Rainbow Elementary School will host summer chess camps. The Rainbow Chess Team is shown here. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – From novice to competitive levels, chess players can choose among four summer camps at Rainbow Elementary School. After camps close, a new tournament will open.

Youth entering grades K-8 in any public, private or home school can enroll. Camp dates are July 16-18. Camp fee is $75.

Camp instructors will be Bill Nash, Rainbow Chess Team’s competition coach, and Noel Newquist, coach/sponsor for Madison and Rainbow elementary chess clubs.

“Learn to Play Chess” camp from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. will teach basics on how pieces move and about point values and rules. “It’s designed for students who want to learn how to play and join school chess clubs,” parent volunteer Ranae Bartlett said.

“Beginner Competition Chess Camp” also from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. is targeted for players who have competed in United States Chess Federation (USCF) tournaments with a rating below 600. USCF registration number is required.

To play just for fun, the “Recreation Chess Camp” from 1 to 4 p.m. is designed for children who haven’t competed in USCF-rated tournament or received a rating but want to improve their skills. “Those students who attended last summer’s chess camps at Rainbow will build on what was learned,” Bartlett said.

“Intermediate Competition Chess Camp” from 1 to 4 p.m. will help students who compete regularly in chess tournaments. The child must have a minimum USCF rating of 600 or above.

Reservations are secured based on receipt date of payment and registration forms. Campers will want to pack a snack and drink.

A new activity this year, the first annual Summer Knights Chess Tournament on July 19 is open to students in grades K-12. Both rated and non-rated sections will be available.

“This will be a great first tournament for your kids to try if they have not played competitive chess before,” Bartlett said.

Registration forms for both the camps and Summer Knights Chess Tournament are available at madisoncity.k12.al.us; click “Summer Chess Camp Information.” For more information, email to rbartlett@madisoncity.k12.al.us.