Chess Confidence Camp

2026 Sessions: June 1–5 • June 8–12 • June 15–19 • July 6–10 • July 13–17

8:00 – 9:00 | Early Care (optional)

Quiet games, puzzles, and supervised free play.

9:00 – 9:15 | Arrival & Warm-Up

Check-in, puzzles, and informal games to get focused and settled.

9:15 – 10:15 | Instruction & Guided Play

Small-group lessons focused on core chess ideas, followed by guided practice and coach feedback.

10:15 – 10:30 | Snack & Break

Light snack and movement break.

10:30 – 11:30 | Structured Play & Activities

Mini-tournaments, team challenges, and themed games designed to apply the morning’s lessons.

11:30 – 12:30 | Grandmaster Session

Daily instruction with a visiting Grandmaster, rotating through:

• High-level concepts explained in kid-friendly terms

• Demonstration games and critical positions

• Interactive Q&A

• Mental approach to competition and decision-making

Sessions are adapted by age and playing level so all campers benefit.

12:30 – 1:00 | Lunch & Free Play

Bring-your-own lunch, followed by relaxed chess activities and supervised downtime.

1:00 – 2:00 | Skill Building & Game Review

Puzzle work, game analysis, and focused improvement activities, grouped by age and skill level.

2:00 – 2:15 | Break

Short break to reset and recharge.

2:15 – 3:15 | Competitive Play & Confidence Training

Structured games and guided discussion focused on:

• Decision-making under pressure

• Handling mistakes and losses

• Staying focused during long games

• Tournament etiquette

3:15 – 3:30 | Wrap-Up & Dismissal

Daily recap, highlights, and pickup.

3:30 – 5:00 | After Care (optional)

Supervised free play, puzzles, and casual games.

The camp is directed by Tony Rich, a US Chess National Tournament Director (NTD), International Arbiter (IA), and International Organizer (IO) with over 20 years of experience designing and running educational chess programs for young players at all levels.

Tony oversees:

• Daily instruction and curriculum design

• Group placement and progression

• Competitive activities and mindset training

He works closely with instructional staff to ensure each camper is supported at their individual level, both technically and emotionally.

Tiffany Rich-Lane serves as the camp’s Certified Lead Teacher. She is a licensed classroom educator with over 20 years of teaching experience and advanced degrees in education.

Tiffany is present throughout the day to support both campers and instructional staff, ensuring that the camp runs smoothly and that students’ developmental and learning needs are met.

Her role focuses on:

• Classroom management and daily structure

• Supporting a wide range of learning styles and individual needs

• Helping campers stay focused, engaged, and positive

• Creating a calm, respectful, and age-appropriate learning environment

Having an experienced, certified educator on staff ensures that Chess Confidence Camp is not only strong in chess instruction, but also thoughtfully run, supportive, and well-suited to young learners.

Each day includes a dedicated Grandmaster session, bringing elite-level insight into the camp in a way that’s accessible and engaging for young players.

Grandmasters lead:

• Interactive lessons and demonstrations

• Discussion of critical positions and ideas

• Guidance on competitive mindset and decision-making

Guest Grandmasters may vary by day.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

• Camp hours: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

• Early care: Available starting at 8:00 AM

• After care: Available until 5:00 PM

Early and after care are supervised and optional. more details provided during registration.

Enrollment

• 2026 Sessions: June 1–5 • June 8–12 • June 15–19 • July 6–10 • July 13–17

• Ages: 7–14

• This camp runs with a limited size to ensure individual attention. 

Food

• Campers should bring a nut-free lunch each day

• Light snacks will be provided

• Please note any allergies during registration

Supervision & Safety

• Campers remain with staff at all times and are never released without authorized pickup

• Groups are organized by age and playing level

• Staff adjust groupings as needed throughout the week

Refund Policy

• Full refund available up to 20 days before the start of camp. Refund requests must be submitted in writing by email.

• No refunds within 20 days of the start date, except in cases of illness or emergency

Questions

If you have questions before registering, please contact us at:      info@314chess.com