(Hank) Moorehouse 1934 – 2011 - The Society of American Magicians

UNDER OVER By Joshua Jay
Summer Safari.
This camp was formed ten years ago, long after I was eligible
to attend as a camper. However, I was invited to be the guest of
honor in 2002 and I have returned several times in subsequent
years. I have a good feel for this camp, as well.
This camp is set two and a half hours north of Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, at Camp White Pines (where they filmed
Meatballs). The venue is an actual campground, complete with
forest, cabins, and a private lake; the scenery is beautiful.
The “feel” of this camp is much more traditional. In addition
to magic courses, electives, tutorials, and shows, Sorcerer’s
Summer Safari offers campers free time for swimming, hiking,
playing volleyball or basketball, or jumping on the trampoline.
The instructors at this camp are particularly good with
children and provide excellent teaching for both the beginner
and advanced student.
The instructor to camper ratio here is best, and many campers
graduate into a “Counselor in Training” program, returning the
following year as staff. Throughout the week, each camper
receives lots of personal instruction and help. The electives
are more specific here, offering workshops on individual tricks
like Zombie or Linking Rings (I taught one on Ambitious Card).
Star power at Sorcerer’s Safari is also strong: last year two of the
biggest names in magic headlined.
The sense of community is strong at this camp, and
founders Mike and Jen Segal also offer a spring break reunion.
They have an email list that provides year-round pictures
and updates.
48 M-U-M Magazine
Mike segal on sorcerer’s
summer safari
Magic Mike Segal runs Sorcerer’s Summer Safari and has
mentored numerous young magicians. He’s also a busy professional
in the Toronto area. And he’s the perfect person to help
define what sets magic camp apart.
What does magic camp offer that a convention doesn’t?
Magic Mike: When Sorcerers Safari started, I honestly didn’t
know what the differences would be. In the ten years we have
been running I have discovered many unique features.
Interaction is a huge part of the camp experience. The counselors
and magic personalities are not hired to do a show and
then spend the rest of the time in their room. Camp is a social
affair, and each camper gets many opportunities to eat, jam, and
perform with the magicians they read about or watch on DVDs.
All meals, cabin activities, swimming, etc. are done together, as
a full camp. No one at camp is passive, and we pull together,
campers and staff alike, to make it work.
Camp is longer than a convention, and that gives kids
and their counselors a chance to form close bonds. Lifelong
connections are made, and we’re proud to spark friendships
among campers that carry over long after camp is over.
And, it goes without saying that the camp is an intensive
magic training clinic. We all work together to make the next
generation appreciate and add to the art of magic. �