Meet the Speaker: Kevin Callan

Kevin Callan, a.k.a. The Happy Camper, has two goals: to entertain you and to encourage you to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. He wants to shatter the myth that you need to be a survival expert in order to experience the richness that wilderness adventures can provide. He lives in Peterborough, Ontario.

1. What does this year’s TEDxAlgonquinPark theme, Think Outside, mean to you?

I've dedicated most of my life to get more and more people outdoors - they won't protect it if they're not connected to it. This is why I'm so honoured and excited to be asked to speak at this year's TEDxAlgonquin.

2. What is your favourite thing to do outside?

Canoeing is my favourite way to get into the wilderness - its not my only way though. I love to backpack and winter camp with a freight toboggan and hot tent. But to me, the canoe is the best way to get into intimate places to soak in the solitude. 

3. What one thing should everyone know about you?

I'm passionate about being outdoors - but I also use a lot of humour to help share my message. Laughing along the long portage is sometimes the only way I'll get to the other end. 

4. In the spirit of TED—Ideas Worth Spreading—tell us the best advice you’ve ever received and want to share with others.

Kirk Wipper once said my main purpose in life is to get people enthused about being outdoors

5. Without revealing the theme of your TEDxAlgonquinPark Talk, tell us the one thing you hope people will do after they hear you speak.

I hope they'll want to head out into the interior of the park for a long, solid trip immediately after my talk.