One of the things that defines our ministry at SpringHill Camps is our commitment to innovation. Over the years, the ministry has created new activities, been on the leading edge of camp philosophy, and often been a go-to for other organizations looking for ideas.
But the work of innovation is hard. And our tendency is to play it safe, look at what others are doing, and simply extend what’s already working to make it better. True innovation, however, is far different than inspiration.
So whether you’re planning for your next week’s youth group, writing a script for summer camp, or trying to think of something to write on your special someone’s Valentine’s Day card, here are a few things that will boost your own creative processes. Hopefully they will help you come up with something new that really works.
- Declare a YouTube-free zone. Since true innovation is about creating something new, not copying what someone else has done, resist the urge to copy the latest YouTube videos. Resources like this can be used for inspiration, but are no substitute for true innovation.
- Think a little higher. A good idea can sometimes become a great idea if you push the limits. I often challenge my team members to rethink how to implement a activity differently by doing it twenty feet off the ground. I mean, really, if something is fun, just think of how fun it will be way up in the air?
- Forget about stuff you already know how to do. Too often we start the brainstorming process asking, What could we do that no one has ever done? or What could we do that would be really fun? Both questions assume things you can already do… that’s no fun. Instead, ask questions like, What would I travel far away to do? Or If I could shrink down really small, what would I want to do? Later you can worry about figuring out how to do them.
- Don’t start with safety. If it’s safe to begin with, you can almost guarantee that no one will want to do it or think it’s fun. Start with funny or fun, then try to figure out how to do it safely.
- Talk to little kids. Kids are always coming up with things to try that are either going to get them seriously injured or make someone laugh hysterically. And they’re not even trying. Capitalize on their inhibitions by asking them what they would want to do and then you can think of way to make it possible.
- Go for a drive. Or a walk. Or a shopping trip. Look for interesting places, structures and objects. The classic examples are the application of traditional activities for hamsters to use by humans. Look at a Habitrail, then look at a McDonalds Playland. Look at a hamster ball, then look at a Zorb. What cheap plastic thing from the toy aisle could you turn into something fun to do?
Besides a great idea, innovation takes guts. While it may be fun to come up with ideas, ideas by themselves are no fun. You’ve got to turn your new idea into something you can do. Now that’s fun!
Ok, kids, what is something you’d travel far away to see or do?