Spring Camp returns; outdoor adventures, chess camp promise fun for kids

Chess Camp, a new offering at The J Spring Camp series, is designed to show kids that chess can be fun as well as challenging. The camp is being offered in conjunction with Chess Performance LLC.

J Campers have much to look forward to as spring begins and summer approaches. Soon, campers will have the opportunity to participate in both the Spring Earth Adventures Camp and in the Summer Chess Camps at the J.
Youth Program Manager and Assistant Camp Director Katelyn Graves said spring campers should expect fun-filled days with a variety of activities.
“We will be doing art, playing sports, planting seeds, and swimming in the [indoor] pool,” Graves said. “Weather permitting, we will spend time outside playing and gardening.”
In the Spring Earth Adventures Camp, campers will explore different biomes – natural habitats – with themed crafts, stories and games.
Of these activities, Assistant Camp Director and Jewish Youth Director Kari Semel said, “I’m most looking forward to planting seedlings with Farmer Michael” (Michael Fraade).
Camp Director Mindye Mannel, on the other hand, is excited for campers to take a field trip on Thursday, April 5, to the Louisville Science Center to explore exhibits and to see “National Parks Adventure” in the IMAX theater.
“It is an amazing film,” said Mannel.
Mannel and Graves are not only anticipating Spring Camp, they are eagerly awaiting all the excitement of summer, including the new specialty camp, Chess Camp.
Chess Camp will be held at The J in partnership with Chess Performance LLC, a company experienced in teaching young people about chess. Chess Performance President Ryan Velez looks forward to helping new players gain skills and to cultivating strategy in experienced players.
“Our chess camps seek to show people how chess can be fun, engaging and challenging,” says Velez.
Graves explains that The J decided to host Chess Camp to give campers the chance to have fun in a new way while learning and developing over the summer.
“Camp is an opportunity for children and teens to expand their comfort zones in a way that feels safe and supportive,” Graves says. “I hope that Chess Camp can provide that for some of our campers this summer.”
Spring Camp will run from Monday, April 2, through Thursday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with optional extended care. Campers in kindergarten through sixth grade are welcome to attend any of the four days. Additionally, campers in seventh and eighth grades may participate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, for the field trip.
Summer Chess Camp is available during Camp J week 1, June 4, through 8; week 4, June 25 through 29; week 5, July 2 through 6; and week 10, August 6 through 10. Camp days run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with optional extended care. Campers, who will be entering second through sixth grade in fall 2018 are welcome to participate in Chess Camp.

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