classifying emotions and feelings based on pleasantness and energy. Participants placed their chosen words on the mood meter grid, leading to discussions about the placement and subjective nature of emotions and feelings.

• Emotions and feelings are important topics to discuss and understand.
• Emotions are uncontrollable and common, while feelings are subjective and interpretive.
• The mood meter is a tool for classifying emotions and feelings based on pleasantness and energy.
• Emotions and feelings can be subjective and differ from person to person.
• Having conversations about emotions and feelings can lead to greater understanding and empathy.

Learn more about Emotions by High 5 - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/high-5-products/products/emotions-by-high-5

Connect with Phil

email - [email protected]

instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

 

Phil discusses various acronyms used in the industry, particularly in relation to safety standards and regulations. He goes through 15 acronyms and explains their meanings and significance. The acronyms covered include AHJ, ANSI, ASTM, ISO, ACCT, ICE, PRCA, CWA, AEE, OSHA, UIAA, CE, NFPA, ERCA, EN, and kN.     Takeaways

• There are numerous acronyms used in the industry, particularly in relation to safety standards and regulations.
• Understanding these acronyms is important for ensuring compliance and safety in the workplace.
• Some of the key acronyms discussed include AHJ, ANSI, ASTM, ISO, ACCT, ICE, PRCA, CWA, AEE, OSHA, UIAA, CE, NFPA, ERCA, EN, and kilonewtons.
• AHJ refers to authority having jurisdiction, which are entities responsible for enforcing building codes and regulations.
• ANSI is the American National Standards Institute, which oversees the development and use of standards and guidelines.
• ASTM is the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards.
• ISO is the International Organization for Standardization, a worldwide federation of national standards bodies.
• ACCT is the Association for Challenge Course Technology, which advocates for and develops standards for the challenge course industry.
• OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a governmental oversight body that ensures safe working conditions.
• UIAA is the Union International Alpine Association, which maintains safety standards for climbing equipment.
• CE stands for Conformity European and indicates that a product meets European health, safety, and environmental standards.
• NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association, which creates and maintains standards and codes for fire safety.
• ERCA is the European Ropes Course Association, which updates and optimizes standards for ropes courses.
• EN refers to European norm standards, which specify requirements for various products and equipment.
• kN - Kilonewtons is a unit of force used to measure the strength and load capacity of equipment like carabiners.
• Having a good understanding of these acronyms can help ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations in the industry.

Chapters   00:00Introduction to Acronyms in the Industry 02:06ANSI: American National Standards Institute 04:30ISO: International Organization for Standardization 06:43ICE: Inspector Certification Exam 09:03AEE: Association for Experiential Education 11:52CE: Conformity European 12:49EN: European Norm Standard 13:42EN 12492: Safety Requirements for Safety Helmets 18:20Conclusion and Recap   Contact Phil; Email - [email protected] instagram - @verticalplaypen   Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this episode, Phil discusses the importance of proper equipment storage at challenge courses. He highlights common issues such as equipment being stored in damp areas, lack of organization, and staff using equipment for personal use. Phil provides steps to improve equipment storage, including organizing gear for easy inspection, discarding and replacing faulty equipment, establishing local operating procedures, securing equipment in a locked area, and implementing a no personal use policy. He also emphasizes the need for a designated challenge course manager and the importance of program accountability and participant experience.     Takeaways

• Proper equipment storage is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of challenge courses.
• Organize gear to facilitate inspections and ensure all equipment is accounted for.
• Discard and replace any equipment that does not meet safety standards.
• Establish local operating procedures for storage, use, and inspection of equipment.
• Secure equipment in a locked area to prevent unauthorized access and protect it from moisture and vermin.
• Implement a no personal use policy to avoid liability and maintain equipment integrity.
• Designate a challenge course manager to oversee program accountability and ensure a positive participant experience.

Roam Storage Cases - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/equipment-storage/products/roam-adventure-co-rugged-casses

High 5 Guide - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/books-digital-resources/products/the-high-5-guide-challenge-course-operating-procedures-for-the-thinking-practitioner-2nd-edition

Contact Phil;

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

 

The conversation explores the importance of relationships and adapting to individual needs as a facilitator. The speaker shares their experience working with diverse populations and emphasizes the role of relationships in connecting with participants and creating meaningful outcomes. They discuss the challenge of teaching the importance of relationships and share strategies for building trust and rapport with groups. The conversation also touches on the concept of buy-in and the need to present the value and purpose of activities to participants. The speaker highlights the importance of vulnerability and feedback in facilitating group dynamics and emphasizes the need to adjust facilitation goals based on the needs of the group.     Takeaways

• Building relationships is crucial in connecting with participants and adapting facilitation style to meet their needs.
• The role of trust and rapport in facilitating meaningful outcomes and creating a safe space for participants to learn and grow.
• Presenting the value and purpose of activities is essential in gaining buy-in from participants.
• Being vulnerable and open to feedback as a facilitator can help build trust and improve group dynamics.
• Adjusting facilitation goals based on the needs of the group is important for meeting their social-emotional learning needs.

Connect with Stephen - [email protected] 

Learn more about Ramapo for Children - https://ramapoforchildren.org/

Connect with Phil;

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com