Showing posts with label ~Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp. Show all posts

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:

"Done ZIP!"

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Too many!

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Friends for life!

Best years EVER!

Thank you Jen, Mike, and Mike for sharing your memories. But more importantly, thank you for all of the hard work and dedication you put into making Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp the fantastic event that it was. The magic community as a whole, was made better because of your efforts!

Previously featured

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

<< part 11

28 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 11

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts. We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

If you completed our survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment!

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time. The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Thank you to all that contributed!

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

<< part 10 | part 12 >>

Part 11 features: Michael Kras, David Mitchell, Ray Anderson, and Jordan Murciano.

Michael Kras
Theatre artist, playwright, director, magic director, MichaelKrasWorks.com.

Attended as a camper in 2006 and 2009.

Since his time at camp Michael has:

Had the privilege of serving as the resident magic associate for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Toronto and have directed and designed magic effects for multiple other theatre productions! On top of that, he's pursued a career as a playwright, achieving numerous professional productions and awards for his work.

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

How do I pick only one??? I suppose one that sticks out to me was the time I put my stubbornness aside and committed myself to unlearning a sleight I had taught myself incorrectly and relearning the proper handling after an instructor pointed out my error. I then found that instructor at the end of the week and proudly showed him my progress.
Either that, or Daniel Garcia phoning David Blaine for us!

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

At Sorcerers Safari, I learned to always be learning. I've stayed a student ever since, less intent on settling and more intent on taking steps forward at all times, big or small.

Sorcerers Safari took me out of my magic echo chamber and introduced me to a wider world of perspectives, debates, and life lessons. Magic camp made me a more rounded magician and artist, while also putting some much-needed cracks in my social shell.

David Mitchell
Tech for Ellusionist.com.

Attended camp from 2004 to 2006 as a counsellor, and from 2006 to 2015 as staff (except for 2008).

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

My first year attending, being in initiated into the camp by the likes of Lee Asher and Steven Kline and accurately suspecting there would be some shenanigans during the event.
Even though I had prepared ahead of time and thought myself to be smarter, I would be foiled by safety features of the swim docks.
Thank goodness it was nighttime.
In later years being able to participate in the now 'Formal' induction of new camp volunteers and staff into the Sorcerers Safari Family cemented the bond that we all shared.

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Though I haven't seen some of the staff and campers for a while, they are my partners in crime. We share a joy for a craft that can make the intangible a memory that lasts forever. While I only ever missed two years during my time associated with the camp (my daughter was scheduled to be born during camp week 2008, and we adopted my second daughter the last year camp ran. My oldest still remembers fondly the times she was able to go to camp and participate.
I also remember being able to assist in having Ellusionist donate decks and how the campers would always react to getting a new just released deck of cards that most people haven't seen before. The kids always showed their appreciation and made sure to thank myself and the owner of the company.
Working for a Magic company has given me a unique perspective of the magic industry and the evolution of effects and the seasons of what is popular in magic.

I am honoured to have been a part of something that has impacted so many people in so many positive ways, and I am always thrilled to read about former campers now turned professional working magicians.

Ray Anderson
Professional magician, CoolMagician.com.

Attended camp during the first four or five years as counsellor and staff.

Since his time at camp Ray:

Created The Battle of Magicians touring show.

In his own words:

Being around those with the same mind set challenges us to be better.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Watching the campers enjoy each and every day .. so many great memories

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Life changing!

Mind Bender, aka Jordan Murciano
Professional magician, MindBenderMagic.com.

Attended as a camper from 2011 to 2015.

Since his time at camp Jordan has:

Buried himself alive and spent 12 hours underground,

Performed suspension straitjacket escape over a bed of nails, and
Placed in a wooden crate then had the crate engulfed in fire.
He also had the opportunity to film a TV show about his escapes.

In his own words:

Sorcerers Safari gave me the opportunity to meet real life magicians and escape artist from around the world e.g. Scott Hammell. Spending the time learning about Escapology [with Scott] was an incredible opportunity.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Late night jam sessions with the cabins!

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Skills, knowledge, experiences.

Magic camp allowed young performers to be as creative as possible while also giving them an extensive amount of knowledge.

Thank you Michael, David, Ray, and Jordan for sharing your memories!

Check back throughout the month to read updates from other Sorcerers Safari alumni and staff!

Previously featured

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

<< part 10 | part 12 >>

27 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 10

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts. We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

If you completed our survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment!

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time. The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Thank you to all that contributed!

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

<< part 9 | part 11 >>

Part 10 features: Luis Salas, Michael Penkul, and Lee Asher.

Luis Salas
Insurance.

Attended camp in 2009 as a camper.

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Performing my own routine to Aaron Fisher as my audience on the boat dock.

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Experience.

Attending Sorcerers Safari was one of the most positive experiences I had as a teenager. From the friendships, the nature, the fun and the learning - everything was superb and I feel lucky to have attended even if it was just for the one year. I do wish I had gone again though.

Michal Penkul
Professional magician, Professional Wedding DJ & Magician, MichaelPenkul.com.

Attended as a camper in 2009 and 2010 (Daniel Garcia & Dan and Dave Buck were the special guests).

Since his time at camp Michal has:

DJ'd and performed professionally full-time (DJ Magic Mike), and
Produced music as an EDM artist.

In his own words:

Besides the amazing things I learned from all the lectures and special guests, it was the confidence to perform in front of larger crowds; getting to perform on the Sorcerers Safari Stage helped me overcome a lot of introverted shyness.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Filming Aaron Fishers DVD Revolution! Daniel Garcia was also a huge idol of mine, he left me with a phrase that I've tried incorporating into all my magic to this day - 'keep magic sexy'

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Being with like-minded magicians, many friends that I keep in contact with to this day. It was my first time away from my family for that long which was a huge stepping stone for me, and helped me build a lot of confidence on and off stage.

I was a shy, quiet kid who felt unmemorable at the time, but camp was one of the most memorable experiences in my life!

Lee Asher
Professional magician, LeeAsher.com.

Attended camp in:

2001 as Counsellor / Staff,
2002 as Special Guest, and
2003 until the end as Executive Staff.

Since his time at camp Lee has been:

The youngest, cutest [self-reported], and longest-running President of 52 Plus Joker (the world's most prestigious playing card collectors organization),
The Senior consultant for the world's most extensive and expensive magic television series, Amazing Magicians, filmed in Nanjing, China,
The Director of the largest stunt ever filmed for Penn & Teller's 'Fool Us' television show, and
The recipient of the Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award for my extensive work in the playing card industry.

In his own words:

Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp fostered a true sense of community. Collaborative activities and team-building exercises allowed me to forge deep bonds with fellow aspiring magicians. These friendships taught me the value of collaboration, cooperation, and mutual support—a vital lesson that continues to guide me long after the campfire's embers have faded.
Most importantly, meeting my wife at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp all those years ago was my greatest accomplishment. Through late-night conversations filled with laughter and shared dreams, Christina and I discovered a profound connection, and our hearts resonated in perfect harmony. We've been happily married for over twelve years.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

There are far too many to mention. Yet, spending time with campers who have now grown into adults is something I treasure.

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

My biggest takeaway is that Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp harnessed the incredible power of shared experiences, collaboration, and encouragement to unlock hidden potential, all while building lasting connections.

Best Years Ever!

Thank you Luis, Michael, and Lee for sharing your memories!

Check back throughout the month to read updates from other Sorcerers Safari alumni and staff!

Previously featured

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

<< part 9 | part 11 >>

26 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 9

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts. We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

If you completed our survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment!

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time. The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Thank you to all that contributed!

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

<< part 8 | part 10 >>

Part 9 features: Marc Hache, Jeff Hinchliffe, Bill Wells, and Lauren Proctor.

Marc Hache
Retired.

Attended camp from 2003 to 2010 as staff.

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Camper show every year. Those kids were amazing!

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

The lifelong friendships I made especially with Jen and Mike.

Jeff Hinchliffe
Professional magician.

Attended camp in 2003 as staff, and from 2004 to 2011 as a counsellor.

Since his time at camp Jeff has:

Continued the tradition of passing along knowledge.

In his own words:

Sorcerers Safari helped cultivate a culture of sharing and growing together.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Every year was the "best year ever!"

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

The friendships

I will never have another experience in magic that was like Sorcerers Safari!

Bill Wells
Retired.

Attended camp in 2014 as a guest.

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

The kids!!!

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Seeing what a great network existed between staff and campers.

Lauren Proctor
Director of Customer Service & Art.

Attended camp from 1999 to 2008 as camper and CIT (counsellor in training).

Lauren has this to say about her time after Sorcerers Safari:

While I don't think anything I've accomplished is "significant" in the sense of contributing to the world or the profession as a whole, my accomplishments are significant to my life.
I'm very proud of the life I've built for myself; it is not a life that just happened, but one I have worked hard to obtain.
I've met the love of my life who I've started a family with and moved to Colorado.
I've built a network of wonderful humans who I consider my family.
I've found a career that is exciting, stimulating and allows me to be creative every day.
These are all such simple things, but I'm incredibly grateful for them.

In her own words:

I think many of my accomplishments in my career can be credited to my time at Sorcerers Safari.
Performance Workshop was a fantastic opportunity to learn how to give and receive constructive criticism.
Performing directly influenced my creativity and gave me confidence when public speaking.
Spending time in a male dominated industry as a youth gave me confidence and taught me how to speak up in the male dominated industry I've landed in.
Most importantly, Sorcerers Safari taught me the value of relationships and how to navigate long distance ones. The good ones are certainly worth time spent apart.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Gosh, there are so many. I don't think I can pinpoint one specific memory as the best. More, it's the feeling I get when I reminisce on my time there. It was a time of youthful innocence coupled with newly found independence. It was a time of mystery and illusion. I spent almost a decade of my life looking forward to a single week of camp, reconnecting with friends from years past, showcasing new skills and nerding out over our common interest. [emphasis added]
There are a handful of camp friends that I grew up with; we spent that week, summer after summer together (for me at least) finally feeling at home.
If I had to pick one memory, I would say our girls' cabin rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody is high on the list. What on earth were we thinking?!

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

I am grateful for all of my takeaways from Sorcerers Safari, but my biggest gift is one of my favourite humans. I gained a best friend at magic camp, someone who has been in it with me now for over 20 years. She was the Maid of Honour at my wedding, someone who has known the ins and outs of my life for over two decades. This kind of a friend doesn't just grow on trees. Thank you Sorcerers Safari for giving me RR.

Thank you Marc, Jeff, Bill, and Lauren for sharing your memories!

Check back throughout the month to read updates from other Sorcerers Safari alumni and staff!

Previously featured

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

<< part 8 | part 10 >>

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 8

Recap (click to show | hide)

From Part 1 of the series:

In lieu of a physical reunion bringing together past campers and staff, Canada’s Magic is hosting a virtual reunion of sorts. We’ve reached out to the Sorcerers Safari community with a dozen or so questions to help bring us up to date on what everyone has been up to since our magic camp days.

If you completed our survey, keep your eyes peeled for your segment!

If you would like to participate but haven’t filled out the survey, there’s still time. The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/umg77yj9QxUzfpm76

Thank you to all that contributed!

Mike, Jen, Sorcerers Safari staff, and alumni, this series is for you.

<< part 7 | part 9 >>

Part 8 features: Jesse Arndt, Dan McLean Jr, and Rosemary Reid.

Jesse Arndt
Graphics installer and Sign maker.

Attended as a camper in 2007.

Since his time at camp Jesse has:

Performed for events, parties and private shows.

In his own words:

Learning magic within the Sorcerers Safari magic camp community made me a more confident person talking to groups of people.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Learning card magic and different sleight of hand secret moves from some of the very best such as, Aaron Fisher, Lee Asher, Ben Train, Steven Kline, Mike D’Urzo!

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

All of the above when it comes to making new friendships, and connections with people when it comes to magic and the playing card industry!

Such an amazing experience at this camp!
A once in a lifetime experience!

Dan McLean Jr
Live Music Production Professional (Musician), DanMcLeanJr.com.

Attended camp from 2001-2016 as Cabin Counsellor, Bus Coordinator and occasional instructor.

Since his time at camp Dan has:

Finished recording an album of original music, and is almost finished recording and “unplugged” EP of more original music.
Had a couple of my patters/scripts used by professional magicians. So gratifying.

In his own words:

As a magic hobbyist, much of my performing experience was at Sorcerers Safari, so the pros who've used my script ideas are people I met at camp.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Sneaking in to join Lee Asher's card classes. Oh! And the "Camper Shows"!
The “Camper Shows” were at the end of the week where campers performed on the big stage. Many of them did magic they learned that week at camp!

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Definitely the people. I have many good friends that I met at camp, including several who were young campers when we met.

Those years at camp are some of my best memories. I’m so proud to have been part of encouraging young people to be creative, positive, and active.

Sorcerers Safari was "my happy place" for many years. I still tell people about it all the time.

Rosemary Reid
Professional magician, RosemaryReid.com.

Attended camp for 17 years as Camper, Counsellor, Staff, and Instructor.

Since her time at camp Rosemary:

Was named Dalhousie's Most Talented Student,
Delivered a TEDx presentation,

Conducted the largest survey in the magic industry on the experience of women magicians,
Produced SISTERHOOD Playing Cards as a vehicle of information to communicate the results, and
Writes monthly articles for CARD CULTURE Magazine discussing the contributions to the industry of those who often go unnoticed or under appreciated.

In her own words:

Through Sorcerers Safari I met my magic community, who would turn into dear friends. My best friends are from magic camp, as well as my magic mentors. It's impossible to imagine what my life would look like if I'd never attended magic camp! [Emphasis added.]
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Time spent in the evenings around the campfire, hearing magic anecdotes from time's past, telling jokes and getting to know the special guests and instructors.