Hiring Summer Camp Staff | Greg Stoutzenberger

enDecember 20, 2022

Vertical Playpen

About this Episode

Hiring staff for summer camp can be a constant struggle. New thoughts and strategies should be considered.

Phil and Greg (formally of the Mayhew program) sit down to discuss their thoughts on;

- Creating a culture that encourages staff retention

- Training staff

- Staff hiring pitfalls

*This was originally recorded in the winter of 2019*

Connect with Greg - gregorystoutzenberger@gmail.com

Learn more about the Mayhew Program -https://www.mayhew.org/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - I've Found My Way by Hallman

Recent Episodes from Vertical Playpen

The Bear TV Series - Exploring Tina's Leadership Evolution

In this conversation, Chris, Phil and Lisa discuss the character of Tina from the show 'The Bear' and explore various themes related to team dynamics and leadership. They highlight Tina's incremental shifts in perspective and the importance of creating buy-in as well as the significance of allowing failure and highlighting mistakes as a means of growth. We emphasize the value of investing in the right tools and professional development to support individual strengths and also touch on the role of informal leaders in driving change within organizations.

Takeaways;

Creating buy-in is essential for successful team dynamics and implementing change.
Allowing individuals to fail and highlighting mistakes can lead to growth and learning.
Investing in the right tools and professional development supports individual strengths and benefits the organization.
Informal leaders play a crucial role in driving change and influencing team dynamics.

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

enMarch 12, 2024

The Bear TV Series - Syd's Impact on Team Dynamics

In this conversation, Phil, Lisa and Chris discuss the character of Syd, the sous chef, in the TV show 'The Bear.' They explore Syd's impact on team dynamics, her impatience and eagerness for change, and the challenges she faces as a young and confident newcomer. We also discuss the importance of transparency and vulnerability in navigating change and building trust within a team. Overall, Syd's character represents the need for balance between confidence and humility in a work environment.

Takeaways;

The introduction of a new team member can disrupt team dynamics and challenge established routines.
Impatience and eagerness for change can create tension and resistance within a team.
Transparency and open communication are crucial in navigating change and building trust.
Age, gender, and identity can influence how a new team member is perceived and integrated into the team.
Confidence can be both a strength and a facade, and vulnerability is essential for growth and connection. Rediscovering the joy in what we do can reignite our passion and purpose.
Taking a step back from the daily grind and reflecting on why we do what we do is important.
Small moments of positive feedback and enjoyment can have a significant impact.

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

enMarch 05, 2024

The Bear TV Series - Carmy and Richie

In this episode, the conversation focuses on the relationship between Carmy and Richie. It explores how their childhood friendship and non-family family dynamic contribute to their connection, the importance of building a strong foundation and trust in organizations is highlighted, as well as the impermanence of conflict and the need for touchstones and norms. The concept of finding purpose and aligning with a mission is discussed, along with the significance of supporting personal discoveries. The episode also delves into the appreciation for behind-the-scenes work and the value of authenticity and inclusion. Finally, it emphasizes that different purposes can still lead in the same direction.

Takeaways;

Building a strong foundation and trust is crucial in relationships and organizations.
Conflict can be impermanent if there is a strong foundation and common purpose.
Supporting personal discoveries and allowing organic growth is important in leadership.
Appreciating behind-the-scenes work and valuing authenticity and inclusion contribute to a positive organizational culture.

Connect with us -

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

enFebruary 27, 2024

The Bear TV Series - Team Dynamics and Takeaways for Facilitators

In this episode, the Phil, Lisa and Chris Ortiz discuss the TV show 'The Bear', produced by FX and available on HULU, and its relevance to their work in team development and group dynamics. They explore the complex characters and the impact of first impressions. The family dynamics and relationships in the show are also highlighted. The hosts provide a brief synopsis of the show and discuss the symbolism and bookending used in the storytelling. They compare 'The Bear' to another popular show, 'Ted Lasso,' and discuss the raw emotion and uncomfortable moments depicted in 'The Bear.' The importance of observation and group dynamics in facilitation work is emphasized. The concept of individual expression versus conformity is explored, along with the resistance to change and the need for alignment. The episode concludes with a preview of future episodes.

Takeaways;

First impressions can be misleading, and people often have more dimensions than they initially present.
The show 'The Bear' portrays raw emotion and uncomfortable moments, allowing viewers to sit in the discomfort and reflect on real-life experiences.
Observation of group dynamics is an essential skill for facilitators, and 'The Bear' provides valuable insights into the dynamics of a kitchen staff.
Balancing individual expression and conformity is crucial in team dynamics and program design.
Resistance to change can be overcome by creating alignment and focusing on the benefits of adopting new practices.

Contact the podcast;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

enFebruary 20, 2024

Loneliness and the Power of Connection

Inspired by a New York Times article, this conversation explores the topic of loneliness and the importance of connection in adventure education. Jim shares his personal experience with loneliness during his hospital stay and highlights the power of connection in sustaining him. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional community building in workshops and the adventure education industry. It also discusses the importance of creating a supportive community for newcomers in the field through mentorship programs and scholarships. The conversation highlights the importance of reaching out and connecting with others. It emphasizes the power of simple gestures and how they can create a positive reaction in the other person.

Takeaways;

Loneliness can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
Connection and community building are essential in adventure education.
Creating intentional moments for connection in workshops can enhance the overall experience.
The adventure education industry should prioritize community building and support for newcomers.

NYT Article on Loneliness - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/06/opinion/loneliness-epidemic-solutions.html

NYT Loneliness video - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/21/opinion/loneliness-epidemic-mental-health.html

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Vertical Playpen

enFebruary 13, 2024

loneliness

connection

Client-focused Training, Collaboration and Cutaway Rescues | Andrew Bogue

In this conversation, Phil interviews Andrew Bogue (Challenge Quest) about his love for training and teaching in the ropes course industry. Bogue shares his passion for sharing knowledge and helping others learn. He emphasizes the importance of allowing trainees to make mistakes and providing a supportive and fun training environment. Bogue also discusses the need for collaboration and the negative impact of ego in the training industry. He shares his opinion on cutaway rescues and expresses his dislike for butt belays. Bogue encourages trainers to normalize mistakes and shares personal experiences of learning from mistakes. He concludes by highlighting the importance of knowing why you do what you do in training.

Takeaways;

Create a supportive and fun training environment that allows trainees to make mistakes and learn from them.
Collaborate with other trainers and organizations in the industry instead of viewing them as competitors.
Normalize mistakes and emphasize the importance of learning from them.
Know why you do what you do in training and focus on client needs rather than personal ego.

Learn more about Challenge Quest - https://www.challengequest.com/

Bogue's email - bogue@challengequest.com

Bogue's Instagram - @bogue_sunshine

VOTE FOR VERTICAL PLAYPEN - https://www.facebook.com/groups/outdoormediaawards/permalink/1023821898848554/

Submit a workshop for the High 5 Symposium -

TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL, PLEASE INCLUDE:

Workshop Title - Be captivating in a few words!

Workshop Description - Craft a compelling 50-word summary.

Audience - Identify who will benefit from your workshop.

Outcomes - Outline what attendees will gain or achieve.

Short Bio - Introduce yourself in 30 words or less.

High-Resolution Photo/Headshot - Put a face to your name!

All workshop sessions are 90 minutes. Email your proposal to amartino@high5adventure.org with "2024 Symposium Presentation" in the subject line. Submission Deadline: February 9, 2024.

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Vertical Playpen

enJanuary 30, 2024

Presenting at Conferences

In this episode, Phil and Rich provide advice on how to present at conferences. They discuss the process of preparing and submitting a presentation, including choosing a title and solving a problem. They also emphasize the importance of co-presenting and structuring workshops with experiential activities. They suggest submitting workshop ideas multiple times and highlight the benefits of presenting at smaller conferences for emerging professionals. They also discuss the challenges of presenting to a large audience and the value of vulnerability in presenting. They encourage listeners to practice and test their workshops with smaller groups and provide actionable steps for developing workshop ideas.

Takeaways;

Everyone has something to present on at conferences.
Choose a title that solves a problem and grabs the audiences attention.
You don't need to have the full workshop figured out before submitting.
Consider co-presenting for your first few workshops.
Practice and test your workshops with smaller groups before presenting to a large audience.

VOTE FOR VERTICAL PLAYPEN - https://www.facebook.com/groups/outdoormediaawards/permalink/1023821898848554/

Submit a workshop for the High 5 Symposium -

TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL, PLEASE INCLUDE:

Workshop Title - Be captivating in a few words!

Workshop Description - Craft a compelling 50-word summary.

Audience - Identify who will benefit from your workshop.

Outcomes - Outline what attendees will gain or achieve.

Short Bio - Introduce yourself in 30 words or less.

High-Resolution Photo/Headshot - Put a face to your name!

All workshop sessions are 90 minutes. Email your proposal to amartino@high5adventure.org with "2024 Symposium Presentation" in the subject line. Submission Deadline: February 9, 2024.

Let us know what you would like us to discuss in future episodes.

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Vertical Playpen

enJanuary 23, 2024

conferences

presenting

Ruby Finds a Worry | Tom Percival

Tom Percival, author and illustrator, discusses the importance of emotions in children's books and the power of vulnerability and empathy. He shares his personal experiences and how they influence his storytelling. Tom emphasizes the need for authenticity and creating a safe space for emotional expression. He also discusses breaking gender stereotypes and embracing all emotions. Tom explores the value of 'bad' emotions and the importance of feeling not alone in one's emotions. He concludes by sharing his future projects and his hope for readers to find solace and resilience in his books.

Takeaways;

Emotions play a crucial role in children's books, helping young readers understand and navigate their feelings.
Vulnerability and empathy are powerful tools for connecting with children and creating a safe space for emotional expression.
Breaking gender stereotypes and embracing all emotions is essential for promoting emotional well-being.
'Bad' emotions have value and can be used as a guide for personal growth and understanding.
Feeling not alone in one's emotions is comforting and reassuring, emphasizing the importance of community and support.
Authenticity and honesty are key in both personal and professional relationships, fostering trust and understanding.
Creating multi-layered stories that resonate with both children and adults allows for deeper engagement and shared experiences.
Challenges and obstacles in life provide opportunities for growth and resilience.
Children's books have the power to inspire and empower readers, offering hope and solutions to life's problems.

This episode was originally published - 9/14/2021

Check out our newest product - Emotions by High 5 - https://store.high5adventure.org/products/emotions-by-high-5

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

enJanuary 16, 2024

Intentional Culture | Jim Grout

This conversation explores the importance of culture in organizations and how it contributes to staff appreciation, retention, and overall success. Phil and Jim discuss the role of culture in creating conditions suitable for growth and how it impacts relationships, trust, and collaboration. They share examples of modeling good culture and the impact it has on individuals and the organization as a whole. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building connections, fostering a sense of community, and creating an environment that supports growth and development. It also highlights the challenges and tests that organizations may face in maintaining a strong culture. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of intentional culture and human connection in organizations.

Takeaways;

Culture plays a crucial role in staff appreciation, retention, and overall success in organizations.
Creating conditions suitable for growth is essential for fostering a positive culture.
Modeling good culture and building connections are key strategies for cultivating a strong organizational culture.
An intentional focus on culture and human connection can lead to a sense of community, growth, and development.

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Vertical Playpen

enJanuary 09, 2024

culture

organizationalculture

teamdevelopment

Overcoming Fear | Ella Brown (2nd Grade)

In this short conversation, Ella Brown discusses her experiences learning and performing scary activities like skiing and circus skills. Ella also talks about managing nervousness and self-doubt, performing with an audience, and the importance of encouragement and support. She reflects on her own fears and how she overcomes them, as well as the role of empathy in understanding others' nervousness. Ella discusses her dreams for future challenges and the joy of learning new tricks.

Takeaways;

Adults can be helpful when teaching and supporting children in scary activities by providing encouragement and support.
Managing nervousness and self-doubt is important for performing well in challenging activities.
Performing with an audience can be scarier, but the support and encouragement from the audience can also be motivating.
Empathy and understanding for others' nervousness can help in providing support and encouragement.
Overcoming fear and facing challenges can lead to a sense of worth and accomplishment.
Learning new tricks and taking on new challenges can be exciting and rewarding.

Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com

enJanuary 02, 2024