Abracadabra: The World of Magic With Your Grandchild

Activity note: Lodge check-in available from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the main lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At the lodge, we’ll enjoy a tasty welcome dinner, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our Group Leader will lead all workshops and lectures on site at the lodge. Activities are classroom based and each will require minimal walking or standing. This is a Road Scholar Intergenerational program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Classroom-based activities; minimal walking and standing required.

Breakfast: In the dining room at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: In our first session in the onsite Magic Library, we will learn about some of the basic psychology used in magic, and learn to perform magic with simple objects that can be carried with you or are readily available. This session will conclude with an introduction to the on-site Magic Library and its policies.

Lunch: At the lodge, with coffee, tea, water.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll engage in an exploration of a classic effect in magic: the Cups and Balls. For demonstration, we will see the trick performed live by our instructor, then see a professional perform on video before our instructor breaks down the trick step-by-step in person so we can learn to do it ourselves. Then, we will construct our own set of cups and learn to perform a simple version of this effect. In this session, we will also begin work on a standard children's magic effect: the Magic Coloring Book.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Back in the Magic Library, our evening session will be a presentation of the art of balloon twisting given by our Group Leader. We will explore the many areas of this expanding art form and learn some basic twisting techniques with a hands-on lesson.

Activity note: Classroom-based activities; minimal walking and standing required.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: During a hands-on craft session led by our instructor in the Magic Library, we will learn about and begin construction on a Magic Production Box. This major project, a highlight of the program, provides the perfect opportunity to teach several fundamental concepts in magic and performance. With proper construction, each student will build and possess a standard magic utility item that could retail for over $100 if purchased from a magic dealer!

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Regrouping, we’ll complete work on the Magic Production Box.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: We’ll then gather for an “uplifting” presentation with video accompaniment on levitation and suspension techniques performed throughout the years made famous by Ed Balducci, David Blaine, and Paul Harris.

Activity note: Classroom-based activities; minimal walking and standing required. Free time activity level dependent on personal preference.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: During our morning magic session, our instructor will teach us some simple magic tricks that can be presented just about anywhere.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most at the resort. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Classroom-based activities; minimal walking and standing required.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: With a focus on card magic, we’ll spend the morning learning a combination of tricks with full decks of cards, as well as tricks with just a few cards, or special cards.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Then, through a session on magic with paper, we will explore the world of two-dimensional deceptions and optical illusions. Afterwards, we will conclude with a discussion outlining some of the possibilities of how one can make a future in magic. We’ll talk about Magic Associations, publications, and on-line magic resources.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Our program will conclude with a Magic Show presented on site by our instructors, giving us the opportunity to see a professional performance. Keep an eye out for some of the effects that were taught during the week! Following up the performance, we’ll have a Round Table discussion during which we will have an opportunity to wrap up any loose ends and to address any unanswered questions. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Activity note: Lodge check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!