Joe Richards is a “Summer Camp Specialist.” He has spent the last 20 years working in all manners of camps with all kinds of campers. Richard’s specialty is creating cultures of success within camps. His desire is to create a space that is “safe, meaningful, and magical” for children of all ages.
With a rueful laugh, and a story of a few flashed middle fingers, Richards acknowledged that the theory of a perfect summer camp is much different from the reality of creating said paradise. He did, however, provide the audience with a few steps on how to create an open and inclusive environment for not only children, but any group of individuals.
Richards assured the audience that creating the perfect summer camp—an allegory for any aspect of life, really—comes down to affecting positive change. Richards said that checking the culture created is as simple as asking “how it feels.” If it feels good, then chances are the camp, or any environment, is indeed a culture of success. Richards himself then checked the culture of the talk, inviting the audience to sing one of his favourite camp songs. If the enthusiastic singing and clapping is anything to go by, then it is fair to say that TEDxGuelphU itself was a success.
Photo By Dana Bellamy
Great article regarding the speakers at the 7th TEDxGuelpU event! The amazing hosts of the event were 11 TED passionate students from the University of Guelph. And we are thankful for all of our event sponsors including many UoG student councils, Guelph Chamber of Commerce, and local Guelph businesses.
The TEDxGuelphU team did an outstanding job! It was an inspiring day wth incredible speakers, attendees, and the wonderful organizers. It was an honour to be selected to be a part of it!