While some kids might dream about running away to join the circus, Flyin’ Bob Palmer lets them stay at home as he brings the circus to them.
From July 31 – Aug. 3, Palmer a.k.a. Flyin’ Bob, will be bringing his entertaining, zany and thrilling circus camp to the Bold Center. The camp is available for kids between the ages of 8 and 13. While the overall goal of the camp is for youngsters to have fun — it’s not all kid-stuff; there’s a serious side to circus work, says Palmer.
“Mastering the various skills of a circus performer can be quite physically and mentally demanding,” he tells Lakeland This Week. “These are very unique concepts that not everyone is able to learn.”
While the young circus cadets won’t be taming lions or being shot out of a cannon, those who attend Flyin Bob’s Circus Camp will nonetheless find themselves challenged. There’s even a bit of magic thrown into the mix just to make things that much more fascinating.
“I teach all the basic tricks such as juggling, how to safely walk on stilts, rola bola balancing, plate spinning, balloon twisting, as well as riding unicycles,” says Palmer who brings his circus camp tour to the Lac La Biche region on a regular basis. “This year, the kids will be in for a special treat, as the show also features a professional magician who will teach them the secrets of magic.”
Over the years he’s been offering the unique camp, Palmer said many participants continue to hone their creative skills. He said some have learned more skills and gone onto become travelling performers. Others may only use their new skills to put smiles on the faces of family members. And even though many attendees may not continue the circus-life path, the lessons learned are adaptable to a wide range of situations.
One of the main purposes of this camp is to instill a sense of self discipline and goal-setting for the young ‘campers, says Palmer.
“What I want to see kids come away from my camp with are the most important life skills which include never giving up, always trying your best, and, most importantly, enjoying what you do,” he said.
Show ‘em what they’ve learned
At the end of the three-day camp, the young participants join Flyin’ Bob in the centre ring for a day of community performances. The end-of-camp show often draws crowds from the community to see how well the youngsters have learned their circus-tricks.
Palmer says the popularity of the camps continues to shine, and he enjoys seeing the new faces looking to become circus stars.
“This is the eighth year of the Lac La Biche camp, and the interest is just as strong," he said. "Since many kids had very limited access to physical activities during COVID, when given the opportunity to try fun unique skills like circus, they can’t get enough,” he exclaimed.
The shows are a great way to add new activity, new skills and new smiles, says the long-time performer.
“I’ve had a life in the circus, not as part of a real travelling circus, but as a one-man show. It can be whatever you want it to be. If you can’t have a life in the circus, at least you can have some circus in your life.”
Information about the camp and the circus show can be found through the Lac La Biche County Family and Community Support Services social media pages. Information about Flyin’ Bob Palmer can be found on the entertainer’s website.
