For the third year in a row, Anish Pallod, a three-time state chess champion, offered online beginner-level chess camp.

Funds raised benefitted the Allentown Rescue Mission and Cetronia Ambulance Corps.

The virtual camp was for students in grades two through eight.

The camp’s goal was to teach chess to kids who want to learn a fun, strategy-based game and raise awareness for two local service organizations.

Participants learned the rules of the game and developed skills needed to play full-length games.

After teaching the camp for two years, Pallod has adapted his syllabus for optimal learning.

Entering year three, he was excited to get more students interested in chess.

“It is really rewarding to watch my students grow. Students with almost no experience grow so much in just five days, and it inspires me,” Anish said.

Anish, who is entering Parkland High School this year, decided to raise support for the Allentown Rescue Mission after his family’s involvement as volunteers at the mission and seeing the effects COVID-19 had on the homeless community.

“I feel so fortunate in my life and believe in using it to help those less fortunate,” he said. “It’s important to work together to handle whatever challenge we face.”

Cetronia Ambulance Corps was honored to again be selected by Anish as a recipient of proceeds from the virtual summer chess camp.

Pallod chose to add Cetronia Ambulance Corps for his second year hosting the camp after he saw their crews in action when his father became ill and needed emergency ambulance service.

“We are thrilled Anish chose to host this camp again and include Cetronia Ambulance Corps as one of the designated community service agencies to receive the proceeds.

“The work we do has an impact on so many people in this community and we are glad that it is appreciated, especially by someone as young as Anish,” said Robert F. Mateff Sr., CEO of Cetronia Ambulance Corps.

Anish, who resides with his parents in Upper Macungie, is involved in basketball, cycling, math, and science fairs, and can rapidly solve a Rubik’s cube.

For more information about his camp, go to pallodanish.wixsite.com/summerchesscamp.