Canadian Youth Chess Championship Preparation Camp

Canadian Youth Chess Championship (CYCC)

With the CYCC 2025 approaching, we are offering a specialized training program to help students prepare at the highest level. Whether you’re aiming to qualify for the World Youth, reach the podium, or simply play your best tournament yet, this program provides the structured support needed for success.

Camp Daily Schedule

Here are samples of our interactive activities:

Personalized Game Analysis

Students will receive detailed analysis of their past tournament games from VCFs, Keres, GPO, BC Open, etc. Please submit PGNs or scoresheets in advance.

• Strategic strengths and positional understanding
• Common mistakes and tactical blind spots
• Practical advice for improvement and tournament readiness

Strategic Planning for CYCC

• Targeted opening preparation tailored to anticipated opponents and time controls
• Middlegame: Strategic planning, tactical motif training, and piece coordination
• Advanced Endgame Techniques

Practice Matches & Tournament Simulations

• Timed games under CYCC-like conditions and time control
• Post-game analysis and feedback on time management
• Confidence-building strategies for tournament performance

Analysis of GM Games (Instructional)

In addition to personal game work, students will study selected Grandmaster games to:

• Understand high-level strategic concepts
• Improve calculation and positional judgment
• Apply professional techniques to their own play

* All activities are subject to change without notice.

What to Bring

• Please bring lunch, snacks, and water. No lunch re-heating service available.
• Please note that our school is a nut-free zone.
• Please leave your electronic gadgets at home.

Drop Off / Pick Up

We ask campers to arrive between 8:30–9:00 AM to check in. Please print and submit the consent form on the first day of camp. You will find this form in our email. Campers must be signed in at drop off and signed out at pick up by authorized individuals.

Pizza lunch for all campers.

Fees: 3-Day Camp (Wed to Fri)

• Full Day: 9:00am – 5:00pm — $300
  Sibling discount: 20% off for 2nd or higher member of the family
• Half Day: 9:00am–1:00pm or 1:00–5:00pm — $200
  No sibling discounts

Camp space is reserved with full payment online.

Policies

Camp Confirmation

Minimum enrollment of 6 students is required before we confirm the camp will take place. Once confirmed, we will mark “Confirmed” on our Events page and notify you by email 5 days prior. A full refund will be given if the camp is not confirmed.

Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal with refund may be requested in writing more than one week prior to the program's start date. No refunds are given for withdrawals requested less than one week prior to the first day of the camp or at any time during the camp. Pro-rated refunds are not available for days absent.

General Policy

VCS reserves the right to refuse or dismiss participants to ensure safety and enjoyment. English communication is essential.

Photography

VCS reserves the right to use photos taken during the camp for promotional purposes, unless parents request in writing that their child’s image not be used.

Contact Us

For immediate assistance, please contact us:

• Email: info@vanchess.ca or natasha@vanchess.ca
• Phone: (604) 568-3283