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."
MAGIC CAMPS
(and SHOWS)
We host MAGIC CAMPS (and magic shows) for libraries, community schools and other organizations.
The camps--ages 8 and older--provide children 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, like paper, money,
and rope.
(Who said magic had to be expensive?!) In addition, the children learn the basics of balloon [animal] sculpting and juggling.
The hands-on activities serve to: 1) enhance self-confidence; 2) build social skills and team-work; 3) develop interests in new
arts and hobbies; 4) and, create a stronger interest in reading.
A magic show can follow a camp program, and is often developed around the state's "Summer Reading" theme
(i.e., dinosaurs, countries, travel). While the show is generally open to the public, the magic campers see how magic tricks
are strung together, creating a theme.
Our camps are often sponsored by local businesses, making the camps more affordable, or often free. Feel free to ask about
sponsorships or grants that may be available to your community. For more information about our magic camps, see our contact
information below. Scroll down to read our letters of appreciation. And, be sure to check out our newest book, on magic camps and teaching
magic, entitled Magicians in the Making.
Call 269-580-1696 or 269-646-3227. Or Email .
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."
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."
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 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!"
Last updated Jan, 2003
Copyright 1996-02 by mr-jim.com