Every master was once a beginner...
Chess summer camps are the perfect way to:
Players age 6-14 and of all skill levels are welcome. Players will be divided into groups by skill level. Participants with no previous chess knowledge are welcome.
Chess is a game where problem solving through creative solutions is at the heart. We use mini games, worksheets, and activities to teach fundamentals as well as allow them time to play full games. Groups of all skill level will be taught with an emphasis on how to create a plan and make moves with a purpose.
Brand new players will learn how to play and the basic fundamentals of being a club player.
Beginners will become familiar with the phases of the game, basic strategic ideas, beginner tactics, and how to record their games.
Intermediate players will be taught tournament preparation, etiquette, advanced fundamentals, complex calculation, and strategic planning in all phases of the game.
Advanced students will work in a small groups together. They will play tournament style games and learn how to analyze their play. Additionally they will study advanced endgames, opening theory, and middle game strategies.
Instructors provide daily lessons, puzzles, and play to help guide students through each session.
8:30 - 9:00am - Ice Breaker Activity
9:00 - 10:00am - Chess Lesson #1
9:30am - Snack
10:00 - 10:45am - Outdoor Play
10:45 - 12:00pm - Chess Lesson #2
12:00 - 12:30pm - Lunch
12:30 - 1:15pm - Outdoor Play
1:15 – 2:00pm - Chess Movie time
2:00 - 3:30pm - Afternoon Tournament
2:30pm - Snack
3:30 - 4:00pm - Free Play
4:00 - 4:15pm - Departure
8:30 - 9:00am
9:00 - 10:00am
9:30am
10:00 - 10:45am
10:45 - 12:00pm
12:00 - 12:30pm
12:30 - 1:15pm
1:15 – 2:00pm
2:00 - 3:30pm
2:30pm
3:30 - 4:00pm
4:00 - 4:15pm
Arrival, Ice Breaker Activity
Chess Lesson #1 and Play
(current chess events, chess history, opening traps)
Snack (provided by Chess Camp)
Outdoor Play (outdoor on playground)
Chess Lesson #2 and Play
(middle game theory, end games, tournament rules and strategies)
Lunch
Outdoor Play (outdoor on playground)
Chess Movie/Relaxation time (Calm down from outdoor play)
Afternoon Tournament (Blitz, Bughouse, Regular, etc)
Snack (Provided by Chess Camp)
Free Play
Departure
Top US Chess Rating: 1854
Top FIDE Rating: 1885
The Summer Camps are led by Coach Jim Freerksen, a professional chess coach since 2015 with extensive experience in playing chess as well. He has coached Iowa state champions and focuses on bringing joy to his students and igniting their passion for chess. Apart from teaching chess, Coach Jim incorporates character building in his lessons, emphasizing qualities like persistence, effort, and a positive attitude as students learn and grow in the game.
Please do not drop students off early for camps as there will not be adequate supervision. Please pick up your student at the designated camp location, at the appropriate time. If you are going to be more than five minutes late, please notify the instructor. You will be charged an additional $10 per 15 minutes past the five-minute grace period. Late pick-up fees are due at the time of pick-up.
Contact info: Coach Jim (515) 776-0261 or Jim@dsmchess.com
You are responsible for sending a sack lunch. Two healthy snacks will be provided. Eating utensils, refrigerators, and microwaves will NOT be provided.
Cancelations will be issued a full refund, less a $30 cancellation fee per student.
Beginning, May 1st, 2024, no refunds will be issued for cancellations less than three weeks prior to a camp session, unless the cancellation is for a documented medical reason, accompanied by a doctor’s note.
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