What chess classes, camps, and clubs does WSCF offer for kids?
Updated
The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation (WSCF) runs three main kinds of youth chess programming: classes, camps, and clubs. You can find the current lineups under the "Camps and Classes" and "Our Services" sections of wisconsinscholasticchess.org, while community club announcements appear in the site's news posts. Because specific dates, locations, and prices are not listed in the source material, treat the categories below as a map of what to look for rather than a fixed schedule.
Classes
WSCF lists an "Upcoming Classes" area alongside its camps, so classes are a standing part of its offerings rather than a one-off event. The site also references Super Saturday workshops, which are described as one of the settings where the organization's chess teachers work.
For a parent, the practical move is to open the "Camps and Classes" section and check the "Upcoming Classes" listing for the current term. If nothing is posted, the same page is where new sessions would appear.
Camps
Chess camps are a named service on the site, listed under both "Camps and Classes" and "Our Services." The source does not specify camp length, age ranges, or cost, so confirm those details directly on the camp listing before registering.
Clubs
WSCF's club programming comes in two forms:
- School-based clubs — for example, the Morse Chess Club, coached by Cathleen Pollack, whose team placed first in K7 and K12 at the WSCF State Chess Championship at the Kalahari.
- Community chess clubs — WSCF has partnered with three recreation departments and one local business to launch new community clubs. Nicolet Recreation, Greenfield Recreation, and Oak Creek Recreation are named as promoting club registration.
If your child's school does not have a club, the community clubs are the alternative route, and registration runs through the partner recreation department rather than through WSCF directly.
Teaching staff and what it signals
WSCF hires chess teachers for youth camps, classes, clubs, and Super Saturday workshops. First-year instructors are paid $18/hour, and the organization describes the role as suited to college students with chess experience. That detail is useful context: the programming is staffed by paid instructors rather than volunteers only, though the source does not describe any certification or background-check requirements.
How to check what's currently open
- Go to wisconsinscholasticchess.org.
- Open Camps and Classes for upcoming classes and camp information.
- Open Our Services for the full service list, including camps.
- Check the news posts for new community club launches and registration announcements.
- For tournaments rather than instruction, use the separate "Upcoming Tournaments" and "Tournament Results" sections.
One caveat worth knowing: the site notes that a new registration system has been in development since April and is scheduled to launch. If a registration link behaves unexpectedly, that transition is a likely reason — check back or contact WSCF through the site's contact page.
Quick reference
| Offering | Where to find it | Notes from the source |
|---|---|---|
| Classes | Camps and Classes → Upcoming Classes | Term-based; dates not listed in source |
| Camps | Camps and Classes; Our Services | Details not specified in source |
| Super Saturday workshops | Referenced under teacher hiring | Format and schedule not specified |
| School clubs | News posts | Example: Morse Chess Club |
| Community clubs | News posts | Partners: Nicolet, Greenfield, Oak Creek Recreation, plus one local business |
If you want a single next step: open the "Camps and Classes" page first, since it covers both classes and camps, then check the news section for the community club nearest you.