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 

• Alex Zander - part 7 
• Ben Train - part 1 
• Bill Wells - part 9
  
• Brad Bond - part 2  
• Brett Chrest - part 3
  
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Cameron Dunlop - part 2
• Chris Pilsworth - part 6 
• Dan McLean Jr - part 8
  
• Dennis Gorya - part 5
• Dick Joiner - part 3 
• James Carey Lauder - part 2 
• Jeff Hinchliffe - part 9 
• Jennifer Antonio - part 6 
• Jesse Arndt - part 8
  
• Jonah Babins - part 6
• Jonathan Santiago - part 7 
• Keith Brown - part 4 
• Lauren Proctor - part 9 
• Loran - part 5
  
• Mark Clearview - part 5
• Marc Hache - part 9 
• Matt DiSero - part 3 
• Rosemary Reid - part 8 
• Sam Pearce - part 1
• Shawn Farquhar - part 7 

 

Learn more about Sorcerers Safari.

part 1 | part 2  | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12

<< part 9  |  part 11 >>