Camps - Magic/Summer

Hugh Turley, Magician - MAGIC Magazine (May,'01)
"I used to work with kids when I was a deputy sheriff
and never found a kid in magic who was in trouble with the law.
By the same token, when I taught at the National Crime Prevention Institution,
we never found a kid in trouble who knew any magic.
Magic is good for self worth, self study, and self guidance."

SUMMER LIBRARY SHOWS & MAGIC CAMPS

“Mr. Jim” Merrills has been hosting continuous summer library programs and “magic camps” for over fifteen (15) years. Libraries can choose from any of the following:

· Our specially tailored summer-reading program (based on the state theme)

· The Magic of Reading magic show

· Sport “cup” Stacking (hands-on, interactive program)

· Juggling (hands-on, interactive program)

· Balloon sculpting (covering safety, supplies, single and multi-balloon creations)

· Magic Camp (available in hour, half-day or full-day format)

An author, Merrills’ work has been recognized by the magic community (MAGIC Magazine; 2003). His works include Magical Secrets (for youth) and Magicians in the Making (a handbook for magicians). See our home page for ordering.

2010 – Summer Reading Program

“The Magic of Water World”

Make a splash this summer, and dive into the magical world of WATER!

Water is important for life; we must take care of it. But the world of water is also beautiful and exciting! As a certified SCUBA-diver, Mr. Jim has dove in wonderful places like Hawaii, the Florida Keys, and even on cold shipwrecks in Lake Superior. But don’t let the air-tanks fool you. Snorkeling along the surface of our inland lakes is no less exciting!

Mr. Jim has captured the magic of water world, and will be sharing it with libraries this summer. Beautiful and stunning photography! Real ocean specimens—things you can see and touch! And a fun-filled, treasure-trunk of magic that’s “all wet”!

Call today to schedule this adventure for your library. Then watch the books fly off the shelves!

MAGIC CAMP

Magic Camp is designed for children, age 8 and older. This “hands-on” program provides them with the unique opportunity to learn the basics of magic from a magician! The children are introduced to sleight-of-hand, illusion and presentation, with common everyday objects. They also learn the basics of balloon [animal] sculpting and juggling. This activity serves to enhance self-confidence, build social-skills and team-work, and create new interests, which leads to a stronger interest in reading and learning. Many magic camps have been sponsored by local businesses. Feel free to ask us about sponsorships.

Scroll down…

to read some of our letters of appreciation, and then contact us for more information.

269-580-1696 (cell)

269-646-3227 (office)

Email us: Email .

"Mr-Jim's" Beginners Class
(Goodsell's former West Coast Wizards Magic Camp)

David Goodsell - Past National President Society of American Magicians
"Jim has served as an instructor for the past 5 years, working with children ages 8 to 16. Jim has an excellent rapport with young people, and the purpose of our camp is not only to teach magic, but also to help young people gain self-confidence. Jim has been a valuable asset to our national camp. I choose my instructors with care, and Jim's school-based drug-abuse program, as well as his love for young people were instrumental in my decision to invite him to be a part of our program.

Jim has developed a unique summer day-camp for children living in the Mid-West. This is a wonderful accomplishment considering that most youth never have an opportunity to attend a national camp or to gain first-hand experience in the wonderful field of magic. Unquestionably, his efforts are providing hundreds of young people an opportunity for personal growth that would not be available to them, otherwise.

Jim's positive traits are clearly evident in the life and accomplishments of his daughter, 'Miss Kristi.' As a junior magician with this camp since age seven, her interest and desire to excel has been demonstrated by her ongoing participation and the use of her acquired skills."

MAGIC CAMP LETTERS

NEW YORK: Freeport Recreation Camp, Long Island -- Mary Hall, Director
"Thank you so much for coming to New York. It was a great day of Magic. The children are still talking about it and showing me the magic tricks they learned. We got good feedback from the parents. You were well organized and kept the day moving. I look forward to another time, if possible. Your ideas are excellent, and very helpful to the children.
Keep up the good work!"

FLORIDA: Volusia County Public Library, Orange City -- Mary Ferry, Branch Manager
"The Magic Camp was thoroughly enjoyed by the children and their parents. Programs like this one are so helpful in keeping the children busy during the summer. It is obvious that 'Mr. Jim' enjoys working with children."

FLORIDA: Volusia County Public Library, Lake Helen Branch -- Pam Pape, Branch Manager
"I wanted to express our sincere thanks for a 'magical' afternoon! The 35 participants so enjoyed your magic instruction. I appreciated the fact that you are skilled in your craft and could instill that love of magic in these young minds. You are patient and enthusiastic in imparting your knowledge. Thanks again!"

Kalamazoo (MI) Public Libraries -- Mary Calletto Rife, Community Liaison for Children
"Thank you for your work! Altogether, we held 8 camps with 201 participants, and 5 shows with a total of 372 attending. You certainly handle children well, and they were enthralled. You also do an excellent job of promoting libraries and books. The bibliography you provided is excellent and each branch ordered the titles. Please thank your daughters for us. They handled themselves well, and are an inspiration to the other children. One boy was very proud of himself, informing everybody, 'I can make these animals!' This is the first year we have tried a magic camp and are pleased that it worked out so well. Parents have been asking if we will do this again next year...The children and parents also enjoyed the bookmarkers you made, with the free Kid's Meals that you included. It is obvious that you are concerned about children.
We are looking forward to working with you again."

Our animals enjoy the library programs too!
Miss Sara holding our rabbit, Ace-of-Spades.

Portage District Library -- Sheryl Kirklin
"As part of our Summer Reading Program, Mr. Jim presented a Magic Camp for children in grades 3-5, and a magic show for the families. In the Magic Camp, he blended the teaching of tricks with humor and encouragement -- especially for this librarian who didn't think she could do magic! I was also working with a younger sibling from the group and it was great fun to watch her face as she performed real magic! The magic feats presented were age appropriate and just plain fun! Mr Jim used members from the audience during the show--kids love this! His tricks tied-in with our Summer Reading Program. Both programs were well received, and at a 2-for-1 fee (with free Kid's Meals!)--ah, the magic of saving money!"

Charles A. Ransom Library, Plainwell -- Sally Goddard, Children's Librarian
"Your magic show was absolutely marvelous! I cannot think of a better venue to have come to our library as the "big event" to end our Summer Reading Program. You and your two lovely daughters/assistants presented a truly dynamite production. You had carefully researched 'dinosaurs,' and incorporated every person. Very effective! Your program was extremely well-balanced with appropriate props, and your own sense of timing and 'patter' was a real '10.' In short, "Mr. Jim," you were a smash hit! I would not hesitate to recommend your act very highly."

Paw Paw BIG BOY'S RESTAURANT hosted a free camp for Kids.
"Hey you! Put down that chocolate shake and follow along!" (Grrrrr...kids!)

Three Rivers Summer Recreation Program -- Wendy Thigpen, Director
"Below is my summary report to the Community Chest regarding your Magic Camp: 'A one-day camp was held where all the participants learned various types of magic: rope, money, coin, cards, sleight-of-hand, illusion and balloon sculpting. Kids were taught how to be a 'good' magician. It was a huge success! Mr. Jim did a super job keeping the kids interested and busy the whole day. We would like to do this again next year and expand the format.' Thank you again, Jim. I look forward to seeing you back next summer!"

Comstock Township Library -- Maribeth Coonfare, Youth Librarian
"Your performance was enjoyed by the children. The audience was spellbound. And the additional 'magic camp' was a wonderful idea and certainly helps to encourage kids to have an interest in both magic and performance. It was also nice to provide something special for the older children. You have an excellent rapport with the children and I also liked the way you incorporated the 'Reading Club' theme into the magic show. Thanks also for presenting a positive attitude about books, libraries, and reading. Thanks once again for a great program and making our summer reading program a success. We look forward to having you back again. I would be happy to recommend you to anyone who wants to bring a little magic to children in a library or educational setting."

Hastings Public Library -- Susan Smith, Asst. Librarian
"We appreciate the wonderful program you and your daughters presented. Your presentation and rapport with kids is awesome. The children were rapt with attention. It was one of the best programs we had in content and attendance. We would be happy to serve as a reference for any other group that's interested in your wonderful abilities, and a very worthwhile and entertaining show."

Lawton Public Library -- Donna Dluge, Director
"All in attendance--including the parents and the librarian--were fascinated by the magic tricks you taught us. In fact, some of us still share the tricks we learned. As a librarian, I would recommend Mr. Jim's Magic Camp to other librarians looking for a performer that would appeal to a varied audience. Mr. Jim also does magic with a message. The one thing I appreciated most about you, Mr. Jim, was how you solicited our local businesses for the funds to support our project. Welch's and Big Boys restaurant enthusiastically supported our program, thanks to your efforts. I would highly recommend your show and camp to any library looking for a dynamic performer."

Mendon Township Library -- Karrie Waarala, Director
"Thank you so much for bringing your wonderful Magic Camp and Show. You did a great job. It's obvious that you've put a lot of work into your show and are a talented magician, but I thought the real talent and magic of the day was the way in which you connected with the kids. It was a treat to take part in the camp and see how excited and self-confident they were as you taught them that they all have what it takes to work magic themselves. I hope that we can count on seeing you again next summer."

Nottawa Township Library -- Eva Beekie
"'Mr. Jim' Just a quick note to say, Thank You for a great program! The kids had a great time and are still talking about it. You're daughters are adorable and really related well with the kids too. We hope in the future we can call on you again. Thanks!"

Otsego District Library -- Brenda Morris, Children's Librarian
"We would like to thank you for your entertaining, educational and professional magic show and camp. You demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and experience. The children were well guided through some basic magic tricks, and given patient help and encouragement. We are looking forward to booking you next year so we can 'experience the magic' again."

Putnam Library "Junior Magicians"!

Putnam Public Library, Nashville -- Deedra Bryans, Director
"Thank you for the wonderful program. It sure was a fun day. We checked out magic books for a month after the program. Luckily, the kids went back to school and teachers assigned other reading projects or we would have had to purchase more magic books! Its a challenge to hold the kids attention for an hour--let alone a day!--such as you did. The hands-on theme of the camp sure kept their interest level high. 'Hats off to you,' Mr. Jim, for achieving this miraculous feat. The parents, as well as the children, are hoping we can invite you back for another fun-filled day."

Three Rivers Public Library -- Edie Olmsted, Children's Librarian
"Thank you! The children really enjoyed the program! I was very pleased that you were able to work with such a large group. I would gladly recommend your program to other libraries and schools! Hope to see you next summer!"

Vicksburg District Library -- Colleen Murray, Chidren's Librarian
"Your Magic Camp was DINO-MITE! We received many positive comments from parents. Thank you for being a part of our Summer Reading Program."

White Pigeon Township Library -- Phyllis Kahila & Becky Yoder
"We recently invited 'Mr. Jim' to present a magic camp/magic show. The camp (grades 3-6) illusions were well within the limits of what this age should be able to accomplish. His two young daughters, who assisted him, showed tremendous poise and confidence. The magic show was also very successful. 'Mr. Jim' enthralled a crowd, ranging from pre-school to adult. (As a side note, none of the kids even noticed the traffic accident in front of the building, as they were so interested in the program!) We highly recommend Mr. Merrills."

Wood Memorial Library, Marcellus -- Christine Nofsinger, Director
"The interaction between you and the children made this an enjoyable learning experience. The hands-on activity with the balloon sculpting and the incorporation of little furry friends into the program was a big hit!"