The search for the perfect summer camp in Forest Hills typically sets off a frenzy of text messages among parents as early as February.
“Which summer camp are you sending your little one to?”
“Will Community House have any open spaces?”
“Check out Queens College! It sends a bus so you won’t have to worry about pick up or drop off!”
“I can’t possibly afford Pierce Country Day Camp! Even if they do your children’s swim laundry.”
Some programs fill fast. And it’s difficult to commit to a camp months in advance, when you are not yet certain when or if your family will have a scheduled vacation. And it can also be scary to commit to an entire eight-week program if you aren’t quite sure if your child will enjoy the place. That is why camps that offer flexible drop-in day options are much appreciated. New York Chess Academy is one of them.
New York Chess Academy is basically a beacon of light for working parents year-round, offering day camps on pretty much any day there is a public school holiday. Its summer camp also tends to start earlier and end later than most programs, from June 23 to August 21. The best part is your child doesn’t have to be Bobby Fischer to join. It is open to all levels with full and half-day options.
The camps will include discussions, game play and analysis, puzzle-solving, and other chess-related activities. But for those who prefer non-chess activities, there are indoor games, arts, and different fun activities like Legos. Held at a church auditorium on 112th Street, there is plenty of room for children to play tag and hide & seek. Pizza is ordered daily and kids may pack their own lunch and snacks.
If weather permits, the counselors take a stroll to the nearby Willow Lake Playground where the kids typically play with super-soakers, water balloons, or bubbles. Parents have the option of adding $5 to their day rate so the child can order from the ice cream truck.
I love to send my child to NYCA because I want them to have a meaningful summer that prevents “the summer slide” but also packs in the fun. Engaging in chess is a wonderful way for your child to develop critical thinking, strategy, and logic in ways the NYC Department of Education is unfortunately dropping the ball. Best of all it is led by talented chess instructors who guide much of their students to statewide tournaments.
All in all, New York Chess Academy chess camps offer students the opportunity to learn chess and play games in a fun, friendly environment.
The camp is open to all levels age 4-13, and the good news for working parents is the full-day options is 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. There are half-day morning and afternoon options, for parents who might want some flexibility should they want a last-minute beach day.
More information about New York Chess Academy in Forest Hills can be found here.
