“Be Someone” founder Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson wants to teach young people to “make all the right moves.” To that end, he is hosting a weeklong chess camp at the Be Someone Training Center, located at 949 Stephenson Road in Stone Mountain during spring break.
The five-day leadership chess camp will be held April 8-12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for ages 9 and up. The camp’s curriculum is based on the mantra: “Brains Before Bullets, Think It Out, Don’t Shoot It Out! Heads Up, Pants Up, Grades Up!”
“Our main goal is to teach kids how to be problem solvers. We want them to understand that the bigger the problems they can solve, the more they can earn in the workforce,” Hudson said. “We want them to know that the new currency is K.A.S.H. – knowledge, attitude, skills and habits.”
Through Hudson’s innovative approach to the game of chess, children enrolled in the camp will play the roles of Bishops, Kings and Queens on a giant chess board. The chess camp will feature mascots Magic and Little Jimmy, who will make an
appearance to perform a rap song.
In between chess instruction, campers will compete with each other for prizes. Kids also will have opportunities to learn about leadership and effective communication skills, as well as the art of self-presentation. Hudson believes that these skills must be taught to younger generations to prepare them for leadership roles in the future.
For parents wondering about the benefits of playing chess, Hudson says the game of chess instills discipline and patience necessary for nurturing a new generation of leaders.
“My main goal is to teach kids how they can be a part of changing the world, one move at a time,” said Hudson. “We’re going to teach children how to dress, speak and how to create income.”
Kids will receive breakfast, snacks and lunch. In addition, families are invited to attend an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the camp. Every child will receive a trophy, chess set, T-shirt, wrist band, and a copy of Hudson’s book, One Move at a Time: How to Play and Win at Chess…and Life!
For more information, call 770-465-6445 or contact Orrin Hudson at orrin@besomeone.org.
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