Wondering if Chess & Community is the right fit for your kid? Here are five things our youth get out of participating.
The game of chess teaches patience and analytical thinking.
Chess is a game of strategy. You're presented with several moves every turn that you can choose between, which all ultimately determine the fate of the game. Life is similar in many ways! Every decision you make contributes to where you end up in the future. We teach our students to always think before they move, to always do the right thing.
Our youth bond and form long-lasting friendships through the program.
Even though chess is a one-on-one game, Chess & Community is big on teamwork and unity. Many of our students go to the same schools and use the program to see each other on a regular basis. Chess & Community is designed to let the students make friends on their own time and at their own pace. Whether your child has a bold streak or they're more introverted, there's a space in C&C for them to grow and thrive.
We teach the importance of being well-rounded, contributing citizens to society by including field trips to local city/government buildings.
We believe the best way for our next generation to understand what being a good citizen is like is by experiencing it firsthand. From hearing from the Athens-Clarke County Chamber of Commerce to learning meaningful skills directly from the city's most successful influences. For example, we've heard from NFL veteran and his wife Jarius and Martavia Wynn at our Real Money Challenge Program.
We host bigger trips to show that "community" extends far past the Athens-Clarke County borders.
In the past, we've taken groups to Washington D.C, North Carolina, South Carolina, and even Ethiopia to put their leadership skills to the test. It's a way for the youth to get a taste of independence and a break from all the stresses of school and Athens.
All aspects and opportunities are free.
Chess & Community is a nonprofit organization, meaning you are not responsible for paying for any trips, meals, or experiences your kids receive. It's a golden opportunity that students from any and every background could benefit from.