29 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 12

There were so many fabulous people who graced the campgrounds at Sorcerers Safari.

Timing and schedules did not permit us to obtain feedback from all of the special guests (such as Steve Valentine, Joshua Jay, the Buck Twins, Michael Ammar, and Suzanne), the regular instructors (such as Greg Frewin, Steven Kline, Dan Wiebe, Trevor and Lorena Watters, Michael Close, and Aaron Fisher), the behind the scenes crew who kept things running smoothly (we're looking at you Christina Galonska, Stephanie Kline Botamer, Lori Farquhar, and Lisa Close), or all of the amazing alumni (people like former IBM President Billy Hseuh, President of The Magic Circle Megan Swann, Nick Popa, AGT contestant Jack Grady, headliner Christian Mascia, Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, and Brad Allen (who never missed a year!)).

The previous 11 parts provide a pretty accurate snapshot of the Sorcerers Safari experience, and the breadth of expertise of the people involved. We especially enjoyed finding out what everyone's accomplished since their magic camp days!

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, we'd love to hear from you. The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Otherwise, consider this the final installment of our Sorcerers Safari Virtual Reunion!

Part 12 features Jen Segal and the two Mikes who hatched the plan to create Canada's only sleep away magic camp, Mike Toal, and Mike Segal

<< part 11

Jen Segal
Retired.

Much like the ubiquitous "magic assistant," Jen was responsible for a phenomenal amount of the invisible work that made camp possible. Some of her many roles included: patiently handling questions from parents, ensuring prescription medications were dispensed responsibly, cabin assignments, keeping the staff on task, and coordinating the buses.

Since her time at camp Jen has:

Retired, so a little travelling, then moving, then COVID.
Now she's getting back into the swing of things!

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

My favourite time at camp was always on the beach. Hanging out watching the campers and staff mingle and have fun doing something other then magic. Remember, Mike is the magician.

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Camp was good for the campers, the counsellors, the instructors and the guests. It brought everyone together with one common thing… magic. So many friendships were made. Incredible magic connections.

Camp was an incredible 20 years of my life. I watched a lot of kids grow into wonderful adults. Camp was good for them.

Mike Toal
Test Administrator.

Attended camp on and off, over the many years it was open, as staff, and co-founder!

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

I was the guy who built the campfires and I enjoyed spending time sitting around them talking to folks, as they came and went. I also loved my daily walks with Mike and Jen's dog, as well as with Lee and Chris' dog. We'd hike along the back trail to the empty camp at the other side of the lake and go swimming.

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

While I have never been a magician, just a magic enthusiast, I was proud to see how the camp grew over the years. I met lots of interesting folks and I continue to be the best of friends with Magic Mike and his lovely wife, Jennifer.

I'm delighted to know that so many people's lives were so profoundly impacted by their participation in the camp. Like so many others, I miss it and come August, I'll wish I was on my way there.

Magic Mike Segal
Professional magician, Grumpy Old Man, Magic-Mike.com, SorcereresSafari.com.

Present for every camp from 1996 to 2016.
Attended camp as the "Butt of all camp jokes, inviter of guests....."

Since his time at camp Mike has: