Cool Careers
Camp Counselor at a Magic Camp
With Amy Umpleby
How did you become interested in your field?
I was approached by the camp administrator and asked if I wanted to be a camp counselor because I worked with her little son in our high school musical and she liked the way we got along.
Where did you complete your studies?
I went to the University of Toronto for an honours undergraduate degree in Political Science, Sociology and History. It had nothing to do with my interest in magic except that many of my friends and fellow counselors were living in Toronto. Moving to the big city gave me the chance to see them more often.
What were some of your favourite courses?
My favourite courses were Greek Mythology, History of Modern Espionage and Ancient Egypt. I guess I also enjoyed Canadian Foreign Politics.
How long did it take you to complete your studies?
I spent 4 years in my undergrad (the average time it takes to complete an honours degree at a university). I have spent 7 years learning magic so far from books, friends and professionals. My studies in magic will never be complete!
What courses would you recommend a student in high school take to prepare for this profession?
I would suggest you come to Sorcerers Safari! It is by far THE BEST kind of education that an aspiring magician can get. There are many professional, highly regarded magicians from all over Canada and the United States that spend the week teaching and helping children hone their skills in magic and prestidigitation. It is the type of attention that is essential to becoming a professional magician. In high school I would suggest taking a lot of drama, as it helps with your stage presence and level of comfort in front of an audience.
How could a hearing loss impact the pursuit of a career in magic?
All I can say about this is that for the majority of the time, magic can be enjoyed by other senses such as sight and touch - maybe even more so than hearing.
What have you learned about yourself as a professional in your career?
I love kids and I love magic even more! Camp is my favourite time of year. You meet people you will never forget and you experience things you will never ever forget at Sorcerer's Safari Magic Camp. I look forward to camp more than I look forward to Christmas! Seriously. As an amateur magician, I have learned that you need to practice a lot. Magic doesn't happen over night. I have also learned that nothing in the world makes me happier than when I have a deck of cards in my hand, or when I have the opportunity to watch a friend perform his/her magic.
What is your favourite aspect of your job?
By far my favourite aspect of being a magician is seeing the disbelief and amazement light up a person's face. It's a really cool feeling to know you have just fooled someone, and that imprint on their life will probably stay with them for a long time. As a camp counselor for Sorcerer's Safari, my favourite part of the job would be watching my campers succeed in a trick they have been working on for a while or having them perform and practice while I get to be the spectator (the audience).
What parts of your job do you like the least?
I can honestly say there are no parts I do not like. The worst thing about leaving camp is that you have to wait a whole year to go back and see some of your friends again!
Would you recommend this job/career?
I would recommend magic to anyone who loves to be creative, has drive and the ability to practice and read a lot. Magic requires lots of practice and lots of reading! Furthermore, I would recommend magic to those who like to perform and who like a challenge. I would recommend attending camp for sure, regardless of any prior knowledge in magic. Most of the time you have to attend camp for a couple of years and be a "CIT" (Counselor in Training) before you can be a counselor, but it's totally worth it. I guarantee it will be the best time you have ever had!
What is the most unusual thing that has happened to you in this job?
Well we are talking about magic here, so this is a complicated question. You see, weird things happen all the time! Cards show up where you don't expect them to, people are cut in half and put back together, and people juggle six balls while riding a unicycle. Furthermore, famous magicians from all over North America come up to the wilderness for a week to train and perform. Need I say more?
Are you active in your community in terms of volunteering your time, given your specialized training and education?
My camp counselor position is strictly a volunteer position. It's the most fun I have ever had as a volunteer! I also like to perform card tricks for anyone who asks and would be willing to perform for free for a good cause.
If you would like to add anything else you would like to share, please do so.
Camp inspires kids to become magicians, or just to strive to succeed. I believe camp makes kids well rounded and gives them a chance to be themselves confidently around others. Sorcerer's Safari inspired me to learn magic and I have all of my "magic friends" to thank! If you or someone you know is interested in magic there is a magic store in Toronto called "Browser's Den of Magic" at Bathurst and Eglinton Avenue and they will show you any trick you want to see! They will also be able to give you more info on the camp if you want, or show you what you need to become a magician! For more information on Sorcerer's Safari Magic Camp go to www.sorcerers-safari.com