Fall Chess Camp has half-, full-day options
MADISON – Madison City Chess League will host the 2017 Fall Chess Camp with options on Oct. 28 and 29.
Registration is open. An all-star lineup of chess instructors will mentor all levels of players at Rainbow Elementary School. State representatives Mike Ball and Mac McCutcheon are sponsoring Fall Chess Camp.
The camp will open with a Halloween costume contest. “We will award prizes for best costume, best chess-themed costume and most creative costume,” Ranae Bartlett said. Bartlett is MCCL Executive Director.
One option for half-day camp is “Learn to Play Chess Class” from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 28. MCCL Coach of the Year Ed Mullin will teach this session for youngsters who want to learn the game’s fundamentals. Cost is $30 for MCCL members and $40 for other campers.
Another half-day camp, “Beginning Competition Chess Camp” from 2 to 5 p.m. is open to players rated below 500. Chess expert Jonathan Rasberry will return to Madison to teach this camp. FunMaster Mike from ChessKid.com also will teach a lesson.
This camp’s fee is $40 for MCCL members and $50 for other players.
The full-day “Competition Chess Camp” is targeted for players with a USCF rating 500 and above. Full-day campers will experience instruction from Grand Master Alex Stripunsky, Fide Master Mike Klein (FunMaster Mike from ChessKid.com) and Expert Jonathan Rasberry.
These campers will start their day in the outdoor chess classroom with the costume contest and a chance at the giant chess sets. They will be subdivided into groups to rotate among the three instructors.
Lunch will offer with vegetarian options. Some recreation time has been built in for both instructors and campers. Cost is $75 for MCCL members and $100 for others.
Another option is the “Grand Master Camp” for players rated 1400 and above. A full-day camp on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be held, followed by a half-day on Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $150 for MCCL members and $175 for others.
“Our highest rated students have a unique opportunity to spend Oct. 28 with all three camp instructors and a half-day on Oct. 29 with Grand Master Stripunsky,” Bartlett said.