Legacy Play refers to the seamless blend of timeless, cross-generational experiences that connect people through the universal joy of play.
It encompasses activities that evoke both nostalgia and innovation, ensuring that every generation—past, present, and future—can engage in meaningful, intelligent play. Legacy Play fosters a sense of community, creativity, and learning by bridging traditional forms of play with modern technologies and ideas. It’s about preserving the spirit of play across time while constantly evolving to include new, exciting ways to learn and interact.
Key Elements of Legacy Play:
Timeless Appeal: Activities that resonate across all ages, ensuring they feel both familiar and fresh.
Nostalgia and Innovation: A balance of classic games or experiences with cutting-edge, futuristic elements.
Cross-Generational Engagement: Encouraging interaction between generations, fostering connections through shared play.
DISCOVER. LEARN. PLAY.
Discovery Center at Stony Point (Discovery Chess) is an established provider of children’s educational chess programming.
We Specialize in CHESS, STEAM & SUMMER providing Engaging, discovery-based experiences for early childhood, K-8 Students, Teens, and Senior Citizens.
Our services include seasonal camps, discovery labs, workshops and Pop Up & Play events within Richmond, VA., and virtual private coaching across the globe
Programs Start in Early February
STEAM
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Our Discovery STEAM program for 3 & 4-year-olds introduces young learners to the wonders of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on exploration. With age-appropriate activities designed to spark curiosity, children will build, create, and discover in a fun and supportive environment. From simple engineering projects like block towers to engaging sensory activities and basic scientific experiments, this program nurtures problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love for learning through playful interaction.
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Our STEAM Field Trips offer an exciting, interactive experience for students of all ages. Schools, homeschool groups, and community organizations can immerse themselves in science and engineering labs, hands-on projects, and engaging challenges designed to enhance critical thinking and teamwork. Each field trip is tailored to the age group and focuses on a specific STEAM theme, from engineering marvels to creative coding or even designing for the future. Students will leave inspired, having worked on collaborative projects they can take pride in.
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Our Seniors 55+ STEAM program offers enriching and stimulating activities that bring older adults together to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a fun, social setting. From interactive science labs to creative art projects, this program provides seniors the chance to engage with new technologies and classic scientific principles. Whether learning about renewable energy, experimenting with robotics, or participating in creative engineering challenges, seniors will stay active, mentally sharp, and enjoy making new friends while exploring the exciting world of STEAM.
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Make and Take Days are a fantastic opportunity for participants to create their own STEAM projects and take home their finished products! These days are filled with hands-on activities such as building simple machines, constructing marble runs, creating art with technology, and more. Each participant will get the chance to design, build, and bring home a unique STEAM project that showcases their creativity and problem-solving skills. It’s a fun and interactive way to dive deep into discovery while leaving with something tangible to remember the day.
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Our Discovery Science Lab is the heart of hands-on learning at the Discovery Center. With fully equipped stations for experiments in chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering, this space allows campers and participants to become junior scientists. Activities are designed to challenge critical thinking, encourage exploration, and ignite curiosity about the natural world. Whether it's creating chemical reactions, exploring electricity, or testing the principles of flight, the Science Lab provides a safe and exciting environment to engage in the wonders of science.
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Discovery STEAM Expos are showcase events where participants present their STEAM projects to the community. These expos give students, campers, and even adults the chance to demonstrate the innovative projects they've worked on, from coding challenges and engineering prototypes to creative arts and design. Families, friends, and community members are invited to explore the hands-on exhibits, watch demonstrations, and celebrate the achievements of the participants. It’s a vibrant event that brings together creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of discovery, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.
CHESS
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Our Discovery Chess program for 3 & 4-year-olds introduces young learners to the fundamentals of chess through engaging, play-based activities. This program focuses on building early cognitive skills, such as pattern recognition, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, in a fun and nurturing environment. Using oversized chess pieces, interactive storytelling, and simple games, children will learn the basics of chess while developing important life skills such as patience, focus, and critical thinking.
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The Saturday Chess Club is the perfect opportunity for chess enthusiasts of all ages to come together for a morning of casual play, strategy sessions, and friendly competition. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the game or an experienced player seeking to sharpen your skills, the Saturday Club offers a relaxed, welcoming environment for everyone. Participants can enjoy open play, guided lessons, and opportunities to connect with fellow chess players. Drop in for a game or stay for the whole session—either way, it’s a great way to spend your Saturday!
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Our Seniors 55+ Chess program offers a stimulating and social environment for older adults to enjoy the game of chess. Whether you're a lifelong player or just starting, this program provides the perfect space to engage in friendly matches, participate in strategy workshops, and enjoy the mental benefits of chess. Chess has been shown to boost cognitive function, improve memory, and enhance problem-solving skills, making it a great activity for seniors who want to stay sharp and connected. Come for the camaraderie, stay for the challenge!
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Pop In and Play Chess is a fun and flexible opportunity for players of all skill levels to drop by and enjoy a casual game of chess at their convenience. No need to commit to a full program—just pop in during designated hours, find an opponent, and play! Whether you're looking to improve your game, meet new people, or simply have some fun, this drop-in format allows you to play at your own pace. Friendly staff are available to offer tips and guidance for those who want to learn or enhance their skills.
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The School Chess Leagues program connects local schools in a competitive, team-based chess league that fosters collaboration, sportsmanship, and strategic thinking. Students form teams, represent their schools, and compete in regular matches against other schools in the area. Through these league games, students not only hone their chess skills but also learn valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. The School Chess Leagues provide a structured and supportive environment for students to grow as both chess players and individuals.
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Our Discovery Chess Tournaments are exciting events that bring together chess players of all ages and skill levels to compete in a friendly, competitive atmosphere. These tournaments provide a platform for players to test their skills, learn from one another, and push their abilities to new heights. With divisions for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced competitors, everyone has a chance to participate and showcase their talent. Trophies and prizes are awarded to top performers, but the real reward is the experience of playing, learning, and growing as a chess player.
SUMMER
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The K-1 Discovery Camp is designed specifically for our youngest campers, offering a unique blend of chess, STEAM activities, and hands-on discovery. This camp functions as a mini version of our full summer program, with age-appropriate activities that introduce foundational concepts in a fun, engaging way. Campers will rotate between chess games, STEAM projects, and free exploration, where they can build with blocks, experiment in the science lab, or create with art supplies. With a focus on curiosity and creativity, K-1 campers will enjoy a structured yet flexible environment that caters to their developmental needs.
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Our Chess Camp is perfect for chess enthusiasts of all skill levels. From beginners learning the basics to advanced players sharpening their strategies, this camp offers daily lessons, guided practice, and mini-tournaments to enhance chess abilities. Campers will participate in engaging chess puzzles, group games, and strategy sessions that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re looking to master the opening, develop mid-game strategies, or perfect your endgame, Chess Camp provides an exciting and supportive environment to take your game to the next level.
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The STEAM Camp offers an immersive experience into the world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Each week focuses on a different theme, from building simple machines and coding robots to exploring the physics of flight or creating art with technology. Campers will engage in hands-on projects that encourage creativity, collaboration, and innovation. STEAM Camp is perfect for kids who love to tinker, invent, and discover, providing them with the tools and guidance to bring their ideas to life while building essential problem-solving skills.
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Can’t decide between chess and STEAM? Chess and STEAM Duo Camp offers the best of both worlds! Campers will split their time between chess lessons and practice matches, followed by hands-on STEAM activities. This camp provides a unique balance of mental focus and creative exploration, making it ideal for kids who enjoy both structured learning and imaginative projects. Whether solving chess puzzles or building a marble run, campers will enjoy the variety of activities that challenge both their minds and their creativity.
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The Outdoor Camp at True Timber is an exciting outdoor adventure designed for kids who love nature and hands-on experiences. Campers will learn the basics of bushcrafting, including shelter building, fire-making, and outdoor survival skills. In addition to these wilderness skills, the camp will feature classic outdoor games like capture the flag, relay races, and team challenges. Set in the natural beauty of True Timber, this camp fosters a deep connection to nature while building teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence.
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Teens can enjoy their summer evenings with the Teen Summer Night Experience, a fun-filled event from 6 PM – 9 PM dedicated to games and gaming. This night program offers a mix of traditional games like chess and card games, alongside video gaming with PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Whether competing in a friendly chess match, engaging in strategic board games, or playing the latest video games, teens will enjoy a relaxed and social environment with plenty of options for interactive fun. It’s the perfect way to unwind, make new friends, and enjoy some summer night excitement.
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Both Chess and STEAM require problem-solving and analytical thinking. Chess improves strategic planning, while STEAM engages students in real-world applications, combining creativity with logical reasoning.
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STEAM education emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, while Chess teaches individual responsibility and decision-making. Combining both enhances students' ability to work together while improving independent critical thinking.
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While Chess teaches structured problem-solving, STEAM promotes innovation by encouraging exploration through hands-on activities like coding, engineering, and design. Together, they foster creative solutions to complex challenges.
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Both Chess and STEAM challenge students to think outside the box and learn from mistakes. Chess matches require adjusting strategies on the fly, while STEAM projects often involve trial and error. Together, they help learners build resilience and confidence by teaching them that failure is a stepping stone to success.
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Chess demands concentration and patience, and STEAM projects often require long-term planning and perseverance. Practicing both instills discipline and focus in learners, qualities that are essential for success in life and academics.
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Chess strengthens cognitive skills such as memory and problem-solving, while STEAM provides exposure to technology and innovation, making learners better equipped for future careers in science, engineering, technology, and creative fields.