On Castbox.fm — Andy Keller & Austin Weiss | Woodland Warrior Training
How can physical play and immersive storytelling be used to engage participants in movement and teamwork in natural environments?
Movement through the forest becomes part of the lesson, with wet logs, roots, and pinecones reshaping familiar skills.
I think the point is, oftentimes people are afraid to put effort towards something if they don’t have a reason— if they don’t have the motivation to work hard. A story can create that motivation.
~ Andy Keller (9:48)
The conversation explores the immersive play and physical activity sessions held during the Parkour leadership and education retreat. A notable focus is on the integration of fantasy storytelling with movement, allowing participants to roleplay in woodland environments. This engagement highlights how physical skills adapt when transitioning from urban to forest settings, such as dealing with unstable ground and environmental obstacles.
A major theme discussed is the adaptability required by coaches when managing participant energy levels and responding to the dynamic needs of the group. The importance of familiar narratives and storytelling to create motivation and encourage deeper involvement is emphasized, illustrating how blending imagination with physical challenges enhances engagement.
Takeaways
Storytelling in Coaching — Using familiar narratives can motivate participants to engage more deeply in physical activities.
Adaptability — Coaches must adjust the intensity of sessions based on participant energy levels to maintain engagement.
Environmental Awareness — Moving through natural environments presents different challenges compared to urban settings, reinforcing diverse movement skills.
Role Reversal — Allowing participants to experience both sides of a game or challenge enhances understanding and empathy.
Physical Collaboration — Tasks requiring teamwork, such as fort-building, highlight the importance of group effort in problem-solving scenarios.
Resources
Andy Keller Parkour — Andy Keller’s personal website, providing contact information and event details.
Art of Retreat — The primary website for information on the Art of Retreat events.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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