Some people would say there’s always magic in the air in Haliburton County, but that will be even truer next week when Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp appears at Camp White Pine.
The camp, led by professional magician Mike Segal, will take place at the camp Aug. 28 through Sept. 2. 
“It’s the only one in Canada. In fact, there’s only two in North America,” Segal said.
This will be the 15th season for the event, which will bring together some 120 young magicians aged 10 to 20 from as far away as England, Spain and South Africa, as well as the United States and Canada.
“It’s like a performance art camp, except the performance art is the art of illusion,” said Segal, who first discovered Camp White Pine as a boy.
“My whole family went to White Pine,” he said, explaining he’s originally from Montreal but has spent much of his life in Toronto. “We’ve all been a part of White Pine for 40 years.”
What is it about magic that draws people in?
“It’s like being an actor,” Segal said. “There’s just some drive and desire to create illusions the same as somebody who writes music or does something like that.”
First performing tricks in high school, Segal never planned to become a professional magician. He now tours the continent performing at corporate events, clubs and product launches, on top of running his business.
He’s had his own show on YTV and for years was a guest on Breakfast Television.
Joining Segal as instructors will be some world-class illusionists.
“There’s an Olympics of magic held every four years and we’ve got the Canadian champion,” Segal said.
That champion is Shawn Farquhar, who will be sharing his talents with the group of budding magicians.
Joining Farquhar will be Hungarian magician Soma.
“He and Shawn actually won the grand prix, which is a top honour they don’t always award,” Segal said.
There are still a few spots available for the camp this year.
“There’s no experience required, but there should be a desire to learn and take part in magic,” Segal said.
For more information, visit www.themagiccamp.com.