The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 6

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 5  |  part 7  >>

 

Part 6 features:  Jennifer Antonio, Chris Pilsworth, and Jonah Babins. 

 

  Jennifer Antonio  

Professional magician, Brand specialist, Jentastic-entertainment-girl.business.site.

Attended camp: as a camper for 5 years starting around 2010.

 

Since her time at camp Jennifer has:

• Opened her own party magic business for kids!

 

In her own words:

• Sorcerers Safari helped me make connections with local entertainers ☺️
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Learning all the new card tricks and performing on stage in front of my peers.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Becoming confident in my abilities.
  

 

 

  Chris Pilsworth  

Professional magician, BornToAmaze.com, ChrisPilsworth.com

Attended camp as a Special Guest for three years.

 

Since his time at camp Chris has:

• Performed at the Magic Castle in the Palace and consulted in China on a 12 part TV series for 6 months.

In his own words:

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• I always enjoyed the show that the campers presented on the final night.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• I loved how the campers would grow as performers. The combination of teachers and also what the campers would learn from each other was a powerful mix.

 

I wish this type of camp was available when I was beginning to learn magic. 

 

 

  Jonah Babins 

Professional magician, TorontoMagicCompany.com

Attended camp for approximately 6 or years total as a camper, counsellor in training (CIT), and counsellor.

Since his time at camp Jonah has:

• Received the Allan Slaight award (Canadian Rising Star), 
• Continued work on the Discourse in Magic podcast, 
• Co-helms the Toronto Magic Company, and 
• Appeared on Penn and Teller: Fool Us.
  

In his own words:

• ALL of my accomplishments were made easier having gone to camp.
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Late night hangs with staff <3
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Skills honestly
  

 

We love Sorcerers!

 

Thank you Jennifer, Chris, and Jonah for sharing your memories!

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

 

 Previously featured 

• Ben Train - part 1
• Brad Bond - part 2  
• Brett Chrest - part 3
  
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Cameron Dunlop - part 2
• Dennis Gorya - part 5
• Dick Joiner - part 3 
• James Carey Lauder - part 2
• Keith Brown - part 4
• Loran - part 5
  
• Mark Clearview - part 5
• Matt DiSero - part 3
  
• Sam Pearce - part 1
  

 

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 5  |  part 7  >>

 

 

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 5

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 4  |  part 6 >>

 

Part 5 features:  Dennis Gorya, Loran, and Mark Clearview. 

 

  Dennis Gorya  

Entrepreneur, TidalCommerce.ca

Attended Sorcerers Safari as a camper.

Since his time at camp Dennis has:

• Run a successful consulting company working with super star clients.
  
  

In his own words:

• Camp helped me develop self confidence and a deeper ability in performance, sales and routine.
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• The polar dip :)
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Attitude follows you in all that you do.

 

 

  Loran  

Professional magician, LoranIllusion.com

Attended camp from 2000 to 2016 as staff.

Since his time at camp Loran has:

• Opened for AC-DC and the Rolling Stones in Toronto.
  
  
• Editor's note:  Loran was too modest to include his submission that he published the book “The Fabulous Book of Magic Secrets” available in English and French.
  

In his own words:

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Scare all the campers with a ghost story. Houahaha!!!
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• Tons of wonderful memories.

 

 

  Mark Clearview 

Professional magician, MarkClearview.com

Attended camp in: 

• 2008 - 2011 as a camper, 
• 2012 as a counsellor in training (CIT), and 
• 2013-2016 as counsellor.

 

Since his time at camp Mark:

• Set a world record  
  [Longest Amount of Time Wearing a Straitjacket, World Record - 2014],
• Moved to New York City and has has own monthly show Magic, Unlocked, 
• Has performed all over the world,
• Cruise Ship Magician on Virgin Voyages,
• Appeared on Penn and Teller: Fool Us 

• Wrote a book about his world record, Two Weeks Strait - How to Succeed When Your Hands are Tied,
• Is a regular performer at The Magic Castle, and
• Has headlined 3 times at The Chicago Magic Lounge.
  
  

In his own words:

• Literally all of my accomplishments were made easier having gone to camp!
• Scott Hammell is my mentor and we went to Sorcerers Safari together. 
• Aaron Fisher is a mentor who opened so many doors for me. 
  

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• My first time hosting the camper show. I remember my magic wasn't near as good as anyone else's. Those kids were schooling me! Even up to my counsellor years. But when I hosted that show I realized I had something. I could perform. And Lee Asher came up to me after the show and said "you're going places" the first of which was the bathroom to throw up.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• My friendship with Scott Hammell, Aaron Fisher, Lee Asher, Jonah Babins, Ben Train, Mind Bender, Keith Brown, etc.
  
  

My craft got stronger. My magic got better. I got funnier. The opportunity to host shows and perform and meet friends in the community. I cannot say enough good things!

 

Thank you Dennis, Loran, and Mark for sharing your memories!

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

 

 Previously featured 

• Ben Train - part 1
• Brad Bond - part 2  
• Brett Chrest - part 3
  
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Cameron Dunlop - part 2
• Dick Joiner - part 3 
• James Carey Lauder - part 2
• Keith Brown - part 4
• Matt DiSero - part 3
  
• Sam Pearce - part 1
  

 

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 4  |  part 6 >>

 

 

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 

• Ben Train - part 1
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Sam Pearce - part 1
  

 

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 1  |  part 3 >> 

 

 

The Legacy of Sorcerers Safari - part 3

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 2  |  part 4 >>

 

Part 3 features:  Brett Chrest, Dick Joiner, and Matt DiSero. 

 

  Brett Chrest  

Scientist.

Attended camp as a camper from 2011 to 2014.

Since his time at camp Brett has:

• Completed an undergraduate degree in biomedical science and moved from Canada to North Carolina to pursue a PhD as a cancer scientist.
  
  

In his own words:

• Attending camp greatly improved my public speaking ability and gave me the confidence I have now to speak with authority and give presentations up on a stage.
  
  
• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Watching and sharing magic with our fellow roommates, counsellors, and our honoured guests later at night in our cabin before bed.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• The sense of community and belonging at a young age.

 

 

  Dick Joiner  

Professional magician,  DickJoiner.com

Attended camp for 18 years as staff from approximately 2001 to 2016.

In his own words:

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Seeing so many young adults arriving at the camp with a dream and leaving at the end of a week with that dream becoming a reality.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• The friends made.
• Seeing so many campers performing professional "entertainment" not only in Canada but around the world.
  
  

 Life is but a dream that can be magical...

 

 

  Matt DiSero 

Professional magician, MattDiSero.com

Attended camp the second or third year as a Special Guest.

Since his time at camp Matt has:

• Appeared on Penn and Teller:  Fool Us, worked The Magic Castle, and overcome his fear of dark wooded areas.
  

• Editor's note:  Matt was too modest to include his submission that he published the book “The Fog Machine of War: Observations, Stories and Advice from the Showbiz Trenches,” the proceeds of which are donated to a magic school for kids in Bolivia.
  
  

In his own words:

• Favourite Sorcerers Safari memory?  
• Sharing the stage with Josh Jay.
  
  
• Biggest take-away from Sorcerers Safari?
• I noticed the relationship between kids and counsellors was very good and the atmosphere supporting new magicians was really great.

 

Mike’s done an incredible job with that camp. Professional magicians working today can draw a direct lineage to their success and the camp. I hear that often.

 

 Thank you Brett, Dick, and Matt, for sharing your memories!

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

 

 Previously featured 

• Ben Train - part 1
• Brad Bond - part 2 
• Byron Berry - part 1
• Cameron Dunlop - part 2
  
• James Carey Lauder - part 2
• Sam Pearce - part 1
  

 

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 2  |  part 4 >>

 

 

The secret to Sorcerers Safari's success

Almost sixteen years ago, armed only with the idea of making magic more accessible to kids who want to learn magic, "Magic Mike" Segal opened the doors to Sorcerers Safari magic camp.  Flash forward to 2011 to see how far Segal's magic camp has come from its humble beginnings.  Sorcerers Safari is Canada's only sleep away magic camp, hosting up to 150 campers a year.

What is the secret to this Canadian magic camp success story?  I spent 24 hours at camp in August 2011 and here's what I discovered.

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 

• 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 
• David Mitchell - part 11 
• 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  
• Lee Asher - part 10 
• Loran - part 5 
• Luis Salas - part 10 
• Mark Clearview - part 5
• Marc Hache - part 9 
• Matt DiSero - part 3 
• Michael Kras - part 11 
• Michael Penkul - part 10  
• Mind Bender (Jordan Murciano) - part 11 
• Ray Anderson - part 11 
• 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 11

 

 

Daryl Easton Special Guest at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp

From Sorcerers Safari:

Daryl Easton, The Magician's Magician, Special Guest at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp this Summer


Toronto, Ontario. - May 17th, 2015 EST - Amidst rampant magic forum speculation, Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp announced it is bringing in the world famous Magician's Magician as the special guest at Magic Camp this summer.

Daryl Easton travels all the way from Northern California to the Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp in Ontario, Canada. (Daryl comes for the kids, but stays for the magic; "Love it," say Sorcerers Safari staffers.)

With a record number of best selling DVDs & books, having traveled the world several times over, winning the card category at a FISM, and probably sitting on a ton of great unpublished ideas – Daryl has lots to offer the campers. He's famous for his decades of innovative thinking behind sleight of hand, which has garnered him international acclaim. Now imagine what it would be like to spend a camp session with this guy?!

The inspiration for asking Daryl to spend time at magic camp, recalled Mike Segal, owner of Sorcerers Safari, "He simply loves magic and would be a perfect fit for camp and the kids," Segal said. "And there is no better way to spend time immersed in the art of magic than with one of your heroes from all those videos and DVDs you own. Who doesn't love Daryl? He's awesome!"

The idea of having celebrity magic stars as special guests at camp is always one of the hot debates at the annual executive staff meetings. (Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp chooses only the best of the best to come up as special guest.) After unanimously agreeing Daryl was a perfect fit, we asked and he gladly accepted.

"Daryl is going to have a great time at magic camp, and so are all the campers and staff. Imagine all of the experiences he can recount about performing on HBO's Magical Moments with Dick Cavett, sessioning with Dai Vernon & Larry Jennings at the Magic Castle, headlining at Caesar's Magical Empire, and the rest of all the legendary things he's done in his life," said Browser's Den of Magic owner, Jeff Pinsky. "This is going to be magic camp's 17th year in operation, and I can't remember a time when everyone was so excited about a special guest like Daryl."

Pinsky adds, "I've always admired Daryl for his skill and showmanship and now it’s nice to see him sharing with the youth of magic, as well as the local Toronto magic community."

According to Mike Segal, magic camp is growing exponentially with a high rate of return campers and return staff. With luck, Daryl will love camp so much, he too, will return repeatedly.

Are you ages 8-20 or know someone who is and would benefit from a week at Sorcerers Safari?

Learn more about attending Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp with Daryl this year - please visit: http://sorcererssafari.ca/about/register-for-magic-camp-2015/ 

Celebrating Sorcerers Safari, five years later

Five years ago today, a bus full of magic campers left Haliburton for the very last time. 

Some trivia about Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp:

 

For a peek into  the magic camp experience, read the 12 part series, Diary of a Sorcerers Safari newbie.

What made magic camp so fabulous?
From the August 11th, 2012 post "The secret to Sorcerers Safari's success":

There is no one single thing that makes Sorcerers Safari so successful.  As [Mike] Segal has often said, "it is more than the sum of its parts."  And he's right.  He's created, seemingly by alchemy, a unique opportunity for young magic enthusiasts to learn from and network with, professionals who are open and approachable.  When asked how he came by this elusive recipe, a modest Segal said, "I'm totally amazed.  This is the best trick I have ever pulled off in my life." 

Special guests included:
 
Bill Abbott, David Acer, Michael Ammar, Lee Asher, Wes Barker,Sean Bogunia,  Jason Brumbalow, Eric Buss, Dan & Dave Buck, Ray Chance, Michael & Lisa Close, Daryl, Jason Dean, Scott Dietrich, Matt Disero, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin, Aaron Fisher, Justin Flom, Daniel Garcia, Joe Givan & Carol Massie, Danny Hamill, Dan Harlan, Greg & Kristi Heath, Wayne Houchin, Joshua Jay, Eric Jones, Ryan Joyce, Nathan Kranzo, Peter Loughran, Al Monroe, Oscar Munoz, Glenn Ottaway, Ted & Marion Outerbridge, Johnny Ace Palmer, Chris Pilsworth, Jeff Pinsky, Gordon Precious, Pattrick Przysiecki, Jay Sankey, Jonathan Santiago, Bob Sheets, Soma, Suzanne, Steve Valentine, Trevor & Lorena Watters, Michael Weber, Bill & Becki Wells, Gregory Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Wij, and Asi Wind.

What did the campers think?
From the June 9th, 2016 article
"20 magical memories from Sorcerers Safari":

Many of my favourite memories at Sorcerers Safari come from the late night jam sessions in the campers' cabins.  You never know what newest tricks or guest magicians you'll find.

For example, a few years back, I witnessed Tyler Wilson sharing the longest and most entertaining card revelation I've seen. Over the course of about 45 minutes, the cabin filled with campers as they watched him attempt to find the card.  Pure suspense. Needless to say, he had no idea what the card was, and was playing us the entire time.

The jam sessions offer a great opportunity to see the campers' talent and creativity.  In 2015, Philip B. and I posed an Ambitious Card challenge to the cabin.  They split into 2 teams to work together to create an Ambitious Card routine from scratch.  This impromptu competition went on for close to 2 hours and was a blast to watch!

Sheldon Casavant (SheldonCasavant.com)
Camper: 2003, Counsellor: 2004 and 2007, Instructor: 2015

 

Did you know that author Erin Thomas went to camp to do research for her book for the 11-14 set, "Forcing the Ace"?
 
Read the November 13th, 2014 article "A Q&A with Erin Thomas."

Disney made a movie inspired by Sorcerers Safari!
From the August 20th, 2020 article "ICYMI: "Magic Camp," the movie inspired by Magic Mike Segal":

ICYMI, last week Disney released the movie "Magic Camp" which was inspired by Mike Segal's brainchild, Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp.  The first iteration was written by Mike's brother-in-law.  Mike did consulting (as did Justin Willman) for this project which was 17 years in the making!

What did the special guests think?
From the January 13th, 2017 article "Sorcerers Safari 2016: Dear Mike and Jen":

"Thank you for changing my life for the better and helping me find true joy in magic.  My love of teaching was inspired from here.  Thanks for letting me come!" -- Aaron Fisher (Special Guest: 2003; Instructor: 2004-2016.)

Alumni include:

• Neil Croswell
• Nick Popa
• Greydon Gilmore
  
• Scott Hammell
• Michael Kras
• Sheldon Casavant
• Kelvin Kwong
• Rosemary Reid
• Brad Bond
• Keith Brown
• Ben Train
• Jack Grady
  
• Jordan Murciano
• Alex Zander
• Mark Clearview
• Brett Chrest
• Rob Lewin
• Bill Cook
• Daniel Steep 
• Jason Verners
  
• Nathaniel Rankin
• Chad Juros

Looking back, what are Mike Segal's recollections about camp?
From the August 25th, 2020 Magicians Talking Magic Podcast "Episode 71: Mike Segal: 20 Years of Magic Camp. The camp that inspired the movie":

So our largest year was 175, I think, which was the first or second year at camp White Pine. We never got that high again. It started coming down slowly again, as the internet became more and more popular. I mean, we saw this on the camp website. Kids would be like, well, why do I have to go to camp and fight bugs when I can like, learn this trick online? Oh boy. You know, it was like, okay, well, if all you want to do is learn the trick then yeah. Do it online, you know? But, like you said, if you're a working magician, the things you got from this particular camp! We put kids on, on Murray Hatfield's international tours right across Canada. We gave kids TV appearances.  Canada day, we did Harbourfront and it was all magic campers and all that kind of stuff. It was about really bringing magic to the people.

Who attended?
Have a look below at the group photo from the last year of camp.  It includes 4 Len Cooper Memorial Award winners, 4 World Record holders, 2 Allan Slaight Canadian Rising Stars, a consultant for Penn and Teller's Fool Us, a FISM Grand Prix winner, 2 people who appeared on the Amazing Race Canada, The Toronto Magic Company, and one half of Big Trick Energy!

 

 

 

Check out the Sorcerers Safari YouTube channel to see some entertaining video summaries of camp.  

For a taste of the energy and enthusiasm at camp, we'll leave you with the Sorcerers Safari lip dub orchestrated by Trevor Watters and Mark Baluk, and filmed by Mark Baluk. 
 

 

Thank you Mike and Jen!

The magic community is better because of your efforts.

 

 

 

Random thoughts from Sorcerers Safari 2015

• Mike and Jen Segal are totally awesome and inspiring people!
• It is tremendous that organizations such as Ellusionist support Sorcerers Safari. (Kids, did you remember to send a quick "thank you" e-mail to them for the generous gift you received?  Do it now!  -- Mom)
• The safety and welfare of the children is an absolute priority.
• Spotted: Mike and Jen Segal, Dan Wiebe, Eric Leclerc, Aaron Fisher, Dave Mitchell, Carey Lauder, Lee Asher, Dick Joiner, Steven Kline, Lisa & Michael Close, Shawn Farquhar, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Rosemary Reid, Marc Chalmers, Jonah Babins, Joan Caesar, Philip DaCosta, Mark Correia, Chris Westfall, Sheldon Casavant, Scott Hammell, Greg Frewin, Neil Croswell & Ashley Da Silva, Loran, Marion & Ted Outerbridge and special guest Daryl ... I'm sure there were more and I'm sorry if I missed you!
• If you haven't met Daryl yet, get thee to the Browser's Den for the Daryl Workshop or get to the Daryl Lecture.  He is fabulous.  You're welcome.
• Epic staff lip sync battle: Eric's "Blank Space" (Taylor Swift), Mark's "Independent Women" (Destiny's Child), Chris Mayhew's "Single Ladies" (Beyoncé), Rosemary & Chris Westfall's "Cheerleader" (Omi), Jonah & Jonah's "Love Is An Open Door" (Frozen), Michael's "Whip My Hair" (Willow Smith), Scott's "Ice Ice Baby" (Vanilla Ice), The Farquhar's "You're The One That I Want" (Greece), and Mike, Chris G, Steph, Jen & Lisa's "Mahna Mahnam" (Muppet Show).  Need I say more?
• Grand stage shows nightly including doves, big box illusions and multiple champions of magic!
• Beach party, cook outs, relay races, Food Chain, Capture The Flag, Dealer's Day, wrap party  fireworks, and swimming, swimming, swimming!  (Jumping in the lake is an experience like no other.)
• Carey Lauder is an incredible photographer. 
• Chris Mayhew shot some fabulous footage – I can't wait to see this year's camp video!
• Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp really does get better every year!
• Jen, Christina, Stephanie, Lori, and Lisa work super hard behind the scenes making sure that everything runs smoothly.
• Mike Segal and Mike Toal should be very proud of what they started together over 19 years ago.
• Sorcerers Safari is full of super nice, caring, talented individuals!

Don't just take my word for it, here's what other people had to say about this summer's magic camp experience:

Goooooooood morning campers! First full day, let's rock it! #magiccamp #camplife #ss2015 pic.twitter.com/1aP7IsPvHu

— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) August 15, 2015

Camp life is calm. Oh, there's a lot of card tricks too. #bestyearever #Farquharfun #sorc… http://t.co/Xw5qMt09eU pic.twitter.com/vDBl17TTbv

— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) August 15, 2015

Show ended a bit early tonight so managed to get my first real sunset of Sorcerers Safari 2015 Day 3 #bestyearever
Posted by James Carey Lauder on Sunday, 16 August 2015

Yesterday was Dealer Day at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp. A great way to see a lot of magic and we had so much fun to...
Posted by Marion Outerbridge on Tuesday, 18 August 2015

We are officially over 1000 likes on this page! We had a $10 000 prize for our thousandth liker but unfortunately you're...
Posted by Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp on Monday, 17 August 2015

Camper: "I wish I could sleep for 360 days. So I could miss the school year and when I wake up it would be time for camp again."

— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) August 19, 2015

Today marks the last day of the 19th year of @SorcerersSafari. I'm sad to be leaving but I'm excited to get home and share what I learned!

— Ben Train (@ErdnaseinTO) August 20, 2015