SPOTLIGHT ON: Kids’ Chess Club
WHAT IS IT?
The Burnaby Junior Chess Club offers chess instruction and play for kids from kindergarten to Grade 12. Kids get lessons and have a chance to play each other in casual, round-robin-style tournaments.
WHEN AND WHERE?
The Burnaby Junior Chess Club oversees clubs at local schools and also offers drop-in sessions at Burnaby Public Library locations (for the summer, they’re offered Saturdays at the Metrotown branch, 2 to 3:30 p.m.).
The club is also offering a new series of lessons this summer, July 9 to Aug. 27, at Bonsor Recreation Complex. Beginner lessons run from 1 to 2:30 p.m., intermediate from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and advanced from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
WHY CHESS?
Why not? The Burnaby Junior Chess Club’s website notes that the benefits of chess are many. The game helps children to develop their math and problem-solving skills, increases their logical reasoning and critical thinking skills, helps them with communication and social skills, and improves intellectual maturity and self-esteem – among many others.
Even more importantly, however, it’s fun.
“Kids have a blast playing their friends, siblings, and schoolmates, family and relatives,” the website says. “Experience your first chess tournament and you will see that chess teaches your children a lot and is a great opportunity for children to socialize, compete and challenge themselves.”
WHO’S IT FOR?
Though there’s a perception that chess may only be for a certain elite group, nothing could be further from the truth – it’s for everyone.
“Children that are gifted, have lesser abilities and who may struggle in school will all benefit from the challenges that chess has to offer,” says the chess club’s web site.
The lessons are open to all kids from kindergarten to Grade 12 age, regardless of skill and experience level. (If you’re not sure what level to sign your child up for, you can still register – organizers will follow up with you to help you figure it out.)
HOW DO I REGISTER?
The summer session (eight lessons) costs $100 per child. You can find an online registration form at www.burnabychessclub.com.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
See www.burnabychessclub.com, call 778-836-4268 or email [email protected].
