Canada's Magic

09 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 2

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 1 | part 3 >>

Part 2 features: Cameron Dunlop, James Carey Lauder, and Brad Bond.

Cameron Dunlop Special Effects technician

Attended as camper 2009-2012 (approximate).

Since his time at camp Cameron:

Owns a Special Effects company, and
Continued his love of the unknown.

In his own words:

Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

All of it.

So glad you guys made this camp possible!

James Carey Lauder Photographer Retail and Social Media.

Attended camp as staff approximately 2009 - 2016.

Since his time at camp Carey has:

Kept the SYM Assembly going in Winnipeg.

In his own words:

My ability to teach magic to children was made better by my time at Sorcerers Safari.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Camper shows.

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

Improving and performing more magic.

Brad Bond
Musician / clothing creator / actor, Don’t Trip You’re Fine

Attended as a camper in 2014 and 2015.

Since his time at camp Brad:

Was a co-lead in a short series magic show on CBC kids (The Thrillusionists),
Created a clothing brand, and
Directed and starred in two of his own music videos.
(Watch the video for Brad's single Ghost in My Room.)

In his own words:

Obviously the short series TV show happened because of and was made easier by my time at magic camp!
I learned so much at Sorcerers, that I was able to carry with me onto the show.
Not only did it help with magic. But camp boosted my confidence and taught me so much more than just magic.
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the experience of Sorcerers Safari!
Thank you to everyone who helped me grow❤️
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Capture the flag. A small group of us hid under the kitchen building and had a little card jam. We then strategized how to win the game haha. I don’t know why but that stands out to me, I think because it felt like I had connected with a group of people, and that was not something that usually happened back home lol.

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

All the friendships. I made so many life long friends there, I will always be here for any of them and cannot wait to reconnect in the future!!!

Thank you Magic Mike and all the wonderful staff and campers who I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with. It was truly some of the best times of my life and I will hold on to those memories forever! Thank you❤️

Thank you Cameron, Carey, and Brad, 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 1 | part 3 >>

Toronto: Hokus Jokus with Ben Train, Jonah Babins, and Mark Clearview [Aug 13]

Tickets available at Yuk Yuk's.

(As an aside, all three of these performers are part of the Sorcerers Safari Legacy!)

From the August 4th Facebook post by The Toronto Magic Company:

What do you get when you combine a Comedy Mindreader, an Award-Winning Magician, and a World Record Holder into a single 90-minute show?
Answer: an amazing night of fun for YOU!
Jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing magic, this show is perfect for a night out with friends, a date, or just because you need a break from your annoying kids.
Featuring Ben Train (Penn and Teller's Fool Us), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Award Winner), and Mark Clearview (World Record Holder), it's all happening Sunday August 13th at Yuk Yuk's Toronto.

08 August 2023

Calgary: Magic and Martinis with Michael Berends [Aug 11 and 12]

From the July 21st Facebook post by ACE Casino Airport:

🎩🍸 Step into the enchanting world of "Magic and Martinis" at the Ace Casino Airport Social Room! 🌟✨ Join us for TWO extraordinary evenings on August 11th and 12th with the mesmerizing Michael Berends as he dazzles you with mind-bending illusions 🎭🔮, while you sip on handcrafted drinks 🍹 and immerse yourself in a night or two of wonder and sophistication! 🎉🕺 Don't miss out on this magical experience! 🎉✨ #MagicAndMartinis #AceCasino #EnchantmentAtItsFinest 🎩🍸
Book Your Tickets Today!
https://acecasinos.ca/event-details/magic-and-martinis-aug-11th-2023-600pm/
https://acecasinos.ca/event-details/magic-and-martinis-aug-12th-2023-600pm/
Read more and buy tickets.

07 August 2023

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 1

August is the time of Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp.

I continue to feel extraordinarily grateful that I had the opportunity to experience Sorcerers Safari as an embedded reporter, a parent of a camper, an impromptu cabin counsellor, and an arts and crafts instructor. It was the highlight of my summer for five years!

The Canadian sleep away magic camp, Sorcerers Safari, was the brainchild of Mike Segal and Mike Toal. It was produced annually by Mike and Jen Segal. Located in Haliburton, Ontario, it hosted a yearly gathering of magicians and magic enthusiasts from across the world. In 2016, after 20 seasons, a bus full of magic campers left Haliburton for the very last time.

This time of year has magic camp staff and alumni reminiscing about our time at Sorcerers Safari. It's the perfect time to share with you this occasional series, “The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari.”

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.

Almost thirty of you have responded with your most cherished memories of camp as well as your significant accomplishments since camp.

If you completed the 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 two >>

Part 1 features: Sam Pearce, Byron Berry, and Ben Train.

Professional magician, CanadianIllusionist.com
Sam Pearce

Attended camp for 2 years (approximately 2006 and 2007) as a camper.

Since his time at camp Sam has:

Performed cross-Canada tours, entertaining Canada's top executives.

In his own words:

On top of learning great magic, it was an amazing behind-the-scenes look at the magic biz
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?

Meeting magicians I admire, working backstage at the theatre.

Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?

I made some great friends, and learned a ton about how to make a career as a magician.

Byron Berry Registered Nurse.

Attended camp: 2010 - 2011 as a camper.

Since his time at camp Byron has been a:

Bartender Magician,
Hospital Magician, and a
London Magician’s Guild Member.

In his own words:

Absolutely all of them [his accomplishments] are because of, or were made easier by my time at Sorcerers Safari. I’m still connected with camp goers to this day.
Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?