Peter's Birthday -- YLTA 2021 by Ariel Ximenes

Jesse Silverman

2021-04-03 22:41:42 UTC

I remember you teaching all of us the rope escape trick! I may not have been here for long but you have made it an absolute blast.

2021-04-03 22:41:43 UTC

I laughed for like 10 minutes straight when I learned why you called yourself Peter the Adequate.

viv

2021-04-03 22:42:03 UTC

happy birthday peter! thanks for putting up with my weirdness for all these years haha
i made these as a birthday present for you- so feel free to click the links and take a look
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LD5oNMfSuW1PfJFCy2ZHx89cDqbzIzCyGb3VsPB629w/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c2RAM9W7hMu0B__FF7Wq4ARAE_UtQi5-0XK3iJ_nIfw/edit?usp=sharing

2021-04-03 22:42:46 UTC

When Peter teaches magic the campers always enjoy it! Me included.

Marielle

2021-04-03 22:44:46 UTC

Dear Peter,
You are always the campers favorite performer. I remember that when you are on stage the kids are laughing and clapping constantly. It’s really sweet and it always makes my day.

Milla Forte

2021-04-03 22:49:03 UTC

I often leave camp pretty late both when I was a camper and now as a counselor, and I've had some really nice conversations with Peter 1 on 1 when I was the last person there just about life and stuff that were really nice to share.

Analisa Taylor

2021-04-03 23:02:44 UTC

when he read the book with no pictures that was one of my favorite memories

Gus Gamble

2021-04-04 00:27:23 UTC

I have trouble thinking of any specific moment, but peter has always made Magic Camp such a great place to be because he always makes you feel like you are good at what you do and you are a benefit to the camp and the people around you.

Eve Tayor

2021-04-04 19:09:32 UTC

When I first came to Magic Camp you greeted everyone with such enthusiasm that made everyone smile.

Miles Richardson

milesrichardson — 2021-04-05 13:43:04 UTC

When I was four or five, you taught me the french drop. I've never had another teacher who did it as well as you. Me and my friend went out and proceeded to pull coins from thin air and behind strangers ears. Its been so much fun being your friend and student. All my friends now know of you from me describing my mentor. I have so much respect for you.

Happy birthday Peter, you are amazing!

Allison Coleman

2021-05-01 18:05:57 UTC

Over the years, you have been such an influence on my family (LOL mostly a good one - that graffiti on my kid's ceiling - well...). I love that we were lucky enough to have you be a part of my kids' growing up years! Thank you, Peter. ❤ Have a great birthday! 🎉
I am forever grateful that we found the Fantastic Magic Camp and that you were a part of it.

Michael Vanston

2021-05-01 20:29:46 UTC

Coming to Magic Camp has always been one of the best parts of the summer, and it is only possible due to you Peter, thank you

Mind blown

2021-05-01 23:13:50 UTC

The first day of camp as a young kid was the most mind-blowing day because Peter did a trick where he guessed my grandmother’s maiden name. The rest of the day I literally believed in magic. Since then we have shared many laughs, I’ve learned critical life skills from him (time management, for example), and any time I think of him I think fondly of him. What a wonderful human you are Peter! Thanks for everything you do.

Daniel George

2021-05-02 02:13:45 UTC

I have many fond memories of spending time with you, from working with you during performers academy to chatting with you about nonsense as a little kid. Specifically I remember talking to you about your glue/lotion bit after camp at Fulmore ( or Concordia? I cant be sure). You were (and are) always someone I looked up to for your humor, your love of living, and capacity for such kindness. I hope you have a wonderful Birthday filled with laughter and joy. If you ever need anything, remember, I'm just a few buildings away.
PS. I found this gem from when we ran a carnival for a "Not- Mitzvah." I still have the little flip book from it :P

Trinity (favorite Walsh)

2021-05-02 07:40:18 UTC

The first time we (family) got to hang out with your very odd self and your weirdness, annoyances,loving,kind,sharing,caring light up a room and i are eternally grateful to have met your incredible self

One of the great things about getting old is the many wonderful memories we have with so many people.

2021-05-02 21:44:11 UTC

2021-05-02 21:45:13 UTC

Amy Chang

2021-05-03 16:05:08 UTC

You’ve always looked at me as a person first, before anything else. When I was a camper you saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. You made me feel truly special. You still do. I think I’m finally beginning to come around and see for myself.

Trey Abraham

2021-05-03 19:51:38 UTC

There are so many things you've said that echo in my head on a daily basis that it's nearly impossible to succinctly sum up your impact on my life. You have a knack for turning the mundane into deep and meaningful lessons. I'll never forget how you transformed a trick that I found boastful and unimpressive into what is to this day one of my favorite routines (toothpick through the matchbox). Where others use it to show their own "power" you use it to show others *their* power. You once said to me that you aim to be a character around whom magical things happen rather than being some all powerful character. and that extends well beyond your performances. You bring true magic into our lives with your presence. Happy Birthday, Peter.

Alex Friedman

2021-05-03 20:57:45 UTC

Hi Peter!
I always tell folks that I've already had the best boss I'll ever have, and it's you! (of course). I remember when I was in high school and Magic Camp had a get together to see Les Miserables, which had just come out, in theaters. I had, at the same time, been asked by someone if I would go with them. We combined the plans and I brought them along as a plus one. I couldn't yet drive, so you drove me to the movie. Little did I know, what this person had done was ask me on a date! My boss (and friend, of course) Peter drove me to and chaperoned me on my very first date. I will always be grateful for your kindness and mentorship, but most of all for your tireless and creative support of the people and things you care about. Have a lovely birthday, Peter!

Cass Landrum

2021-05-04 17:27:08 UTC

Peter is my adopted uncle (cause everyone needs a magical uncle, and cause I only have aunts). He is truly family- the kind you can not talk to for years and then call crying because your mutual friend passed away...
Peter, I hope you know you mean the world to me. I have so much respect for you and your endless energy and all the isms you have taught me and my peers over the years.
You can always call me if you need me, just like we all do to you =D <3

Rik Gern

2021-05-05 12:04:21 UTC

My first thought on meeting Peter was, “Best stage name, ever!”.
Now, when I think of Peter I think, “One of the best people I've known, ever!”.

He’s tireless, with an imagination that never quits and a generous and sharing nature that has helped so many to become better performers and better people.

Peter, you’re a treasure--Happy Birthday, and many more!!!

Masyn Walsh

2021-05-06 23:42:06 UTC

C'mon, what can't I say about this guy. He's the most kind, thoughtful, and most caring person I know. Everything he and the magiccamp has formed me into who I am today. Peter, tying me down to a chair in front of a bunch of kids just to slam a cake into my face for 3 years Inna row, is something I might need to repay. But thank you, every small idea I've ever told you, you've always found different ways to make it happen. And I appreciate all of it! Happy Birthday Peter!
Love ya, man.

What Peter has taught me

vx735m375n — 2021-05-07 13:43:36 UTC

If I were to make a list of lessons learned from Peter, it would take more time than most people have to read it. But I'll focus on one from when I was about 17 or 18 (I'm pushing 50 now).

Peter taught me how to tie a necktie. With all due respect to my dad, he'd never gotten around to teaching me how to do so. So one day, seeing me struggling with my newly gifted tie, Peter dropped what he was doing (and he WAS busy) and walked me through it.

Here's the thing though: that wasn't the real lesson. It taught me that our knowledge, our values, and the way we see the world isn't limited to what we learn from our parents or immediate family. It's EVERYONE'S responsibility to help shape each other's personhood.

While arguably an obvious point, Peter demonstrates this better than literally anyone I've ever known. He walks that walk. - Aaron

2021-05-09 18:47:11 UTC

Anne White Photo

2021-05-09 18:48:15 UTC

Peter the Adequate

2021-05-09 18:51:42 UTC

A younger Peter...but then, all of the photos are!

Pro Photo

2021-05-09 18:55:02 UTC

Surprises all the time. Is THIS your card?

2021-05-09 18:58:32 UTC

Have a ball with Peter the Adequate!

Too Many Memories

2021-05-09 20:15:21 UTC

When asked to come op with a concise memory of Peter I find myself lacking, there are simply too many. From being tied up with 100' of rope at

Sri Atmananda, to the creation of the Performers Academy, him coaching me on the human pincushion, Stalling for time at Westgate mall, to the VERY late nights at Fullmore setting up the Carnival. Cherished memories all

Jim Tarsi

2021-05-09 20:16:20 UTC

One time (I think it was a parent's day at training) Peter was doing short magic shows between the kids' performances. He called me up to be part of a trick. He couldn't ask if we ever met, since I knew him for a while. So he acknowledged that we knew each other for a long time. For
For the trick I picked a card, put it back in the deck, then throw it underhanded to him. Even though my throw was sadly short, he still managed to catch my card out of the cloud of cards heading toward him.
Peter worked with our son, AJ, for many years. He always made sure AJ got the most out of camp. He also said hi whenever we saw each other, and asked how we were doing. I'm so glad Peter was a big part of AJ's Magic Camp experience.

Spring Break

2021-05-10 00:15:28 UTC

Peter is tied up with the Spring Break Magic Camp in 2021.

2021-05-10 03:12:49 UTC

Happy Birthday Peter. Thanks for everything.

Gus Davis

2021-05-10 13:14:00 UTC

Pete! I have too many great memories to even begin to put them here. You taught me my first magic trick that floored my family (I think it was Out of this World) and got in trouble for it. Turns out that was what made me really want to be a magician, so thank you for taking the heat on that one. You were also there for me the first time I had to go buy a game show suit. I now have 18 of them, but that first one was all because of you. I hope you have an incredible birthday, and if you are feeling generous, please hit yourself in the face with some cake today from me. I love you Peter!!