A summer camp magic performance turned truly magical all for a 9-year-old boy waiting to see his father.

Ethan Christensen was brought up on stage to be part of the show at the YMCA's Camp Indian Valley, but he had no idea just how he would be wowed by the show's climax.

During the act, he was given a military cap to put on, and was then asked to give it to the man standing behind him, introduced as the magician's "new assistant."

When he realized the assistance was in fact his father, Major Timothy Christensen, he leaped into his arms.

Major Christensen had been away from home for more than a year on a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Christensen also surprised his daughter, Emily, at the same camp.

(WTNH)