Written by Rose Levenson
On Saturday night, all of the fellows gathered together for what seemed to be another seminar about something or other. The moment Rabbi Cohen started to differentiate between imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, ears perked up. What really is the difference between these terms and how does that apply to me, a summer camp counselor? These terms are not simply interchangeable. Although we can all think of many "brilliant" ideas in our heads, what difference does it make if we do not implement them? How do we take what we already know works, and make it better?
The next stage of the program was one that brought everyone back to a lighter time in life---childhood. I really liked building with K'nex when I was younger, and the straws and connectors that we received from Rabbi Cohen had everyone a bit giddy. The task was simple: use the straws and connectors to create something new and/or improved. A few minutes later, every person in the room had a product they had to pitch. Everything under the sun was included.
We were participating in this activity to remember that although many great products and ideas exist, there is always room for questioning and improving upon that which already exists. The trick is, how do you get people to want and need what you are making and doing? Stay tuned for the second part of this activity later in the semester when we do just that.
