The day started at 10:00am, with many kids arriving before that time and playing “skittles” (casual) chess games with each other while they awaited the start of the class. Many of 24 students who attended the camp knew each other, but many did not. The head of NYChessKids, Saudin Robovic, stressed to the students from the beginning of the day that they should try and make new friends at camp, which makes everyone’s experience more enjoyable. Indeed, students’ home schools included Horace Mann, Nest, Special Music School, P.S. 6, P.S. 116, P.S. 166, and P.S. 290. After munching on snacks, it was time for the first lesson at about 10:30. Students were given different sets of puzzles to solve (according to each student’s level) ranging from “Checkmate in One Move” for relative beginners, to complex selections from world-class trainer Mark Dvoretsky! The puzzles were challenging, but not out of reach for the students, who could find the solutions and the ideas behind them with guidance from Saudin and his two assistants Gregory Cesar and Andre Harding. At about noon, it was time for the lunch break. While students awaited pizza, some watched DVD movies including “The Incredibles,” and others began playing video games on the GameCube and X-Box consoles. As always, those watching the movies ate first, because it takes quite a bit of work for the instructors to get the kids hypnotized by the video games to eat… The poor weather did not allow any outdoors time, the playtime being a hallmark of NYChessKids summer camps, and instead we carried on with a second session at about 1:30pm (normally, the “second” session would be held in the morning, and there would be no puzzle time). This time, everyone was divided into three groups. Gregory gave a lesson to chess newcomers, Andre to the intermediate students, and Saudin to the advanced students. The teacher gives a lecture on games from the past explaining important points to remember, while students listen and ask lots of questions. After about an hour or so, it was time for another break before the final session: “The serious game.” Saudin paired each student with another student appropriate for them, and most students were given paper and pencil to write down the moves of the game they were to play. This session is intended simulate a tournament game, to get students accustomed to this. The environment is serious, but not intimidating or pressure-packed. The teachers circulate the playing area, sometimes reminding students to relax if they appear too tense. Chess is supposed to be fun! After the games were complete, students either played more skittles games, played video games, or watched “Finding Nemo,” while their parents came to pick them up from 4:30-5:00pm. It was a great day, and we expect to see many returning students for the Winter Camp in December! Details will be posted on www.nychesskids.com shortly! |
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