Every month, Scouts in the Patriots’ Path Council log online for some friendly competition. It’s not for a new videogame, but an ancient game of strategy that’s been enjoyed for centuries: chess.
The Patriots’ Path Council hosts an online chess club for youth – from Cub Scouts to 17-year-olds – to learn the game and compete. They not only compete virtually, but a few times a year, they play in-person.
Earlier this year, four chess club members from Troop 90 of Branchburg, N.J., took their skills to the U.S. Chess Federation’s Amateur Tournament East contest. The team of Joshua McDonald, Daniel Hanifin, Kyle Benson and Ceanan Zlatkov participated with 325 teams during a three-day tournament in New Jersey.
“Some of our club members are also members of the U.S. Chess Federation, competing in rated play outside of the club,” says Dan McDonald, chess club advisor. “It’s from these players that we assembled the team that we took to the U.S. Amateur Teams East competition, one of the largest tournaments in the country.”
And while the Scouts didn’t bring home any hardware, they did showcase what they have learned while in the chess club.
Setting up the board
Troops in the Patriots’ Path Council have hosted chess tournaments for years, McDonald says, but the chess club wasn’t formed until 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its formation offered a way for Scouts to continue their connections from home while playing a fun game together.
The monthly online tournaments also included a Zoom call for Scouts and leaders to chat, get guidance and review games. And it served to reach prospective Scouts since the club is open to all youth who are Scouting age.
“Don’t let a player’s age fool you; some of our strongest players have been Cub Scouts!” McDonald says.
Most games are just for fun, but sometimes, the club focuses on competitive play. Those tournaments follow the same rules as U.S. Chess Federation tournaments, preparing Scouts for competitive chess, if they want to sign up. The club is free to join with the only costs coming for in-person events to cover the costs of food and trophies.
The club’s advisors not only coach Scouts during club meetings and tournaments, but also help in the council’s summer camp programs, providing resources and training to camp staff to teach the Chess merit badge.
Test your skills
If your Scouts are interested in chess, study the merit badge pamphlet. The Chess merit badge teaches the basics of the game, but also the game’s benefits, like enhancing one’s critical thinking, concentration and decision-making.
“Even if you’re an experienced player, earning the merit badge is a fantastic way to improve your game,” McDonald says.
You can also check out these tips from Scout Life magazine and resources from the Patriots’ Path Council’s chess club page.
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