SUMMER 2024 SESSION CAMP DESCRIPTIONS:

Summer Schedule | Summer Registration Form | Schedule a Call | Payments


HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS:
(Camps can be taken in any order -  there is no sequence, they are all independent of one another. Register for as many camps as you would like; High School camps can be taken by any high schooler - rising 9th and above)

High School Speech & Debate:​

• Overview: The High School Speech and Debate camp provides a great overview of all the key pillars of speech and debate. Students will be introduced to LD debate, Congressional Debate, Impromptu speaking, prepared speeches, and other core areas of public speaking. This is a great camp for high schoolers looking to begin their journey into speech and debate. 
• Who: High schoolers looking to begin their speech and debate journey.
• Grade Level: Rising 9th to high school grades.
• Deliverables: Knowledge and understanding of core speech and debate events. 
• Duration and Times: One-week camp; Monday through Friday; 9am-12pm or 1pm 4pm (Depending on Week)
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates

New Topic Prep Session

• Overview: The new topic prep session provides an accelerated jumpstart into the Fall semester of debate. The National topic committee will have just released the Fall debate topic. This camp will provide a comprehensive topic analysis to students. Students will leave the camp with multiple affirmative and negative cases, a blocks document for their rebuttals on the new topic, and significant practice debating the new topic. Students will leave this camp completely ready for tournament participation on the new topic.
• Description and Curricular Focus: Students in this camp will learn the following: New LD debate topic; affirmative casing; negative casing; blocks preparation; practice LD debate rounds; philosophy related to the new LD debate topic; public policy related to the new topic; strategy related to the new topic. 
• Who: Any student with prior LD debate experience (from a previous term or summer session focused on LD). 
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School. Students will be separated based on experience and skill level. 
• Duration and Times: One-week camp; Monday through Friday; 9am-12pm or 1pm 4pm (Depending on Week)
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Where: Online or in Cupertino/West San Jose location
• Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates

Advanced Philosophy for Advanced Debaters:

• Who: Experienced debaters looking (typically at least 1 to 2 years of experience in debate; students looking to learn advanced philosophy to apply to their debating)
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School. Experience debating matters more here. 
• Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions (choose either Tuesday or Thursday each week). Spans a month. We’ve designed a schedule with great flexibility! All times are PST. 
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Where: Online. 
• Dates: June Session Dates
  • June 11th (10am - 12pm) or June 13th (1pm - 3pm)
  • June 18th (10am - 12pm or June 20th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • June 25th (10am - 12pm or June 27th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 2nd (10am - 12pm or July 3rd ( (1pm - 3pm)
    • Note: July 3rd is a Wednesday (one day earlier due to the July 4th holiday)
• Teachers: Dr. Adam Tomasi and Dr. NIcky Smith. 
• Overview: ​
  • Are you ready to delve deep into the philosophical underpinnings that shape the highest levels of debate? Welcome to "Advanced Philosophy for Advanced Debaters," a rigorous summer class designed for students who are passionate about sharpening their debate skills and delving into the complexities of philosophical thought. In this intensive course, students will explore the works of influential philosophers whose insights are applied by the most successful debaters to sharpen their argumentation. Through in-class discussion, hands-on activities, and lectures from experienced debate professionals, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of debates about morality, justice, knowledge, and political obligation.
  • Each week, students will immerse themselves in the ideas and arguments of different philosophers, examining their key theories and contributions. From Kant and Aristotle to Rawls and Nietzsche, students will grapple with timeless questions of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and more.
  • Designed specifically for students looking to learn philosophy used at the highest level of debate. This course will equip participants with the philosophical tools necessary to excel in high-stakes debate competitions. Students will enhance their analytical skills, refine their argumentation strategies, and elevate their performance on the debate stage.
  • Classes will meet once a week for a month, allowing ample time for collaborative learning. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and thought-provoking assignments, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the role of philosophy in Lincoln-Douglas Debate
  • Join us this summer as we embark on a journey of philosophical inquiry and debate mastery. Are you ready to elevate your debate skills to new heights?

Circuit Debate Techniques for Traditional Debaters

• ​Who: Experienced debaters looking (typically at least 1 to 2 years of experience in debate; students looking to learn advanced philosophy to apply to their debating)
• Where: Online. 
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School. 
• Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions (choose either Tuesday or Thursday each week). Spans a month. 
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Dates: July Session Dates
  • July 9th (10am - 12pm) or July 11th (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 16th (10am - 12pm or July 18th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 23rd (10am - 12pm or July 25th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 30th (10am - 12pm or August 1st (1pm - 3pm)
• Overview: 
  • ​​Are you a traditional debater looking to level up your skills and defend against advanced circuit debate techniques? Look no further than "Circuit Debate for Traditional Debaters," a dynamic summer class designed to empower traditional debaters with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the world of circuit debate.
  • In this intensive course, students will receive comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of circuit debate, with a focus on equipping traditional debaters to effectively counter advanced techniques commonly encountered on the circuit. This course will empower students to confidently confront and refute challenging arguments.
  • This course can be viewed as a “defense against the dark arts” so to speak. It’s important for traditional debaters, regardless of their interest in circuit style or not. The ability to defend against all styles is important. 
  • Throughout the program, students will explore a range of circuit debate techniques, including Kritiks, counterplans, theory debate, PICs, and speed debating. Through lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to analyze, deconstruct, and respond to these techniques with precision and confidence.
  • This course offers a unique opportunity for traditional debaters to diversify their skillset and adapt to the evolving landscape of competitive debate. By mastering circuit debate techniques, students will not only enhance their competitive edge but also broaden their understanding of debate theory and practice.
  • Whether you're aiming to compete at a higher level or simply seeking to broaden your horizons as a debater, "Circuit Debate for Traditional Debaters" provides the essential training needed to excel in today's competitive debate environment.

Advanced Debate Writing:

• ​Who: Experienced debaters looking (typically at least 1 to 2 years of experience in debate; students looking to learn advanced philosophy to apply to their debating)
• Where: Online. 
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School. 
• Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions (choose either Monday or Wednesday each week). Spans a month.
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Dates: June Session Dates (Mondays from 10-12pm; or Wednesdays from 1pm-3pm)
  • June 10th (10am - 12pm) or June 12th (1pm - 3pm
  • June 17th (10am - 12pm or June 19th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • June 24th (10am - 12pm or June 26th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 1st (10am - 12pm or July 2nd ( (1pm - 3pm)
• Overview:
  • Welcome to "Advanced Debate Writing," a dynamic summer class designed to elevate your debate writing skills to new heights. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced debate writing techniques to help you craft persuasive and effective arguments
  • In this intensive program, students will embark on a deep dive into the art of advanced debate writing, with a focus on mastering the intricacies of advanced traditional and non-traditional cases, plans and counterplans, Kritiks, and more. Through lectures, workshops, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to sharpen and tighten their writing skills, crafting arguments that are not only compelling but also strategically sound.
  • One of the key highlights of this course is the opportunity to learn how to write advanced cases quickly and independently. Whether you're facing a tight deadline or need to adapt to changing debate formats, mastering the art of rapid case construction is an invaluable skill that can set you apart as a debater
  • By the end of the program, students will have gained a deep understanding of the principles of effective debate writing and will be equipped with the tools and strategies needed to excel in competitive debate settings. Whether you're aiming to compete at the highest levels or simply looking to hone your writing skills, "Advanced Debate Writing" provides the essential training needed to succeed.
  • Join us this summer and take your debate writing skills to the next level!

Intermediate Debate Writing:

• Who: Any student who has completed Beginner Debate or a comparable debate experience. 
• Where: Online. 
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School.
• Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions (choose either Monday or Wednesday each week). Spans a month. 
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Dates: July 2024 - Monday at 10AM-12PM; Thursdays from 1PM-3PM
  • July 8th (10am - 12pm) or July 10th (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 15th (10am - 12pm or July 17th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 22rd (10am - 12pm or July 24th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 29th (10am - 12pm or July 31st (1pm - 3pm
• ​Overview:
  • Welcome to "Intermediate Debate Writing," an intensive summer class tailored for students who have completed beginner debate and are ready to elevate their skills to the next level. Whether you're an intermediate debater seeking to refine your abilities or an experienced competitor looking to sharpen your edge, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced debate writing techniques.
  • In this dynamic program, students will embark on a deep dive into the best practices and strategies for writing persuasive, traditional Lincoln Douglas Debate cases. Through lectures, interactive workshops, and practical exercises, participants will sharpen, refine, and tighten their writing skills to create compelling, well-supported arguments.​
  • This course will equip students with tools to write cases quickly and effectively, with emphasis on self-directed research, critical thinking, and impactful presentation. From crafting arguments from scratch, to striking the right balance between logic and rhetorical appeal, participants will gain valuable insights into the nuances of debate writing.
  • Furthermore, this course will provide a deep dive into improving technical writing abilities, ensuring that students can articulate their arguments with clarity, precision, and coherence.
  • Whether you're aiming to compete at the intermediate level or seeking to enhance your writing skills for advanced competition, "Intermediate Debate Writing" offers the essential training needed to succeed. Join us this summer and take your debate writing skills to new heights!
  • Enroll today and unlock the secrets to success in debate writing!

ONLINE CLASSES:
(Camps can be taken in any order -  there is no sequence, they are all independent of one another. Register for as many camps as you would like)


Advanced Philosophy for Advanced Debaters:

• Who: Experienced debaters looking (typically at least 1 to 2 years of experience in debate; students looking to learn advanced philosophy to apply to their debating)
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School. Experience debating matters more here. 
• Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions (choose either Tuesday or Thursday each week). Spans a month. We’ve designed a schedule with great flexibility! All times are PST. 
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Where: Online. 
• Dates: June Session Dates
  • June 11th (10am - 12pm) or June 13th (1pm - 3pm)
  • June 18th (10am - 12pm or June 20th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • June 25th (10am - 12pm or June 27th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 2nd (10am - 12pm or July 3rd ( (1pm - 3pm)
    • Note: July 3rd is a Wednesday (one day earlier due to the July 4th holiday)
• Teachers: Dr. Adam Tomasi and Dr. NIcky Smith. 
• Overview: ​
  • Are you ready to delve deep into the philosophical underpinnings that shape the highest levels of debate? Welcome to "Advanced Philosophy for Advanced Debaters," a rigorous summer class designed for students who are passionate about sharpening their debate skills and delving into the complexities of philosophical thought. In this intensive course, students will explore the works of influential philosophers whose insights are applied by the most successful debaters to sharpen their argumentation. Through in-class discussion, hands-on activities, and lectures from experienced debate professionals, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of debates about morality, justice, knowledge, and political obligation.
  • Each week, students will immerse themselves in the ideas and arguments of different philosophers, examining their key theories and contributions. From Kant and Aristotle to Rawls and Nietzsche, students will grapple with timeless questions of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and more.
  • Designed specifically for students looking to learn philosophy used at the highest level of debate. This course will equip participants with the philosophical tools necessary to excel in high-stakes debate competitions. Students will enhance their analytical skills, refine their argumentation strategies, and elevate their performance on the debate stage.
  • Classes will meet once a week for a month, allowing ample time for collaborative learning. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and thought-provoking assignments, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the role of philosophy in Lincoln-Douglas Debate
  • Join us this summer as we embark on a journey of philosophical inquiry and debate mastery. Are you ready to elevate your debate skills to new heights?

Circuit Debate Techniques for Traditional Debaters

• ​Who: Experienced debaters looking (typically at least 1 to 2 years of experience in debate; students looking to learn advanced philosophy to apply to their debating)
• Where: Online. 
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School. 
• Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions (choose either Tuesday or Thursday each week). Spans a month. 
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Dates: July Session Dates
  • July 9th (10am - 12pm) or July 11th (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 16th (10am - 12pm or July 18th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 23rd (10am - 12pm or July 25th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 30th (10am - 12pm or August 1st (1pm - 3pm)
• Overview: 
  • ​​Are you a traditional debater looking to level up your skills and defend against advanced circuit debate techniques? Look no further than "Circuit Debate for Traditional Debaters," a dynamic summer class designed to empower traditional debaters with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the world of circuit debate.
  • In this intensive course, students will receive comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of circuit debate, with a focus on equipping traditional debaters to effectively counter advanced techniques commonly encountered on the circuit. This course will empower students to confidently confront and refute challenging arguments.
  • This course can be viewed as a “defense against the dark arts” so to speak. It’s important for traditional debaters, regardless of their interest in circuit style or not. The ability to defend against all styles is important. 
  • Throughout the program, students will explore a range of circuit debate techniques, including Kritiks, counterplans, theory debate, PICs, and speed debating. Through lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to analyze, deconstruct, and respond to these techniques with precision and confidence.
  • This course offers a unique opportunity for traditional debaters to diversify their skillset and adapt to the evolving landscape of competitive debate. By mastering circuit debate techniques, students will not only enhance their competitive edge but also broaden their understanding of debate theory and practice.
  • Whether you're aiming to compete at a higher level or simply seeking to broaden your horizons as a debater, "Circuit Debate for Traditional Debaters" provides the essential training needed to excel in today's competitive debate environment.

​
Debate, Law, & Leadership with Zahra Alamire

• Overview:
  • ​​This is a very special offering! 
  • This special summer course is taught by Zahra Alamire. Who is Zahra? Zahra is a long time Athens teacher who is also a highly successful lawyer. Zahra was a championship level debater who took her talents to the legal world to live her advocacy. Zahra is clerked for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (very prestigious), is a current Appellate Fellow, and is an adjunct Professor of Law at UC Hastings Law School. 
  • In this course, students will learn how debate fits into the bigger picture of law, society, and leadership. Students will see how debate comes alive in the real world. Students will learn about the foundational components of the American legal system, how to read through judicial opinions, how to apply constitutional theory, and how to present a real life oral argument in front of a court. Students will learn through discussions of actual cases and learn from one of Athens’ most lively and sought after teachers. 
  • This course is for Experienced Debate students and up.​
• Who: 7th-12th graders; Experienced Debate level students an up. 
• Where: Online only.
• Duration: This camp spans 4 weeks. Students attend a weekly two hour class either on Saturday (9am-11am) or Sunday (9am-11am). See session weeks below. 
• When: 
  • ​Saturday or Sunday; 9am to 11am (Students can attend either Saturday or Sunday)
  • Week 1: June 22nd or June 23rd; Week 2: June 29th or June 30th; Week 3: July 13th or July 14th; Week 4: July 20th or July 21st
• Cost: $525 per camp session

Advanced Debate Writing:

• ​Who: Experienced debaters looking (typically at least 1 to 2 years of experience in debate; students looking to learn advanced philosophy to apply to their debating)
• Where: Online. 
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School. 
• Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions (choose either Monday or Wednesday each week). Spans a month.
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Dates: June Session Dates (Mondays from 10-12pm; or Wednesdays from 1pm-3pm)
  • June 10th (10am - 12pm) or June 12th (1pm - 3pm
  • June 17th (10am - 12pm or June 19th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • June 24th (10am - 12pm or June 26th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 1st (10am - 12pm or July 2nd ( (1pm - 3pm)
• Overview:
  • Welcome to "Advanced Debate Writing," a dynamic summer class designed to elevate your debate writing skills to new heights. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced debate writing techniques to help you craft persuasive and effective arguments
  • In this intensive program, students will embark on a deep dive into the art of advanced debate writing, with a focus on mastering the intricacies of advanced traditional and non-traditional cases, plans and counterplans, Kritiks, and more. Through lectures, workshops, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to sharpen and tighten their writing skills, crafting arguments that are not only compelling but also strategically sound.
  • One of the key highlights of this course is the opportunity to learn how to write advanced cases quickly and independently. Whether you're facing a tight deadline or need to adapt to changing debate formats, mastering the art of rapid case construction is an invaluable skill that can set you apart as a debater
  • By the end of the program, students will have gained a deep understanding of the principles of effective debate writing and will be equipped with the tools and strategies needed to excel in competitive debate settings. Whether you're aiming to compete at the highest levels or simply looking to hone your writing skills, "Advanced Debate Writing" provides the essential training needed to succeed.
  • Join us this summer and take your debate writing skills to the next level!

Intermediate Debate Writing:

• Who: Any student who has completed Beginner Debate or a comparable debate experience. 
• Where: Online. 
• Grade Level: Middle School; High School.
• Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions (choose either Monday or Wednesday each week). Spans a month. 
• Cost: $525 per camp session
• Dates: July 2024 - Monday at 10AM-12PM; Thursdays from 1PM-3PM
  • July 8th (10am - 12pm) or July 10th (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 15th (10am - 12pm or July 17th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 22rd (10am - 12pm or July 24th  (1pm - 3pm)
  • July 29th (10am - 12pm or July 31st (1pm - 3pm
• ​Overview:
  • Welcome to "Intermediate Debate Writing," an intensive summer class tailored for students who have completed beginner debate and are ready to elevate their skills to the next level. Whether you're an intermediate debater seeking to refine your abilities or an experienced competitor looking to sharpen your edge, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced debate writing techniques.
  • In this dynamic program, students will embark on a deep dive into the best practices and strategies for writing persuasive, traditional Lincoln Douglas Debate cases. Through lectures, interactive workshops, and practical exercises, participants will sharpen, refine, and tighten their writing skills to create compelling, well-supported arguments.​
  • This course will equip students with tools to write cases quickly and effectively, with emphasis on self-directed research, critical thinking, and impactful presentation. From crafting arguments from scratch, to striking the right balance between logic and rhetorical appeal, participants will gain valuable insights into the nuances of debate writing.
  • Furthermore, this course will provide a deep dive into improving technical writing abilities, ensuring that students can articulate their arguments with clarity, precision, and coherence.
  • Whether you're aiming to compete at the intermediate level or seeking to enhance your writing skills for advanced competition, "Intermediate Debate Writing" offers the essential training needed to succeed. Join us this summer and take your debate writing skills to new heights!
  • Enroll today and unlock the secrets to success in debate writing!