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Building on a Legacy: How Last Year’s ICA Summer Chess Camp Shapes This Year’s Experience
Looking for the best, smartest, most challenging and overall fun experience this Summer for your Kids in Bergen County?
The 2024 International Chess Academy (ICA) Summer Chess Camp set a high bar—with record attendance, deep camaraderie, and unforgettable moments that redefined what a youth chess camp can offer. As we prepare for the 2025 camp season, that remarkable legacy lives on, shaping both the structure and spirit of this year’s program in Glen Rock and Teaneck.
Last summer’s blend of intellectual rigor and physical activity—from thrilling blitz matches to energetic dodgeball games—demonstrated the value of a well-rounded camp experience. This year, those elements return stronger than ever, with expanded recreational options and new themed chess challenges designed to keep young players fully engaged both on and off the board.
The emotional heart of 2024—the presence of a cancer survivor volunteer who offered profound insights into resilience and strategy—continues to inspire this year’s camp. Her message about the connections between chess and life has influenced how ICA mentors frame both competition and personal growth in their teaching.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Grandmaster camp, a standout success last year with its mix of elite instruction and community-building evening events, is back and more robust. In 2025, it will feature guest appearances, live commentary events, and even more peer mentoring, extending the sense of chess culture beyond daily lessons.
Most importantly, the spirit of camaraderie and perseverance that defined 2024—whether in the four-way tournament tie or the full-summer dedication of two standout campers—continues to guide the camp’s mission. This year’s participants are not just stepping into a summer camp; they’re entering a tradition (now in its 30th year) of excellence, friendship, and inspiration that grows stronger each year.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As the next generation of ICA campers arrive, they’ll build on the momentum of a camp that has proven itself to be far more than a seasonal activity—it’s a launchpad for lifelong learning and connection.
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