Do you make rating or age exceptions? Will you hold a spot for my child until they qualify?

  • Due to high demand, we do not hold places for students while they try to qualify by rating.
  • Students who are close to one or both of the required minimums may join the Waitlist by selecting the Waitlist – Under 1100 option when registering.

Why do you require a minimum USCF rating?

There are a lot of great camps out there for the beginning player. We’re looking to provide something really special for more committed and advanced players.

Having a whole group of campers that are already at a certain level allows us to take full advantage of our talented instructional staff of Grandmasters and other experienced trainers.

What is the average playing strength of the campers?

  • The average rating of all campers is ~1750.
  • The top group is typically for players rated 2100+.

What is the age range at camp?

  • Age range is 10 to adult.
  • The median age of camp is ~14. 

Where do Castle campers come from?

  • We get campers from dozens of states, and occasionally from foreign countries.
  • Over 1100 unique campers from 40 states and 10 countries have attended Castle Chess.

How do you make the homeroom groups? Can I be moved up to a higher group?

  • Camp is divided into groups of 12 each based on peak rating achieved in the last 5 years.
  • We make final groupings on June 1 to allow campers plenty of time to achieve a new peak rating. You are never penalized if you keep playing!
  • We get many emails from parents, coaches, and campers about moving up because they are underrated or they want a specific homeroom instructor, or want to be with a friend.
  • It would be unfair to honor these types of requests, so our rule is firm – nobody is allowed to move to a higher group, for any reason, ever.
  • We may honor requests to move to a lower group, if requested ahead of time.

What about a commuter/day camp option?

  • Since 2016, we are a fully residential camp.
  • Occasional exceptions are made for medical reasons – email us if this may apply.

Why is Castle Chess so early in the summer, when some schools are still in session?

  • Logistically, it would be very difficult to move the camp to a different week. Emory facilities are not generally available later in the summer, and we also try to plan around other big chess events.

What time do I need to arrive, and what time should I plan to leave?

  • Plan to arrive on campus on Sunday between 1:30-3:30pm to check into the dorm. If you are flying, flight arrival should be no later than Sunday 2:30pm to allow time to get to campus. Anybody who must arrive outside of this window should make arrangements in advance.
  • Orientation is Sunday 4:30pm, followed by dinner and the Homeroom Simul. Late arrivals may have to wait until 9:00pm to check into their rooms.
  • If you are not playing the Grand Prix tournament, check out is Friday evening or Saturday morning. If you are playing in the Grand Prix tournament, arrival is Sunday early evening. If you need to leave earlier than that to accommodate your travel schedule, you should request a round 5 bye.

What options are available for airport transportation?

New for 2025! Airport transportation is included with your camper registration!

  • 3 shuttle runs each Sunday (arrival and departure) – operated by a local transportation company.
    • Sunday, June 22 – Departures from Airport: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm
    • Sunday, June 29 – Departures from Emory: 3:00pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm
  • Arrivals: the scheduled flight arrival time must be before 2:30pm on Sunday, June 22.
  • Departures: allow 3 hours from the estimated departure time of the shuttle. A round 5 bye must be taken for the 3:00pm and 4:30pm shuttles.
  • Unaccompanied minors will be supported for an additional fee of $125 each way.
  • Priority is given to campers. If space permits, parents may also use the service.
  • Departures on Friday or Saturday morning are not included. Contact us for assistance with Uber or Taxi for those not staying on campus for the Grand Prix Tournament.

The US Department of Transportation has a guide for parents of kids flying alone.

Age requirements and unaccompanied minor programs vary by airline.

Is there parking on campus?

  • Parking at Emory is at the Peavine Parking Lot, 29 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA.
    • Use the covered parking deck – do not use the outside deck or you will be charged.
    • Allow ~15 minutes to walk from Peavine to campus.
  • Adults who only plan to come to campus in the evenings or on the weekends do not need a parking pass since the campus has open parking after 4:00pm and on the weekends.
  • For those needing parking before 4:00pm on the weekdays, parking passes are issued at check-in. There is no additional charge for these passes.

Is there internet in the dorms and classrooms?

  • Yes, internet is available everywhere on the Emory Campus via the “Emory Guest” network.
  • Internet access requires an email address or cell phone number and must be confirmed by receiving the email or text. Access must be re-requested every 24 hours.

What should I bring to camp?

See our Supply Checklist.

Are the dorms and classrooms air-conditioned?

  • Yes! Dorm rooms have individual adjustable thermostats. Classrooms and the tournament hall are usually quite cool, so we recommend bringing a light jacket to camp.

Are vending machines available?

  • No.

What options are available for water?

  • Emory has water refill stations throughout the campus. Bring a reusable water bottle.

Is there a laundry service, or laundry facilities?

  • Emory does not offer laundry service.
  • There are laundry facilities in the dorms free of charge, and campers may use these with permission from their group counselor. Bring laundry detergent.

What do campers get for linens and toiletries?

  • Campers will receive one pillow with pillowcase, one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, one medium weight blanket, one bath towel, and one washcloth.
  • This is camp, not a hotel–nobody makes your bed for you, and you don’t get fresh linens during the week. What you get at check-in is it for the whole week.
  • Many campers choose to bring additional pillows, blankets, and/or towels.
  • Toiletries are NOT PROVIDED. Bring all necessary items including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.
  • Campers planning to swim during recreation time should bring a towel.

Can I stay in the dorm with my child?

  • For safety reasons, only campers and staff are allowed to stay in the dorm.
  • All staff undergo a background check and complete child abuse prevention training.
  • Parents who meet the camp minimum rating may sign up as a camper.
  • If you are interested in applying to be a counselor, see the counselor page. Do not apply just to accompany your child – we want staff members that are committed to ALL campers.

What is the dorm like?

  • Raoul Hall dorm has double rooms. There are no triples or quads available. Rooms contain two single beds, two dressers, two desks, two closets, and one sink.
  • Bathrooms are community-style baths in the hallways, with private shower stalls and toilet stalls.
  • All mutual roommate requests are honored.
  • The whole camp is in the same dorm, and we are the only camp in that dorm for the week.
  • Counselors are stationed on each camper hall, not more than a few doors down from each camper.
  • Camper halls are split up by age and gender.
  • Adult campers are in a separate wing of the dorm.
  • Raoul Hall also has suite-style rooms with private or semi-private bathrooms. These rooms can be reserved by adult campers for an extra fee. Children whose parents are also campers may stay in the same suite with their parent.
  • Here is a link to the floor plans and some pictures of Raoul Hall.

I have special dietary restrictions. Can the cafeteria accommodate me?

  • Yes. Emory food service is nut and shellfish-free. All dishes are well-marked with symbols for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free, and the cafeteria employees are great about answering questions on ingredients whenever asked.
  • For kosher meals and allergies where cross-contamination is a threat, we can make arrangements in advance for meals to be prepared in a special area of the kitchen, sealed, and hand-delivered to the camper for an extra cost.

Where do I send check payments?

  • Make checks payable to “Castle Chess Inc,” with the camper name in the memo, and mail to:
    Castle Chess, Inc.
    c/o Mike Mulford
    903 Timberline Drive
    Cameron MO 64429

What is your Tax ID Number and address?

  • Tax ID Number: 26-1579707
  • Address: 903 Timberline Drive, Cameron, MO 64429.
  • It is our understanding that the cost for overnight camps does not qualify for the Child Care Tax Credit. Consult an accountant or the IRS website for information.

Can I visit my child/observe during camp?

  • Parents may to visit and observe during the day, as long as they are not disruptive and they check in with staff. After 9:00pm, parents are not allowed in the dorm.
  • Many parents come to orientation and/or the awards ceremony.

If my camper is playing in the Grand Prix tournament, how do I inform you about the section and byes?

  • We gather information about Grand Prix section and byes directly from campers during camp.
  • If you have specific questions about the Grand Prix, visit the website or email us at tournament@castlechess.org.

For the Grand Prix tournament, can I play the 3-day schedule (Friday night)?

  • Campers under the age of 15 must play in the 2-day schedule.
    • If a camper under 15 wants to play the 3-day, a parent can check the child out of camp to stay with them in a nearby hotel. 
  • Campers age 15+ may choose between 3-day or 2-day schedules.
  • Campers who are not playing on Friday night will have evening activities to choose from, including Movie Night and our special twilight edition of Capture the Flag. 

Can I mail a care package to my child?

  • Mail can be delivered, but it is tricky. Since mail is usually delayed by 1-3 days due to processing time in the Emory mailroom, and since the camp is only a week long, we recommend instead that you tuck a wrapped package in your camper’s suitcase with a note that says “Don’t open until Thursday.” If you absolutely do have to mail something (say a forgotten pair of glasses) please contact the Camp Director for special instructions to ensure a smooth delivery.

In the case of a cancellation, what is the refund policy?

After you have paid, we certainly hope you will not need to cancel. However, should that become necessary at any time for any reason, our refund policy is simple. If we can fill your spot, then you will be refunded all but $100. If we CANNOT fill your spot, then you receive no refund.