This summer Helping Hands of Princeton started a chess club at HomeFront NJ in collaboration with their Joy, Hopes and Dreams program. We are pleased to have been awarded America’s Promise Alliance “Serve this Summer” grant, which will go towards purchasing chess kits and books for the club.
The Joy, Hopes and Dreams Program at HomeFront NJ nurtures children from birth through teenage years by providing homework help, mentoring and cultural enrichment. They provide after school programs everyday of the week and educational and fun recreational activities over the weekend. Meals and transportation are provided for all the activities. The program depends on community donations and volunteer efforts for funding and support and collaborates with local organizations like the Arts Council of Princeton, McCarter Theatre and Rider University.
The first chess camp was held at the Lawrence Community Center in Lawrenceville, NJ on June 20th, 22nd and 24th. About 40 elementary and middle school children attended the camp. We started by introducing chess fundamentals, moving onto more advanced skills and then holding matches. Our hope is for the children at HomeFront NJ to develop a love for chess, apply it to STEM fields, and strengthen their critical thinking skills. The camp will also provide opportunities for them to make friends, develop team spirit, and have fun!
Helping Hands of Princeton 