Overview

Student-Teacher Ratio 12:1

REGULAR CHESS CAMP - Open for ages 6-17, All Levels

We welcome any child of 5+ years or older (Teens are welcome, ages grouped accordingly). Prior chess knowledge is NOT required to attend a BAC camp. In-Person camps are for players Level 1 - 4.5, (under 1400 USCF or u1700 Chesskid).

Safety

Bay Area Chess is CDC compliant. Masks are optional at this time. Safe-Practice: Handwashing breaks, common-sense distancing and routine Sanitation of Camp Materials.

Medical Waiver and Photo Release Form must be filled and signed by the parent/guardian for each child prior to the camp's start (the form will be linked (Google Doc) in the camp's Orientation email)

Morning Camps from 9AM to 1PM / Afternoon Camps from 1PM to 5PM

Afternoon blocks may not be available at every location.

Early drop-off (8:30-9am) or Late Pickup (5:00 - 5:30pm) available when registering for an additional fee.

NOTE: NO LATE PICK UP AT THE MORNING CAMP/ NO EARLY DROP-OFF AT THE AFTERNOON CAMP

Please note: there is a NO NUTS policy and NO FOOD Sharing policy in all BAC Camps.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Please inform us immediately of any known allergies your child may have.

The Camp snacks options may include:

Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks, Kellogg's Organic Fruit Snacks, Kirkland Apple-Sauce, Doritos Brand Basic Chip Variety Pack, Doritos Brand Bold Chip Variety Pack, Individual Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats, Keebler Cookie/Cracker Variety Pack, Cheeze-Its cracker snacks, Nature-Bakery Fig Bars, Kirkland Soft+Chewy Granola Bars, Fruit by the Foot Roll-Ups, Nature-Valley Honey+Oats Granola Bars, Velvita Cinnamon Breakfast Biscuits, All-Natural Otter-Pops (Apple-Juice popsicles), Individual Pringles Variety Pack, Capri Sun Juice Variety Pack, Kirkland bottled Water.

NOTE: WE DO NOT PROVIDE LUNCHES AT OUR CAMPS

STRATEGY GAMES/BOARD GAMES CAMP

Strategy Games camp is NOT a Chess Camp, it is a unique Board Games camp.

Targeting Students ages 6-16.

What is "Strategy-Games Camp", exactly?

BAC's Strategy-Games is an innovative and fun way to teach children the logic and strategy behind a variety of games in a way that incorporates many STEM concepts while having fun learning games both new and old! We use a variety of games (some with deep historical impact from cultures around the world and some home-brew games available only at BAC) to introduce the student to concepts in probability, game theory, pattern recognition, deductive reasoning, cooperation and creative thinking that leads to optimal decision-making in not only games of all types, but in life itself! We enjoy analyzing rules, dissecting the math behind certain game mechanics, solving (and creating) puzzles, discussing the history and impact of certain games or theories.. all while practicing sportsmanship, resource management, risk assessment, and cognitive 'advantage-based' reasoning. We also favor creative-thinking and design our own abstract or thematic board
games, either from provided templates or purely from scratch!

No Strategy Games experience is ever the same, as the coaches incorporate and provide a variety of different concepts and the selection varies tremendously!

We value Safety! Bay Area Chess is CDC compliant.

Masks are optional at this time. We are strictly following all current CDC requirements and precautions measures, including but not limited to masks requirements, sanitation, limited camp capacity. All our Instructors and Staff are fully vaccinated. Safe-Practice: Hand washing breaks, common-sense distancing and routine Sanitation of Camp Materials. All Breaks and Lunches will be spent Outdoors.

SNACKS

Please note: there is a NO NUTS policy and NO FOOD Sharing policy in all BAC Camps.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Please inform us immediately of any known allergies your child may have.
The Camp snacks options may include: Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks, Kellogg's Organic Fruit Snacks, Kirkland Apple-Sauce, Doritos Brand Basic Chip Variety Pack, Doritos Brand Bold Chip Variety Pack, Individual Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats, Keebler Cookie/Cracker Variety Pack, Cheeze-Its cracker snacks, Nature-Bakery Fig Bars, Kirkland Soft+Chewy Granola Bars, Fruit by the Foot Roll-Ups, Nature-Valley Honey+Oats Granola Bars, Velvita Cinnamon Breakfast Biscuits, All-Natural Otter-Pops (Apple-Juice popsicles), Individual Pringles Variety Pack, Capri Sun Juice Variety Pack, Kirkland bottled Water.

LEVELS:

1 = Absolute Beginners: For BRAND NEW players only; still learning the pieces and unable to checkmate. Topics can include: Piece names/movement, starting position, turn-sequence, piece values, special rules, general board competencies and checks/checkmates. Combine with the first 10 video lessons on ChessKid for optimal development and support! The average new player, age 5+, that completes a Level 1 Course, at least 40+ games, and has watched the first ~20 Chesskid Animated lessons should be ready for Level 2 courses after the first 6 weeks.
2 = Beginner: ~0-400 Rating USCF (or 400-1000 Rating on Chesskid.com). The student already knows the basic rules of chess and can complete a game without assistance. Chesskid Estimation: The player should have 10+ games logged weekly (including Tournament experience) and attempt 3-5 puzzles per day in the Puzzle section. When their 'live-chess' and puzzle rating reaches 950+, and the Chesskid lesson level is Queen-1 or higher, a student is generally ready to move up to level 3. Topics can include: Checkmating patterns, opening principles, the art of drawing, introduction to notation, early tactics and traps, the strategy of positional play and beginner end-game theories/conditions.
3 = Intermediate: ~350-850 Rating USCF (or 950-1275 Rating on Chesskid.com), Student has had between 2-5 semesters of Chess, some tournament experience (online or live) and is ready for harder concepts.
4 = Advanced I: ~800-1250 Rating USCF (or 1250-1599 Rating on Chesskid.com), Student is at Tournament Level, is highly enthused about chess and can compete in the ranges mentioned above.
5 = Advanced II: ~1200-1500 Rating USCF (or 1600+ Rating on various Online Chess platforms).

Itinerary

Prerequisites

What to Bring

Cancellation Policy

IN-PERSON & ONLINE CHESS PROGRAMS & CAMPS POLICIES

IN-PERSON CHESS PROGRAMS & CAMPS POLICIES

No prorates. We do not prorate for any of our programs' or camps' fees

CAMPS CANCELLATION policy:

Cancellation/change within 24 H after the registration is free of any charge: 14 days prior to camp’s start rule applies. If requested to cancel within 14 days prior to camp’s start, general cancellation rule applies.

Change after 24 H of registration and up to the camp’s start is $25 flat fee.

Cancellation between 24H past registration and up to 7 days prior to the camp’s start is subject to 75% refund.

Cancellation, which is filed in writing less than 7 days before the camp’s start date is subject to 50% refunds, this rule applies until 9 pm the day prior to the camp’s start.

On or after the first camp date – no refund*

* Sick Child Policy: If a child gets sick before a during the camp BAC reserves the right to request an official doctor’s note to consider a partial refund/prorate.

CAMPS CHANGE REQUEST policy:
- Change Request received up to 7 days before the camp start date will be accommodated if availability permits, subject to $25 Change fee;
- Change Request received less than 7 days before the camp start date will be accommodated only if availability permits, a $25 Change Fee applies;
- Change request received On or After the first camp date: We do not accept any change requests on or after the camp’s start day.

CAMPS AND AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES ARE NUT FREE Environment & NO FOOD SHARING Policy. We keep a nut free environment at all our classes, and we kindly ask every parent's support to help us with this. Please, do not send any food that contains nuts, and educate and remind your child(ren) to not share food with other kids.

Late Pick-up Policy (applicable for All In-Person Programs, Camps and Clubs):

The following late pick-up policy is enforced at all schools, camps, and clubs’ sites:

0-10 mins: no extra charge

10-20 mins: $20 extra charge

20-30 mins: $40 extra charge

30-60 mins: $80 extra charge

Please pick up your child on time. These fees go directly to the coach themselves for their time, or toward future registration scholarships. BAC does not profit in any way from late fees.

ONLINE CHESS PROGRAMS & CAMPS POLICIES

No prorates.

No refunds.

CANCELLATIONS:
- We do not provide any refunds if you want to cancel your enrollment;
- Credit will be applicable to the future BAC camps/programs of the current season, if cancelled at least 3 days prior to the program, course, camp, club or team start;
- No credits for the cancellations received 2 days or less prior to the start of any BAC Online program, course, camp, club or team can be considered.

CHANGE REQUESTS:
- $7 Change Fee is applicable to any change request – for online programs, if received at least 3 days prior to the program’s/camp’s/team’s or club’s start.

MAKE UP for the missed ONLINE Chess class: a student may be eligible for 1 make up class at BAC Online Chess Club. Please email the BAC Enrichment Team for the details: enrich@bayareachess.com

Photos

See All Photos

Reviews

4.5 (4)

+ Write a Review

(BAC In Person Chess Camps)

December 18, 2023 - Lindsay Brown

Verified Purchase

It was a last minute choice upon the spring break--my child took the spring camp on April-- but I am very glad that I enrolled my child to this camp!
It was my kid's first time playing chess with other kids so he was excited but also a bit nervous. When I went to pick him up on the first day of the camp, he was upset because I didn't sign up a longer session for him. He had so much fun throughout the camp week! They also had some recess time outside after lunch which my boy also enjoyed. I only wish the location was a bit closer from my house.
I'd recommend this camp/class to any child who enjoys some brain game!

This is helpful(1)

Bay Area Chess

December 18, 2023

Hello Lindsay! Thank you very much for your kind positive feedback on BAC's Chess Camp, we are happy to hear that your child enjoyed it.
We look forward to having your child join us for the upcoming Winter Chess Camps and beyond! Sincerely, The BayAreaChess Team

(BAC In Person Chess Camps)

July 30, 2023 - Aditya pal Pal

Verified Purchase

If your child is an absolute beginner to chess and needs to be taught all the rules and moves in a step-by-step way, then perhaps this camp is not for you. There is some instruction, but most of the camp is chess games and more games, because that is the way they want you to improve. In the 30 minutes of free time at the start, nearly all the children are playing chess games; so be prepared to walk in on day-one and have your child start a game with another player chosen by the instructors, within a couple of minutes. The instruction starts only after that free time.
Your beginner child is going to make many mistakes and a whole lot of 'illegal' moves. He/she is going to play better players - who in spite of the camp instructors oversight and instructions to be respectful of all players - are going to get irritated with those mistakes and moves. This therefore is a good camp for children who already know how chess pieces move and can play a basic game without mistakes.

This is helpful(8)

(BAC In Person Chess Camps)

May 17, 2023 - Vijay Murthi

Verified Purchase

Great class and my son enjoyed the whole time in the class.

This is helpful

Bay Area Chess

May 17, 2023

Hello Vijay! We greatly appreciate your feedback on the BAC's Chess Camps and Programs, and look forward to having Aarav join us again soon!

Sincerely, The BAC Enrichment Team

Show all reviews for BAC In Person Chess Camps

Questions & Answers

If my daughter (who just turned 6 years old) has never played Chess before, is this Chess camp appropriate for her? Will she be taught the basics from the beginning? (BAC In Person Chess Camps) -

asked on Jun 25, 2022

Jun 26, 2022 - BAC Bayareachess

Hello! Welcome to BayAreaChess! Our in-person camps are open for absolute beginners to advanced students. We honor each level, and teach accordingly. We also offer online Boot Chess Camps "Mighty Pawns' for Absolute Beginners only, the next one is starting this Monday, 6/27/22 (can be found under our Online Courses and Camps). We look forward to having your daughter join us this Summer and beyond! -

Post an answer This is helpful (6)

In the Strategy Games camp which is the only one available the week my son can do it, do you also play chess? He loves chess. I wish you could offer half day strategy and half day chess in the same day as an am and pm choice. (BAC In Person Chess Camps) -

asked on Jun 11, 2022

Jun 12, 2022 - BAC Bayareachess

Hello again! We have just added the Afternoon Chess Camp (1-5pm) for the week of 6/27-7/1, 2022 in Palo Alto. The registration is open, we look forward to having your child join us for the Summer Camp! -

Jun 12, 2022 - BAC Bayareachess

Hello! Thank you for reaching out. We do hold CHESS camps every week throughout the Summer at the various locations in Bay Area ( San Jose, Palo Alto, Menlo College, Redwood City). We have all offered CHESS camps listed at Activity Hero and at the BAC's Website. Strategy Games camp which we offer only 2 weeks this Summer is not a chess camp, it is a Board Games camp. We look forward to having your child join us this Summer to the camp/program of his choice! -

See more answers (1) Post an answer This is helpful (6)

Is the rating on chess.com the same as kidschess.com? We are interested in attending the Master Chess class. (BAC In Person Chess Camps) -

asked on Mar 15, 2023

Mar 15, 2023 - BAC Bayareachess

Hello Veronica! Welcome to BayAreaChess! Thank you for reaching out. Yes, we can use either chesskid.com or chess.com online rating to consider a child to enter Master Chess Camp. The Online rating of a student shall be 1400+. We look forward to having your child join us! -

Post an answer This is helpful (2)

Is the summer camp only at Palo Alto? (BAC In Person Chess Camps)

asked on May 02, 2022

May 03, 2022 - BAC Bayareachess

Hello! Thank you for reaching out. We offer Summer Camps in Palo Alto, San Jose and at the Menlo College in Atherton. We also offer camps in Milpitas and in Burlingame. -

Answer this question This is helpful (1)

Show all questions for BAC In Person Chess Camps from Bay Area Chess

About Bay Area Chess

BayAreaChess provides everyone with enjoyable activities that develop intellectual, mathematical, analytical, visual, and personal skills.

Usually responds within 1 business day

BAC In Person Chess Camps

Credit Status