Castle Chess Camp divides campers by USCF rating into color-coded groups of 12 students.  There is a maximum of 132 campers.  Each group has its own Counselor as well as a Primary Instructor.  The group is a camper's "family" for the week.

Castle Chess Camp begins on Sunday afternoon, with a brief orientation meeting for campers and parents.  The Counselors and Instructors are introduced.

After orientation, campers break for dinner.  After dinner, the groups meet with their Primary Instructor to play a simul.  This is a very important time, as it allows the Primary Instructors to get to know the students in the group and evaluate their play.  It also serves as a way for us to identify campers that may need to be moved to a different group in order to get the maximum benefit out of camp.

All campers receive a camp binder and a lanyard with an ID button at the start of camp.  Campers are required to wear their lanyard at all times.  They must bring a standard tournament chess set, a chess clock, and writing instruments with them to camp, and carry them at all times.

On Friday afternoon, all campers will receive a written evaluation from their Primary Instructor which will include recommendations for further study.

Saturday and Sunday are reserved for the Castle GRAND PRIX, a five-round USCF-rated tournament for campers, instructors, counselors, as well as other players not associated with camp.