(By Josh Routh, St. Louis MO.)
In Saint Louis Missouri there is a movement of young people away from traditional after school activities. Many kids who only had sports as an after school option are now finding the variety arts are being taught in their school. Instead of soccer, football and basketball many kids are making their way to a classroom to learn magic, circus and comedy. This is exciting because now it has moved beyond the classroom and into the world of magic societies.

It all started 3 years ago when a circus performer, Josh Routh and his magician friend, Jeff Lefton founded a company called Abra-Kid-Abra. Their motto, "We bring out the stars in kids!" Soon kids from all over the city began to get involved. They were excited by the opportunity to learn tricks. Parents were pleased because they saw the benefits in self-esteem, public speaking skills and persistence. The schools saw the benefits too as many of the magic curriculums had a math or literacy component. As Abra has gained momentum it has had a snowball effect with kids getting friends, siblings and neighbors to get excited about performing.

Abra-Kid-Abra is now starting its 4th year and is still going strong. It runs camps in the summer and winter/spring breaks. This year will be an important year because it has inspired a magic club for youth with the local IBM ring. The club will have its meeting an hour before the regular meeting begins. It will focus on lectures that are of interest to young people and also getting its members to perform. IBM Ring One has a magic teach-in before every meeting, and young people are encouraged to stay and learn. The first meeting is scheduled for the first Wednesday in February and already the club has several adult sponsors and many interested youth.

Every August, the Midwest Magic Jubilee is put on by IBM Ring One and SAM Assembly 8, this year there is talk of having a mini-convention within the Jubilee. It will be about 3 hours long on Saturday. The mini-convention will have some of the performers from the stage and close-up shows giving lectures for all levels. Also Ickle Pickle will be on hand providing a mini-dealer's room.

 The hope is that this will one day raise the attendence youth within the local clubs. The clubs see that their future depends on the young people being a part of this amazing craft.
Without interested young people, years from now there won't be magic clubs, or even magicians for that matter. So for now the youth in Saint Louis are doing their part. Get a club going in your area, and we hope to see you at the Midwest Magic Jubilee this August!