Unit 219's Youth Bridge CampUnit 219's first youth bridge camp was great fun! Thirteen campers showed up Monday morning, and off we went on a great adventure together. It was held June 1-5, 2009, with campers ranging in ages from 10 to 19 years. One of the 19-year olds had volunteered twice before camp started to help if needed, so we had three full tables with him assisting. Also assisting were Nancy Roberts and Murray Hall. Nancy took care of registration and preparing food for the campers. Murray was our director during the final day's game. Carolyn Hall came three days to take pictures. All three of the adults positioned themselves at a table each day to assist with questions from the campers. Realizing the importance of food to tweens and teens, Carolyn Wolf baked dozens and dozens of cookies for the campers to enjoy after the lessons every day.
Thanks to Carolyn Eckert's guidance (Atlanta Jr. Bridge teacher) and notes, I was careful to instruct for five minutes and give an activity for five or 10 minutes. Then back to instructing for five or 10 minutes and an activity again.
The first day was spent learning about suits, their rank, the difference between a major and a minor, the magic of the number 13, the importance of count, and how to take tricks. We talked about the guide card and the importance of partnership in bridge. After several hands of No Trump, the concept of a super suit was introduced which led to a discussion of ruffing.
Next came introduction of the duplicate board and placing a value on the honor cards. They were told they had two decisions to make: No Trump or a suit, and how high to bid. The concept of "book" was introduced. Scoring was begun at this point and from then on, every single hand they played was scored by the campers on the blackboard. By the end of the first few days, they were all doing their own scoring and understood the difference between a top, bottom, or average board.
On the second day, the bidding box was introduced, along with a review of the first day's lessons. Responding to a major suit opening and learning how to get to game was emphasized.
Day three brought minor suit openings and golden fits. One of our 16-year-olds, during the bidding, asked her partner (out loud) how many points she had. Partner told her. She called me over and asked about slam. I said, "You've wanted to bid slam since yesterday; go for it!" It made. Then when the scores went up on the board, one of the campers (19) at another table asked how they got to the slam. This particular young man plays in open games and knows the rules. I said, "Declarer asked her partner how many points she had by talking across the table." He laughed and we used that as a humorous lesson to the whole group about the reason for bidding boxes. They were all in the process of transitioning from mini-bridge (talking about what's in their hands) to real bridge (using the bidding boxes). The concept had temporarily gotten away from the slam bidder!
A lesson on leads ensued as they began to play hands more and more on their own.
The fourth day we talked about opening No Trump bids and the responses thereto. They learned about voids, singletons, and doubletons.
Friday was their big day. They played six hands in 1-1/2 hours, two boards per round. Murray put the scores in the computer. We had trophies for first place N/S, and first place E/W. Pizza was ordered, a veggie tray appeared, and two of the campers baked a "We love bridge" cake. ACBL provided certificates and t-shirts for each camper. They all stayed and talked and visited so long, the adults were arriving for their regularly scheduled game.
These young people were focused, enthusiastic, bright, charming, and patient with each other (and their teacher). They asked great questions and took part in all activities. It was a joy to meet and get to know them, and we are looking forward to watching them continue their long, wonderful careers in this fabulous game.
Our thanks to all the clubs in Unit 219 who helped fund this camp. Our projects continue, so please don't forget us! Lessons continue every Saturday from 10-12, with a youth game the second Saturday of every month at 1:00 p.m.