Magic Camp
The Young Wizards Magic Academy is a two week summer course for aspiring magicians ages 12 to 17 who want to immerse themselves in the exciting world of the magical arts. The program brings together participants of various backgrounds who will build camaraderie and develop friendships as they learn mind-bending techniques and tricks. They will leave class each day endeavoring to practice, perfect and perform magic!
The academy is designed for eager learners who want to build a strong beginner’s repertoire of tricks and begin performing right away. The curriculum emphasizes creative thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Even if the participants don’t pursue a future career in the magical arts, they will develop lifelong skills that will give them an edge in any setting or industry.
The Young Wizards Magic Academy is located on the beautiful campus of MICDS, a college preparatory school in the quiet suburb of Ladue. The program is held in an indoor classroom that is set up to maximize collaboration, learning and performing.
At The Young Wizards Magic Academy, we believe strongly that studying the magical arts isn’t just about learning tricks; it’s about unlocking wonder, inspiring awe, and connecting with others. We look forward to working with you!
Meet the Instructors
The Young Wizards Magic Academy is run and taught by Christopher Barker and Alyoska Díaz. Christopher is a professional magician in the St. Louis area, and has performed shows for all ages and backgrounds. He teaches two-week intensive card magic courses to high school students, and he also teaches private magic lessons to individuals and groups. Alyoska is Christopher’s magic assistant, helping him design and execute all of his shows and assisting in teaching the card magic courses. When they are not performing or teaching magic, both Christopher and Alyoska are veteran Spanish teachers, with 30+ years of combined classroom and administrative experience.
Daily Schedule
Each day of the Young Wizards Magic Academy is carefully structured to help students learn new tricks, practice and grow their magic skills, and connect with others.
- Magic Gym: Each day starts with some time in the “magic gym.” Students work on things they have been learning, enjoy individualized attention from the teachers, or collaborate with their peers.
- Sleight Sleuths: We want our young wizards to start developing a magician’s brain and to learn how to puzzle through magic. Participants are shown a magic effect and then work together to figure out how the effect was accomplished, or to even replicate it. Prizes are awarded to the team that can replicate the effect or get closest to the correct solution!
- Lecture: A topic of the day is presented to students and explored in depth. Books, lecture notes, videos and direct instruction guide learning and help the participants process the information. All lectures are hands-on opportunities for the students to take a deeper dive into magic techniques and effects.
- Workshop: Participants get to workshop what they learned during the lecture. They engage their creative side and begin to personalize and routine the techniques and effects. The instructors work closely with each participant, offering feedback and guidance every step of the way.
- Collaborate: The day ends with time to practice, share and celebrate individual progress. We learn together, we grow together, and we celebrate success together!
There will be additional activities for participants that will go outside of the regular schedule, such as magic games, guest speakers, and magic shows. These enrichment opportunities will inspire the young wizards to further their learning and allow them to network with other magicians.
The final day of the academy is a special one! Participants will be awarded their Young Wizard diploma, treated to a final close-up show with family, and showcase some of the things they have learned! We will celebrate all of their hard work and accomplishments!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does my child need to have prior magic experience to join this academy?
No prior magic experience is necessary! We accept all skill levels, and we provide individualized attention to help each participant progress and succeed at their own pace. - Do I need to provide my own materials?
All materials are included with the price of tuition. The class materials have been carefully selected by the instructors, and they are of the highest quality. The variety of the materials will have the participants performing full magic shows in no time! - Can my child join if they are younger or older than the age requirement?
Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact academy director Christopher Barker at barkermagicstl@gmail.com to discuss further. - What is a typical day like at the academy?
Please refer to the daily schedule for more information.
Payment Policies
- The full payment of $600 is due at the time of registration to reserve a spot in the academy. There are no prorated fees for partial attendance. Payments will be made online through Venmo or PayPal in the registration form.
- In the case of cancellation before the date of May 12, the full payment will be refunded minus a $60 cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for cancellation after the date of May 12.
General Policies
- ENROLLMENT: Participants are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration can only be done online through Jotform.
- WAIT LIST: There are 18 available spots for the Young Wizards Magic Academy. If the academy session fills, please email the director at barkermagicstl@gmail.com to secure a spot on a wait list. Wait list applicants will be notified on a first-come, first-served basis. If openings occur prior to the start of the camp, waitlisted applicants will be contacted to be notified of the opportunity to register.
- CANCELLATION: In the case of cancellation before the date of May 12, the full payment will be refunded minus a $60 cancellation fee. There are no refunds for cancellation after the date of May 12. If for any reason you need to cancel, please do so prior to May 12 and email the camp director at barkermagicstl@gmail.com.
