Yes. GM Ashley will be present every day. Every child will have the opportunity to work with Mr. Ashley in groups throughout the week. Each child will also play GM Ashley in a simultaneous exhibition at least once during the week.
My child is a beginner, can they still come?
Yes. The camp is appropriate for all ability levels. Students will be grouped by ability level so that each child can be appropriately challenged.
My child has been playing chess a long time and is a serious tournament player, will the camp be appropriate for them?
Yes. Many of the activities are appropriate for all levels. Students at different levels will learn different things, but all will be challenged. Other instruction is tailored to each instructional level.
Can you tell me more about the Evening Master Class?
The Master Class is tailored to "A" level players - players with a rating near of above 1400, who have played in tournaments, and who are familiar with chess language (especially chess notation). That said, other players are welcome to attend. Making connections between chess and Aikido, Ashley's lesson will discuss how you can use your opponent's moves to your advantage...how you can exploit the flaws in their game, letting them defeat themselves.
My child doesn't like to sit and listen to lectures. Will they have to do that a lot?
No. The MATCH chess camp curriculum is designed to be accessible to those with a variety of learning styles. Much of the instruction allows for and/or includes the opportunity to move around.
What is MATCH?
MATCH an acronym for Maurice Ashley Trains Champions, a collaborative effort between GM Maurice Ashley and Dr. Teresa Parr. MATCH programs and products are based GM Ashley's unique method for developing visualization skills, focus, concentration and coolness under pressure augmented by Dr. Parr's expertise in psychology and education. Students trained by GM Ashley have gone on to win National Championship team and individual titles, as well as becoming successful in a variety of careers.
Who is Maurice Ashley?
Maurice Ashley has been called the Tiger Woods of Chess. He made history when he became the first and only African-American to attain the coveted title of International Grand Master of Chess in 1999.
His media coverage on becoming 1st African-American International Grandmaster includes Time magazine , USA Today, New York Times, Sports Illustrated, London Times, Ebony, Investor's Business Daily, New York Daily News, Jet, New York Newsday, New York Post, Emerge, and a host of other papers around the world served by the Associated Press and Reuters. He has appeared on The Charlie Rose Show, CBS News This Morning, National Public Radio, Today New York (W-NBC), CNN, Bloomberg Radio, and a number of radio shows around the U.S.
He served as commentator for the IBM Kasparov vs. Deep Blue rematch (1997), 1996 Man vs. Machine match (Kasparov vs. Deep Blue), and other world championship matches.
Maurice was coach of the Raging Rooks (J.H.S. 43) of Harlem, winners of the National Junior High School Championships (1991) ; and also coach of the Dark Knights (also from Harlem), two time National Champions (1994 and 1995) in the Junior Varsity Division and was the head of the Dark Knights program as they continued to win six National Championship titles.
Maurice was named 2003 Grandmaster of the Year by the U.S. Chess Federation. He is the author of Chess for Success a book about how chess can help children succeed in life.
Maurice makes appearances all over the country speaking to young people and adults about chess and its benefits.
More information about GM Ashley can be found by visiting his website atwww.mauriceashley.com.
Who is Dr. Teresa Parr?
Dr. Teresa L. S. Parr has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. She has spent years working with families and children of all ages in a variety of therapeutic, educational, medical, and research settings. Dr. Parr's undergraduate and graduate work was completed at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her clinical internship was completed at the University of North Carolina Medical School at Chapel Hill. Her scholarly writing has been published in book chapters and research articles in the field of psychology.
Who else will work with my child?
The camp will be staffed by professional chess instructors trained in the MATCH method. Additional counselors may be used to assist instructors to insure that students are well-supervised at all times. We take your child's safety very seriously. As such, appropriate precautions will be observed, including requiring all staff to have criminal records background checks and references.
Will my child be playing chess ALL day?
No. Obviously, playing chess will be the primary focus of each day; however, children will also have the opportunity to visit Maymont's Nature Center and Children's Farm, engage in organized and free play outside, as well as to play a variety of games chosen to further develop focus, memory, visualization skills, and coolness under pressure. Instructors use a variety of techniques to make learning about chess fun. For example, activities often involve movement and the opportunity to work in groups or as a team.
All events will take place in the Garden Hall at Maymont. To access it most easily, enter the park from the Hampton Street entrance. A grounds map is available on the park's website at: http://www.maymont.org/pdfs/16Map.pdf
What are the official hours of the camp?
The camp begins at 9:30 am and ends promptly at 4:30 pm. We have only rented the facility for daytime hours and must vacate the premises promptly.
What is your cancellation policy?
A full refund minus a $35 service fee is given if cancellation request is received 30 days before camp. After this, refunds will not be given. If a child is sick and is unable to attend the camp, a doctor's note is required for a refund minus service fee to be given.
What are the lunch arrangements?
Students may bring their own lunch or order lunch to be delivered from our menu (see application). Please inform us of any special dietary issues. If your child's dietary concerns warrant it, please either send them with their own lunch or contact Incredible Edibles directly to inquire about ingredients, etc. Because peanut allergies are so common, we will make every attempt to avoid snacks with peanuts or tree nuts; however, if your child's allergy warrants it, please send appropriate snacks with them.
What happens in the case of emergency?
Please see the application for details. We will make every attempt to reach you as quickly as possible. If the situation warrants, we will call 911 and your child will be taken to the most appropriate hospital (as determined by emergency personnel).
What is your discipline policy?
The MATCH Camp is designed to be fun, appropriately challenging, engaging and well-structured, with clear expectations. Therefore, we do not anticipate any discipline problems during the camp. However, if a problem arises, the camper will receive one warning and a call home. If a second problem arises, the camper may be asked not to return and a prorated refund will be offered.
Can I (a parent) observe the camp?
Yes. Parents are welcome to observe. Please make sure to check two lunches for each day if you would like Incredible Edibles to provide you
and your child lunch.
What if my child has special needs?
Please contact us prior to the camp to discuss any special needs your child may have. The building is accessible to wheelchairs.
