For campers entering Grades 2-8

Unleash Your Inner Grandmaster!

Camp Description: Dive into the exciting world of strategy and critical thinking with our Chess Camp! Whether you’re a pawn-pusher novice or a budding knight, this immersive week-long camp is perfect for students of all skill levels, from beginners eager to learn the fundamentals to experienced players looking to enhance their game. Let’s checkmate boredom together!

Key Learning Objectives:

• Sportsmanship: Emphasize respect, fair play, and a positive competitive spirit throughout the camp.
• Chess Fundamentals: Master the rules, piece movements, and basic strategies essential for playing chess.
• Tactical Skills: Discover key tactics such as forks, pins, and skewers to gain an advantage over opponents.
• Strategic Thinking: Develop long-term planning abilities and learn how to anticipate your opponent’s moves effectively.
• Game Analysis: Analyze classic games and explore different strategies to deepen understanding of the game.

This camp presented with our partner, Chess Hero.

New This Year: FunFusion Programs: An Exclusive, Enriching Experience for Your Child

FunFusion programs offer the ultimate blend of specialized instruction and classic camp adventures, curated to inspire and engage. Each day, your child will spend three hours immersed in premier programming led by our highly-trained vendor partners, providing exceptional learning and growth opportunities. The remainder of the day is filled with traditional camp activities—thoughtfully designed games, creative arts and crafts, refreshing swim sessions, and team-building experiences—all guided by our dedicated Summer at St. John’s staff. This unique combination of expert-led instruction and timeless camp fun delivers an age-appropriate, well-rounded experience that not only excites but enriches, setting the stage for a memorable, high-quality summer of growth and joy.

At a Glance:

• 1:10 program specialized instructor ratio within each coed group 
• State-of-the art facilities and technology
• Summer at St. John’s counselor team to provide extra staffing where needed
• Click here to view our Summer 2025 Policies, including deposit and refund information

What to Pack in Your Backpack:

• Refillable water bottle
• Nut free lunch and snack
• Light layer as the A/C will be on in buildings
• Sunscreen – applied before coming and reapplied frequently
• We suggest that cell phones and other personal electronics remain at home. Should they come to camp they should remain in backpacks throughout the program day.