
SUMMER CAMPS
Effective communication is a life skill and includes mastery of both critical thinking and public speaking. Students learn to analyze ideas and communicate their message clearly and persuasively! Many of our campers go on to advance to the highest level of competition, where they sharpen their skills against top competitors from across the nation.
2018 Summer Camp Schedule
Camp Registration is suspended, please reach out to [email protected] if you have questions.
Camps | Description | Date & Time | Location | Address | Age Requirement | # of Students | By May 1st | Camp Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Confidence in Communication | Join us for this exciting 2-day speech camp for 8 year old beginners! Our goal is to cultivate confidence and a love for public speaking at a young age while exposing students to a variety of speech events. Students will learn how to communicate with confidence using their words, facial expressions, vocal inflections, actions, energy, and more! The goal of this camp is to practice public speaking skills in a manner that is intuitive, natural, exciting, and comfortable for every child! Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisitesæto attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | July 16-17, 9am-3pm | Carrollton, TX | Horizon Church: 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX | Age8 | Max: 24 | $107 | $127 |
Junior Speech | Junior Speech camp is the perfect introduction to the rewards of public speaking for younger students! The goal of this camp is to cultivate a love for oral communication at a young age, while preparing students to communicate confidently on all platforms. This 2-day camp is packed with fun, interactive activities to ease students out of their comfort zone and expose them to interpretative, platform and limited prep events in a safe and supportive environment! Even students that come to camp reluctantly, leave excited and inspired by the progress made in only 2 days! Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | June 13-14, 9am-4pm | Carrollton, TX | Horizon Church: 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX | Age 9-11 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Junior Speech | Junior Speech camp is the perfect introduction to the rewards of public speaking for younger students! The goal of this camp is to cultivate a love for oral communication at a young age, while preparing students to communicate confidently on all platforms. This 2-day camp is packed with fun, interactive activities to ease students out of their comfort zone and expose them to interpretative, platform and limited prep events in a safe and supportive environment! Even students that come to camp reluctantly, leave excited and inspired by the progress made in only 2 days! Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | June 25-26, 9am-4pm | McKinney, TX | Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney, TX 75070 | Age 9-11 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Junior Speech | Junior Speech camp is the perfect introduction to the rewards of public speaking for younger students! The goal of this camp is to cultivate a love for oral communication at a young age, while preparing students to communicate confidently on all platforms. This 2-day camp is packed with fun, interactive activities to ease students out of their comfort zone and expose them to interpretative, platform and limited prep events in a safe and supportive environment! Even students that come to camp reluctantly, leave excited and inspired by the progress made in only 2 days! Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | July 12-13, 9am-4pm | Lewisville, TX | Garden Ridge Church of Christ: 102 N Garden Ridge Blvd, Lewisville, TX | Age 9-11 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Junior Speech | Junior Speech camp is the perfect introduction to the rewards of public speaking for younger students! The goal of this camp is to cultivate a love for oral communication at a young age, while preparing students to communicate confidently on all platforms. This 2-day camp is packed with fun, interactive activities to ease students out of their comfort zone and expose them to interpretative, platform and limited prep events in a safe and supportive environment! Even students that come to camp reluctantly, leave excited and inspired by the progress made in only 2 days! Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | July 18-19, 9am-4pm | Carrollton, TX | Horizon Church: 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX | Age 9-11 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Junior Speech | Junior Speech camp is the perfect introduction to the rewards of public speaking for younger students! The goal of this camp is to cultivate a love for oral communication at a young age, while preparing students to communicate confidently on all platforms. This 2-day camp is packed with fun, interactive activities to ease students out of their comfort zone and expose them to interpretative, platform and limited prep events in a safe and supportive environment! Even students that come to camp reluctantly, leave excited and inspired by the progress made in only 2 days! Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | August 1-2, 9am-4pm | Coppell, TX | Rejoice Lutheran: 532 E Sandy Lake Rd, Coppell, TX | Age 9-11 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Junior Speech | Junior Speech camp is the perfect introduction to the rewards of public speaking for younger students! The goal of this camp is to cultivate a love for oral communication at a young age, while preparing students to communicate confidently on all platforms. This 2-day camp is packed with fun, interactive activities to ease students out of their comfort zone and expose them to interpretative, platform and limited prep events in a safe and supportive environment! Even students that come to camp reluctantly, leave excited and inspired by the progress made in only 2 days! Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | August 6-7, 9am-4pm | Frisco, TX | 1st Baptist Frisco: 7901 Main St, Frisco, TX | Age 9-11 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
SMU Junior Speech | See Camp description for Junior Speech Register: https://caperegistration.smu.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=271071 | June 11-12, 9am-4pm | SMU Plano, TX | SMU-Plano: 5236 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano, TX | Age 9-11 | Max: 40 | SMU site | SMU site |
Intro to Speech | Whether your 12-18yo has a flair for the dramatic or avoids the spotlight at all costs, this speech camp is the perfect fit! This unique, interactive 2-day camp eases students out of their comfort zone exposing them to a variety of speech genres including interpretative, platform and limited prep events. Through exciting and enjoyable exercises and practice, students discover their unique strengths and develop the confidence to convey their ideas effectively! The camp will culminate with a mini competition where students apply what they have learned in a fun and supportive environment! It is an excellent jump-start for students seeking to develop confidence in public speaking and those considering speech competition. Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | July 5-6, 9am-5pm | Coppell, TX | Rejoice Lutheran: 532 E Sandy Lake Rd, Coppell, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Intro to Speech | Whether your 12-18yo has a flair for the dramatic or avoids the spotlight at all costs, this speech camp is the perfect fit! This unique, interactive 2-day camp eases students out of their comfort zone exposing them to a variety of speech genres including interpretative, platform and limited prep events. Through exciting and enjoyable exercises and practice, students discover their unique strengths and develop the confidence to convey their ideas effectively! The camp will culminate with a mini competition where students apply what they have learned in a fun and supportive environment! It is an excellent jump-start for students seeking to develop confidence in public speaking and those considering speech competition. Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | June 27-28, 9am-5pm | McKinney, TX | Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney, TX 75070 | Age 12-18 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Intro to Speech | Whether your 12-18yo has a flair for the dramatic or avoids the spotlight at all costs, this speech camp is the perfect fit! This unique, interactive 2-day camp eases students out of their comfort zone exposing them to a variety of speech genres including interpretative, platform and limited prep events. Through exciting and enjoyable exercises and practice, students discover their unique strengths and develop the confidence to convey their ideas effectively! The camp will culminate with a mini competition where students apply what they have learned in a fun and supportive environment! It is an excellent jump-start for students seeking to develop confidence in public speaking and those considering speech competition. Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | July 9-10, 9am-5pm | Frisco, TX | 1st Baptist Frisco: 7901 Main St, Frisco, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Intro to Speech | Whether your 12-18yo has a flair for the dramatic or avoids the spotlight at all costs, this speech camp is the perfect fit! This unique, interactive 2-day camp eases students out of their comfort zone exposing them to a variety of speech genres including interpretative, platform and limited prep events. Through exciting and enjoyable exercises and practice, students discover their unique strengths and develop the confidence to convey their ideas effectively! The camp will culminate with a mini competition where students apply what they have learned in a fun and supportive environment! It is an excellent jump-start for students seeking to develop confidence in public speaking and those considering speech competition. Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | July 20-21, 9am-5pm | Carrollton, TX | Horizon Church: 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Intro to Speech | Whether your 12-18yo has a flair for the dramatic or avoids the spotlight at all costs, this speech camp is the perfect fit! This unique, interactive 2-day camp eases students out of their comfort zone exposing them to a variety of speech genres including interpretative, platform and limited prep events. Through exciting and enjoyable exercises and practice, students discover their unique strengths and develop the confidence to convey their ideas effectively! The camp will culminate with a mini competition where students apply what they have learned in a fun and supportive environment! It is an excellent jump-start for students seeking to develop confidence in public speaking and those considering speech competition. Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | July 26-27, 9am-5pm | Lewisville, TX | Victorious Life Church: 2671 MacArthur Blvd, Lewisville TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Intro to Speech | Whether your 12-18yo has a flair for the dramatic or avoids the spotlight at all costs, this speech camp is the perfect fit! This unique, interactive 2-day camp eases students out of their comfort zone exposing them to a variety of speech genres including interpretative, platform and limited prep events. Through exciting and enjoyable exercises and practice, students discover their unique strengths and develop the confidence to convey their ideas effectively! The camp will culminate with a mini competition where students apply what they have learned in a fun and supportive environment! It is an excellent jump-start for students seeking to develop confidence in public speaking and those considering speech competition. Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | August 8-9, 9am-5pm | Frisco, TX | 1st Baptist Frisco: 7901 Main St, Frisco, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 40 | $107 | $127 |
Interview & Presentation Skills | Has your teen ever missed out on a great opportunity because he or she lacked the skills and confidence to communicate well with others? From college applications and internships, to job interviews or presentations, the ability to articulate ideas persuasively with confidence is paramount to success in securing positions of leadership, gaining admission or employment. Students will learn important techniques to excel in interviews and impromptu presentations, develop the ability to think quickly on their feet, lead with their strengths, create memorable first impressions, and deliver compelling presentations with confidence and poise under pressure. Students will apply the techniques they learned in mock interviews, impromptu speeches and prepared presentations. Register early: a pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students 2-3 weeks before the camp begins. There are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | July 30-31, 9am-5pm | Coppell, TX | Rejoice Lutheran: 532 E Sandy Lake Rd, Coppell, TX | Age 13-18 | Max: 32 | $107 | $127 |
Extemporaneous Speech | Extemporaneous speaking is a limited-preparation event where the speaker is given 20 or 30 minutes to prepare an original speech on a foreign, domestic, or economic current event. Camp participants will learn the categories of Extemp questions, how to optimize their Extemp research, the criteria for selecting the right question, how to read articles critically, and proven techniques for formulating their arguments. With that foundation in place, students will learn to organize and deliver their speeches in a manner that maximizes its effect and persuades their audience. The camp will culminate with a mini competition where students apply what they have learned. The goal of this training is for students to leave inspired to learn more about the world around them, and with techniques to excel in Extemp competition. Register early: the pre-camp assignment will be sent out to all registered students a few days before the camp begins. There are no prerequisites to attend this camp. [Lead Instructor: Noah Lombardozzi] | August 3, 9am-5pm | Coppell, TX | Rejoice Lutheran: 532 E Sandy Lake Rd, Coppell, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 40 | $69 | $89 |
Intro to Team Policy Debate | The ability to think critically about the ideas we encounter is an important life-skill and debate is one of the best ways to sharpen it! Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Team Policy debate and the new NCFCA and VFA debate resolution at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will learn the format/structure of policy debate as well as foundational debate theory, including case construction, research skills, organization, how to craft good questions and construct well-reasoned responses, and deliver their ideas effectively. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. The camp will culminate with a mini debate competition where students showcase what they have learned, leaving inspired and ready for competition season! This camp is for beginners; there are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research and revise their case for homework. [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | July 9-11, 9am-5pm | Lewisville, TX | Garden Ridge Church of Christ: 102 N Garden Ridge Blvd, Lewisville, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 44 | $189 | $209 |
Intro to Team Policy Debate | The ability to think critically about the ideas we encounter is an important life-skill and debate is one of the best ways to sharpen it! Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Team Policy debate and the new NCFCA and VFA debate resolution at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will learn the format/structure of policy debate as well as foundational debate theory, including case construction, research skills, organization, how to craft good questions and construct well-reasoned responses, and deliver their ideas effectively. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. The camp will culminate with a mini debate competition where students showcase what they have learned, leaving inspired and ready for competition season! This camp is for beginners; there are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research and revise their case for homework. [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | July 11-13, 9am-5pm | Frisco, TX | 1st Baptist Frisco: 7901 Main St, Frisco, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 44 | $189 | $209 |
Intro & Intermediate Team Policy Debate | The ability to think critically about the ideas we encounter is an important life-skill and debate is one of the best ways to sharpen it! Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Team Policy debate and the new NCFCA and VFA debate resolution at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will learn the format/structure of policy debate as well as foundational debate theory, including case construction, research skills, organization, structured refutation, cross-examination, and effective presentation/delivery techniques. Experienced debaters who have not yet achieved a winning record in competition are also encouraged to attend this camp, to solidify and level up their policy debate skills. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. The camp will culminate with a mini debate competition where students showcase what they have learned, leaving inspired and ready for competition season! This camp is for beginners; there are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research and revise their case for homework. [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | July 16-18, 9am-5pm | Carrollton, TX | Horizon Church: 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 44 | $189 | $209 |
Intro to Team Policy Debate | The ability to think critically about the ideas we encounter is an important life-skill and debate is one of the best ways to sharpen it! Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Team Policy debate and the new NCFCA and VFA debate resolution at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will learn the format/structure of policy debate as well as foundational debate theory, including case construction, research skills, organization, how to craft good questions and construct well-reasoned responses, and deliver their ideas effectively. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. The camp will culminate with a mini debate competition where students showcase what they have learned, leaving inspired and ready for competition season! This camp is for beginners; there are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research and revise their case for homework. [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | July 23-25, 9am-5pm | Lewisville, TX | Victorious Life Church: 2671 MacArthur Blvd, Lewisville TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 44 | $189 | $209 |
Intro to Team Policy Debate* | The ability to think critically about the ideas we encounter is an important life-skill and debate is one of the best ways to sharpen it! Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Team Policy debate and the new NCFCA, VFA and Stoa* debate resolutions at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will learn the format/structure of policy debate as well as foundational debate theory, including case construction, research skills, organization, how to craft good questions and construct well-reasoned responses, and deliver their ideas effectively. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. The camp will culminate with a mini debate competition where students showcase what they have learned, leaving inspired and ready for competition season! This camp is for beginners; there are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research and revise their case for homework. *Stoa track offered at camp dates marked with an asterisk (in addition to NCFCA/VFA track). [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | August 6-8, 9am-5pm | Grapevine, TX | First United Methodist Grapevine: 422 Church St, Grapevine, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 44 | $189 | $209 |
Intro & Intermediate Team Policy Debate | The ability to think critically about the ideas we encounter is an important life-skill and debate is one of the best ways to sharpen it! Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Team Policy debate and the new NCFCA and VFA debate resolution at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will learn the format/structure of policy debate as well as foundational debate theory, including case construction, research skills, organization, how to craft good questions and construct well-reasoned responses, and deliver their ideas effectively. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. The camp will culminate with a mini debate competition where students showcase what they have learned, leaving inspired and ready for competition season! This camp is for beginners; there are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research and revise their case for homework. [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | July 30-August 1, 9am-5pm | Houston, TX | Good Shepherd United Methodist Church: 20155 Cypresswood Dr, Cypress, TX (off Hwy 290 between Mason & Mueschke) | Age 12-18 | Max: 44 | $189 | $209 |
SMU Intro to Speech & Policy Debate | See Camp description for Intro to Speech, and Intro to Team Policy Debate. Register: https://caperegistration.smu.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=271072 | July 23-27, 9am-4pm | SMU Plano, TX | SMU-Plano: 5236 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano, TX | Age 12-18 | Max: 44 | SMU site | SMU site |
Intro Lincoln Douglas Debate | Lincoln Douglas debate is a philosophical form of debate that is ideal for ages 13 to 18 who enjoy political theory, philosophy and history. Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Lincoln Douglas debate (commonly referred to as 'LD' or 'value debate') and the new resolution (NCFCA) at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will delve into the history and philosophies pertaining to the topic, learn the methodology to formulate solid principles to affirm and negate the resolution, and build championship cases and arguments around those principles. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. Camp culminates with a mini debate competition where students apply the techniques they learned, leaving inspired and well-prepared for competition season! This camp is for beginners and experienced debaters who have not consistently advanced to the elimination rounds in competition. There are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignment. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to write and revise their cases for homework. [Lead Instructor: Ian Mikkelsen] | July 23-25, 9am-5pm | Carrollton, TX | Horizon Church: 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX | Age 13-18 | Max: 32 | $189 | $209 |
Intro/Intermediate Lincoln Douglas | Lincoln Douglas debate is a philosophical form of debate that is ideal for ages 13 to 18 who enjoy political theory, philosophy and history. Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Lincoln Douglas debate (commonly referred to as 'LD' or 'value debate') and the new resolution (NCFCA) at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will delve into the history and philosophies pertaining to the topic, learn the methodology to formulate solid principles to affirm and negate the resolution, and build championship cases and arguments around those principles. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. Camp culminates with a mini debate competition where students apply the techniques they learned, leaving inspired and well-prepared for competition season! This camp is for beginners and experienced debaters who have not consistently advanced to the elimination rounds in competition. There are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignment. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to write and revise their cases for homework. [Lead Instructor: Ian Mikkelsen] | July 30-August 1, 9am-5pm | Houston, TX | Good Shepherd United Methodist Church: 20155 Cypresswood Dr, Cypress, TX (off Hwy 290 between Mason & Mueschke) | Age 13-18 | Max: 32 | $189 | $209 |
Intermediate/Advanced LD | Advanced LDers with a winning record in competition (or 2 years of LD competition) are invited to jump-start the new season at this 3-day Lincoln Douglas debate camp. Students will delve into historical and philosophical issues surrounding the new topic (NCFCA), review the methodology of constructing cases based on solid principles, learn to identify and address the underlying mindset and assumptions behind the arguments they encounter (one of the most valuable life skills learned in debate), case de-construction strategies to unravel their opponent's case/reasoning, value objections and implications, as well as advanced organization, refutation and cross-examination skills. Camp will culminate with a mini debate competition where students apply the techniques they learned, leaving inspired and well-prepared for competition season. This intermediate/advanced camp is for debaters who have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of LD, and have completed at least one year of LD competition. Register early: pre-camp assignments begin 3 weeks before camp, guiding students through research and case preparation to maximize their camp experience! Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to make revisions to their cases for homework. [Lead Instructor: Ian Mikkelsen] | July 26-28, 9am-5pm | Carrollton, TX | Horizon Church: 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX | Age 13-18 | Max: 32 | $189 | $209 |
Intermediate/Advanced TP* | Experienced policy debaters with a winning record in competition (or 2 years of TP competition) are invited to jump-start the new season at this challenging 3-day Team Policy debate camp, including resolution-specific history/background (NCFCA, VFA and STOA*), intermediate/advanced theory & strategies, case evaluation and practice rounds. Students are taught to construct cases and briefs around a central goal/philosophy that justifies or negates particular policy reforms. Reasoning, critical-thinking skills and practice are emphasized in our training, to sharpen students' ability to identify, expose and answer the underlying mindset/assumptions behind arguments, with advanced cross-examination and structured refutation techniques. Camp culminates with a mini debate competition where students apply the techniques they learned, leaving inspired and well-prepared for competition season! Register early: pre-camp assignments begin 3 weeks before camp, guiding students through research and case preparation to maximize their camp experience! Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research, and make revisions to their case/briefs for homework. *Stoa track offered at camp dates marked with an asterisk (in addition to NCFCA/VFA track). [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | August 8-10, 9am-5pm | Grapevine, TX | First United Methodist Grapevine: 422 Church St, Grapevine, TX | Age 13-18 | Max: 32 | $189 | $209 |
Intermediate/Advanced TP | Experienced policy debaters with a winning record in competition (or 2 years of TP competition) are invited to jump-start the new season at this challenging 3-day Team Policy debate camp, including resolution-specific history/background (NCFCA), intermediate/advanced theory & strategies, case evaluation and practice rounds. Students are taught to construct cases and briefs around a central goal/philosophy that justifies or negates particular policy reforms. Reasoning, critical-thinking skills and practice are emphasized in our training, to sharpen students' ability to identify, expose and answer the underlying mindset/assumptions behind arguments, with advanced cross-examination and structured refutation techniques. Camp culminates with a mini debate competition where students apply the techniques they learned, leaving inspired and well-prepared for competition season! This intermediate/advanced camp is for debaters who have completed at least one year of policy debate competition, and have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of policy debate. Register early: pre-camp assignments begin 3 weeks before camp, guiding students through research and case preparation to maximize their camp experience! Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research, and make revisions to their case/briefs for homework. [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | August 2-4, 9am-5pm | Houston, TX | Good Shepherd United Methodist Church: 20155 Cypresswood Dr, Cypress, TX (off Hwy 290 between Mason & Mueschke) | Age 13-18 | Max: 32 | $189 | $209 |
Intro/Intermediate to Team Policy Workshop | The ability to think critically about the ideas that we encounter is an important life-skill and debate is one of the best ways to sharpen it! Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Team Policy debate and the new debate resolutions (NCFCA) at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will learn the format/structure of policy debate as well as foundational debate theory, including case construction, research skills, organization, how to craft good questions and construct well-reasoned responses, and deliver their ideas effectively. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills. This camp is for beginners and experienced debaters who have not consistently advanced to elimination rounds in Team Policy debate competition. There are no prerequisites and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research and revise their case for homework. This online workshop will include the same instruction included in the in-person intro/intermediate TP camp. However, the small group sessions, as well as the individualized case critiques, and mini competition will not be included due to the online format. [Instructor: James Russell] | August 13-15, 1pm-5pm | online | online | Age 13-18 | Max: 32 | $119 | $139 |
Intro/Intermediate Lincoln Douglas Workshop | Lincoln Douglas debate is a philosophical form of debate that is ideal for ages 13 to 18 who enjoy political theory, philosophy and history. Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Lincoln Douglas debate (commonly referred to as 'LD' or 'value debate') and the new resolution (NCFCA) at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will delve into the history and philosophies pertaining to the topic, learn the methodology to formulate solid principles to affirm and negate the resolution, and build championship cases and arguments around those principles. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills. This camp is for beginners and experienced debaters who have not consistently advanced to the elimination rounds in LD competition. There are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to write and revise their cases for homework. NOTE: The online workshop will include the same instruction included in the in-person intro/intermediate LD camp described above. However, the small group sessions, as well as the individualized case critiques, and mini competition will not be included due to the online format. [Instructor: Ian Mikkelsen] | August 16-18, 1pm-5pm | online | online | Age 13-18 | Max: 32 | $119 | $139 |
Parent/Coach Workshop: Speech | Parent Workshop: Coaching Speech This workshop will equip parents to help their students develop memorable speeches. Specific tips and exercises will be given for how to coach students in platform, interpretation, and limited preparation events - teaching the elements of persuasion, effective delivery, and helping students eliminate nervous habits are just a few of the topics that will be covered! [Instructor: Cody Dedon] | August 15, 1-4pm CT | online | online | Parents & Coaches | Max: 30 | $25 | $45 |
Parent/Coach Workshop: TP | Parent Workshop: Coaching Team Policy Debate This workshop will equip parents to help their students develop their research, case writing, theory and delivery skills. It includes research recommendations and drill that parents can practice with their students at home. [Instructor: James Russell] | August 21, 1-4pm CT | online | online | Parents & Coaches | Max: 30 | $25 | $45 |
Parent/Coach Workshop: LD | Parent Workshop: Coaching Lincoln Douglas Debate This workshop will equip parents to help their students develop their understanding of the resolution, possible interpretations, case writing, develop AFF and NEG principles to build their cases on, strategies and delivery techniques. [Instructor: Ian Mikkelsen] | August 22, 1-4pm CT | online | online | Parents & Coaches | Max: 30 | $25 | $45 |
Intro to Team Policy Debate | The ability to think critically about the ideas we encounter is a life-skill and participation in debate is one of the best ways to sharpen this skill! Introduce your student to the fundamentals of Team Policy debate and the new NCFCA debate resolution at this comprehensive 3-day debate camp. Students will learn the format/structure of policy debate as well as foundational debate theory, including case construction, research skills, organization, how to craft good questions and construct well-reasoned responses, and deliver their ideas effectively. Our training emphasizes the development of critical-thinking and reasoning skills, with hands-on practice throughout the camp. The camp will culminate with a mini debate competition where students showcase what they have learned, leaving inspired and ready for competition season! This camp is for beginners, there are no prerequisites to attend and no pre-camp assignments. Note: Students will need access to a computer and printer to research and revise their case for homework. [Lead Instructor: James Russell] | July 19-21, 9am-5pm | Baton Rouge, LA | Community Bible Church: 8354 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA | Age 12-18 | Max: 32 | $199 | $219 |