9TH ANNUAL ANACONDA CHESS CAMP
DECEMBER 22-24TH.

It is hard to believe but it has been almost an entire decade that we run the Anaconda Camps in the summer and in the winter. We are getting old!

This year was also very successful, having around 30 students in 3 groups ranging from beginners to advanced groups. It was wonderful seeing so many chess enthusiasts ranging from 5 year olds to 70 year old trying to learn the secrets of chess while playing tournament games and competing for various prizes.

Doing this camp with Coach Ken Larsen makes it a breeze.

This year we had more prizes than usual- ranging from several trophies per group to ribbons, stickers and toys! I don’t think any one complained about those changes and additions.
Each group each day had a chance to win 1 trophy while at the end on day 3- there were in addition special trophies for “Best Tournament Player” and the “best Overall Camper”.

Each student also got printouts of topics covered during the lesson / lecture times and some puzzles to take home too.

In other words- the 3 days passed very quickly and all of a sudden we had to say good bye!

I want to thank you again all the players and their tireless parents who love this game so much and show such determination.

Below are names of some of the Camp winners in no particular order (some students won 2 trophies).

No matter who won trophies- everyone was a winner in our eyes!

Group 1 (Wildcats): Ronnie Trezza / Ethan Hellbusch / David Thweatt / Lance Kaye (Overall winner) / Nitish Bhamidipati (Tournament winner)

Group 2 (Coyotes): Sai Konkimalla / Ashwin Mittal (Tournament winner) / Max Bekker (Overall winner)

Group 3 (Hawks): Michael Simon / Yulia Savine / Aleks Bekker (overall winner) / Isaac Ericson (Tournament winner).

If I forgot anyone, please let me know.

Enjoy the pictures and see you at the upcoming Monthly Camp!
Thanks again for making this camp such a fun an successful event!

Group 3: Day 1

Group 3: Day 1


Aswin Mittal

Aswin Mittal


Isaac Ericson

Isaac Ericson


Group 2 contemplating

Group 2 contemplating


Group 3

Group 3


Group 2 happy Campers

Group 2 happy Campers


Group 2 Final day really happy Campers

Group 2 Final day really happy Campers


Group 1 little chess monsters

Group 1 little chess monsters


Henry giving problems to Coach Levon on the board!

Henry giving problems to Coach Levon on the board!


Tournament time with Coach Ken

Tournament time with Coach Ken


Play time also

Play time also


Sai with his trophy

Sai with his trophy


Happy Michael
Aleks with his trophy

Aleks with his trophy

Playtime

Playtime


Wildcat group is super serious!

Wildcat group is super serious!


Age does not matter in chess

Age does not matter in chess

20121222_130641

chess is a serious game

chess is a serious game


trophies

trophies


ribbons

ribbons


Fall in the winter time!

Fall in the winter time!


Group 3 concentrating

Group 3 concentrating