Chess Kids on Summer Break
Believe it or not, summer is right around the corner. Your kids will be out of school and anxious for something to do. This summer, why not include chess in your plans? It’s good fun and a terrific way to keep those minds as active as their bodies!
Why Chess Is a Fantastic Summer Activity
While summer break should have a good balance of fun and unstructured time, planning some activities can give parents a break or provide childcare for the younger set. There are a lot of options out there, from horse camp to weeks of art and theater to sports. Chess is a standout option for several reasons.
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One, it’s a brain-boosting activity that helps prevent the “summer slide” in academic skills, with benefits for focus, memory, and pattern recognition. Two, it doesn’t depend on the weather. Some recent heat waves have been so severe that outdoor activities were canceled for safety. Chess is perfect for those dog days of August in climates where the temperature is too high. Three, chess is accessible, both physically and financially. Anyone can play, and there’s no expensive load of equipment and shoes to buy. Most camps don’t require your chess kid to bring anything but their lunch and enthusiasm. Finally, chess camp teaches kids how to play a game they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. There aren't many childhood activities that can claim that!
Chess Camps and Schools
The most immersive summer chess experience is an in-person camp. There are a handful of overnight chess camps if you’re looking for a “sleep-away camp” experience. Start looking for these at the US Chess Affiliate Chess Camps page. Overnight camps are an investment, and some expect a parent to travel as well, so do your research. If you have the funds and time, and the camp’s goals make sense for your kid, this can be a fantastic experience!
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The majority of chess camps are day camps and last for about a week. Some have transportation options and provide lunch; others will depend on you for transport and a packed lunch. Day camps are a good opportunity to make local friends, and while you focus on chess.
Chess Academies or Schools: If you live near a larger city, there should be chess academies near you. These larger organizations have year-round programming to help kids learn and grow their skills. They offer multiple camps during the summer along with after-school hangouts during the school year. If you think your kid may become serious about chess, an academy camp is a great option.
Chess Clubs: Local scholastic chess or non-profit chess clubs may offer summer camps or programs for kids. It might only be one week, though, so check as early as possible and don’t sleep on signing up. These organizations usually have more affordable options than for-profit chess academies, so the slots fill quickly.
On-line Chess Camps: If you don’t have local in-person camp options, there are online chess camps attended via video links. While your chess kid won’t get the same social experience as being in a room with other kids, this is a good option for a kid who is serious about chess and enjoys virtual learning.
Community Resources for Chess Kids
One drawback of chess camps can be the cost. If you’d like something more budget-friendly, your community may offer options.
If you have a local parks and recreation district, you’re one of the lucky ones! They offer a treasure trove of summer activities at very reasonable fees. Check their catalog for a chess camp or regular chess class during the summer. You may need to register sooner rather than later, as parks and recreation activities often fill up fast and have waiting lists. Don’t forget to browse the rest of the catalog for swim lessons and other activities while you’re there.
Public libraries may have a chess group that meets regularly to play and socialize. Many of the groups are focused on children, or your library may have an all-ages group. Any age limits should be specified in the listing on the library website. To register for these programs, you will usually need a library card. Most are completely free, but some charge a small fee. Feel free to relax or work in the library while your chess kid is occupied. Free wi-fi, tables, and peace and quiet are always available! The library is also fun for smaller kids while older siblings get their chess hats on.
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Making Your Own Chess Summer
If you live in an area where there aren’t programs available, or just can’t swing a formal camp, there are great chess learning activities you can do at home or on the road.
Make chess a family affair! The number one thing that helps kids develop their chess skills is playing games of chess. Set up a board in a convenient place and leave it up for the summer. Have a family chess night or play a family and friends tournament. If you don’t play, you can select a learning curriculum and follow the lessons together at your own pace. Two we recommend are The Batsford Book of Chess for Children by Sabrina Chevannes and Coach Jay’s Chess Academy, a fun multi-book setup using “belts” like martial arts.
If you are traveling (or if you happen to live in a chess-rich city), take some time to check out any chess-related landmarks. The World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis is an educational and inspirational stop. The chess tables in Washington Square Park in New York City are something to see, and an adventurous kid might even want to try their luck with the chess hustlers. If you’re planning an international trip, there are the Budapest thermal baths that feature in-water chess boards, or Reykjavik, Iceland, and its high grandmaster count may be your style.
On another travel-related note, you may want something besides screens for long flights and car rides. A magnetic chess travel set, like the 12" Magnetic Travel Chess & Checkers Set, is great for the car and comfortable to play with. If you need an ultra-compact option, the US Chess Large Checkbook Magnetic Travel Chess Set will easily slip into your purse or carry-on.
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One thing my kids loved was the over-sized chess set at our local botanical garden. Something about moving pieces almost as big as them was irresistible. Add in the benefits of a walk through the gardens and some fresh air, and it’s an activity they’ll want to do that’s good for them. You may also find a jumbo board at a local park. If you don’t have one close to you, sidewalk chalk and stuffies or painted rocks can make an improvised kid-sized chess set.
For days when it’s too hot to be outside, make the indoor fun more brain-stimulating and less brain-rot by putting on a movie about chess. Queen of Katwe is a family-friendly movie about a young girl whose life is changed forever by learning chess. For slightly older kids, Searching for Bobby Fischer follows the story of Josh Waitzkin, a real-life chess prodigy, and his sometimes complicated relationship with chess and his father.
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To get a two-for-one brain boost, why not read a book about chess together? We loved the middle grade book “May the Best Player Win” by Kyla Zhao. It’s a fictional story about May, a middle school girl facing her challenges in chess and in life with heart and determination. “My Name is Tani…and I Believe in Miracles” by Tanitoluwa Adewumi is an inspiring story about the author’s flight from Nigeria and rise in the chess world in New York City.
Conclusion
Your chess kid can keep up their learning over the summer in a variety of ways. We hope our list of options has inspired you to incorporate some chess into your summer plans. Have a great summer and we’ll see you at the giant chess board in the park!