SUMMER 2024 SESSION CAMP DESCRIPTIONS:
Summer Schedule | Summer Registration Form | Schedule a Call | Payments
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAMPS:
Foundations of Public Speaking:
Elementary Debate:
Elementary Oratory, Declamation, and Storytelling
Elementary Congressional Debate
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPS:
Foundations of Public Speaking
Middle School Speech & Debate
Lincoln Douglas Debate:
Congressional Debate:
Spontaneous Debate & Impromptu:
Original Oratory and Declamation:
New Topic Prep Session:
HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS:
High School Speech & Debate:
New Topic Prep Session
ONLINE CLASSES:
Advanced Philosophy for Advanced Debaters:
Circuit Debate Techniques for Traditional Debaters
Advanced Debate Writing:
Intermediate Debate Writing:
SUMMER 2024 SCHEDULE:
CUPERTINO [ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]:
CUPERTINO [MIDDLE SCHOOL]:
CUPERTINO [HIGH SCHOOL]:
DUBLIN / PLEASANTON [ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]:
DUBLIN / PLEASANTON [MIDDLE SCHOOL]:
Summer Schedule | Summer Registration Form | Schedule a Call | Payments
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAMPS:
Foundations of Public Speaking:
- Overview: This camp teaches students the fundamentals central to public speaking. In this camp students will learn the ins and outs of how to elevate their public speaking: voice projection and volume control, speech organization, annunciation and verbal clarity, tonal variety, leveraging various persuasion styles (logos, ethos, pathos), reduction of verbal static (uh, um, like, and other unnecessary fillers), hand gestures, posture control, power stances, controlling the room, outlining, physical presence, cadence and rhythm.
- Duration and Times: One-week camp; Monday through Friday; 9am to 12pm.
- Cost: $525 per camp session
- Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates
Elementary Debate:
- Overview: Elementary debate teaches students the fundamentals of debate. Students will learn the various Elementary debate formats: SPAR debate and Congressional debate. They will learn all about logic, argumentation, persuasive writing, debate structure, reasoning, cross-examination, closings, rebuttal techniques and various persuasion styles. Students can expect to enjoy a lot of practice debates.
- 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
Elementary Oratory, Declamation, and Storytelling
- Overview: Elementary Speech teaches students the fundamentals related to speech. Students will learn various Elementary speech formats like Impromptu speaking, Oratory speaking, Declamation speaking, Storytelling, and more. Students will hone in on key communication pillars like: speech organization, volume control, projection, tonal variety, cadence and rhythm, diction, hand gestures, emoting, and more.
- 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
Elementary Congressional Debate
- Overview: The Congressional Debate (Congress) debate camp provides a deep dive into the Congressional style of debate.
- Description and Curricular Focus: Students in this camp will learn the following: Congressional speech construction; delivering speeches from outlines; spontaneous speaking; research and evidence use in argumentation; note-taking in Congressional debate; rebuttal techniques; crystallization; constitutional theory; fundamentals of government and the American political system; practice Congressional debates; judge adaptation, rhetoric and persuasion, basic parliamentary / congressional procedure for debate e.g. motions to make during a legislative body debate; understanding of rights, government structure and policy-making; how a bill becomes a law.
- Background: Congressional Debate is a popular debate format in the United States. This style of debate asks students to channel their inner-Senator by engaging in debates on various “bills” (topics). Students are given a docket of bills, asked to conduct research on those topics, choose a side, construct an outline and speech for their position, and then debate these bills with a chamber of other students.
- 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
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPS:
Foundations of Public Speaking
- Overview: This camp teaches students the fundamentals central to public speaking. In this camp students will learn the ins and outs of how to elevate their public speaking: voice projection and volume control, speech organization, annunciation and verbal clarity, tonal variety, leveraging various persuasion styles (logos, ethos, pathos), reduction of verbal static (uh, um, like, and other unnecessary fillers), hand gestures, posture control, power stances, controlling the room, outlining, physical presence, cadence and rhythm.
- 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
Middle School Speech & Debate
- Overview: The Middle School Speech and Debate camp provides a perfect overview for speech and debate for all Middle School students. Students learn everything from A to Z as it related to Middle School Speech and Debate. Students will learn Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate, SPAR Debate, Impromptu, and a little prepared speech. Students are taught logic, argumentation, case writing, research, communication and public speaking, philosophy, fundamentals around policy, and so much more! All of this is presented in a fun, interactive, and highly nurturing way.
- Description and Curricular Focus:
- Who:
- Grade Level:
- 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
Lincoln Douglas Debate:
- Overview: The Lincoln Douglas (LD) debate camp provides a deep dive into the LD style of debate. Students in this camp will learn the following: LD casewriting, the fundamentals of LD argumentation, research and evidence, framework construction: how to use standards e.g. value and value criterion; flowing techniques, blocks, rebuttal techniques, signposting, crystallization, comparative analysis, philosophy for LD debate, judge adaptation, issue selection, framing, weighing arguments, practice debates.
- Who: This camp is for any student who wants to dive deep into the world of LD debate.
- Grade Level: 6th, 7th, 8th
- Background: LD Debate is one of the premiere and staple formats of debate in the United States. Rooted in tradition back to the days of Abraham Lincoln, LD Debate utilizes a one-vs-one style in which participants debate a topic with both policy and philosophical nuances.
- Deliverables: Knowledge and understanding of LD Debate; written affirmative case; written negative case; written blocks document; multiple real practice rounds. Students will leave this camp fully ready to participate in LD debate in the coming year and start tournament participation in LD debate immediately.
- 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
Congressional Debate:
- Overview: The Congressional Debate (Congress) debate camp provides a deep dive into the Congressional style of debate.
- Description and Curricular Focus: Students in this camp will learn the following: Congressional speech construction; delivering speeches from outlines; spontaneous speaking; research and evidence use in argumentation; note-taking in Congressional debate; rebuttal techniques; crystallization; constitutional theory; fundamentals of government and the American political system; practice Congressional debates; judge adaptation, rhetoric and persuasion, basic parliamentary / congressional procedure for debate e.g. motions to make during a legislative body debate; understanding of rights, government structure and policy-making; how a bill becomes a law.
- Who: This camp is for any student who wants to dive deep into the world of Congressional debate.
- Grade Level: 6th, 7th, 8th
- Background: Congressional Debate is a popular debate format in the United States. This style of debate asks students to channel their inner-Senator by engaging in debates on various “bills” (topics). Students are given a docket of bills, asked to conduct research on those topics, choose a side, construct an outline and speech for their position, and then debate these bills with a chamber of other students.
- Deliverables: Knowledge and understanding of Congressional Debate; creation of several Congressional speech outlines; multiple practice Congressional debates. Students will leave this camp fully ready to participate in Congressional debate in the coming year and start tournament participation in Congressional debate immediately.
- 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
Spontaneous Debate & Impromptu:
- Overview: The Spontaneous Debate debate camp provides a deep dive into two unique types of debate: SPAR debate and Impromptu speaking. These two popular styles teach students how to debate and speak with limited preparation time. SPAR debate is a one-on-one style in which students debate an age-appropriate topic after just two minutes of preparation time. In Impromptu, students learn how to give robust speeches with only a limited amount of preparation time.
- Description and Curricular Focus: Students in this camp will learn the following: SPAR debate and Impromptu speaking.
- Who: This camp is great for any student who wants to learn all about spontaneous debate and impromptu.
- Grade Level: 6th, 7th, 8th
- Background: SPAR Debate is an excellent way to introduce students to debating in the classroom. It’s an activity for getting students initially exposed to debating, but also for isolating and introducing the key elements of academic argumentation. SPAR is short for Spontaneous Argumentation debates. The term connotes, too, some of the jousting and practicing that we think of as “sparring.” SPAR Debate can be used with minimal research, and is therefore a very good format for getting students up and arguing.
- 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
Original Oratory and Declamation:
- Overview: This camp will teach students all about the “speech” side of “speech and debate”. Students will focus on learning Impromptu speaking, Declamation and Original Oratory.
- 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
- Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates
HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS:
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
- Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates
ONLINE CLASSES:
Advanced Philosophy for Advanced Debaters:
- 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 ten of the most influential philosophers, spanning from classical to modern times. Through in-depth analysis and critical discussion, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the philosophical principles that underpin advanced debate techniques.
- Each week, students will immerse themselves in the ideas and arguments of a different philosopher, examining their key theories, ethical frameworks, and contributions to philosophical discourse. From Plato and Aristotle to Kant and Nietzsche, students will grapple with timeless questions of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and more.
- Designed specifically for advanced debate students, this course will equip participants with the philosophical tools and insights necessary to excel in high-stakes debate competitions. By mastering the most important philosophical concepts used at the highest levels of debate, 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 in-depth discussions, critical analysis, and collaborative learning. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and thought-provoking assignments, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the role of philosophy in shaping contemporary debate practices.
- Whether you aspire to compete at the highest levels of debate or simply wish to deepen your understanding of philosophical thought, "Advanced Philosophy for Advanced Debaters" offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of philosophy and debate in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.
- 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?
- 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.
- Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions. Spans a month.
- Cost: $425 per camp session
- Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates
Circuit Debate Techniques for Traditional Debaters
- 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. Drawing inspiration from the "defense against the dark arts" approach, this course will empower students to confidently confront and refute challenging arguments.
- Throughout the program, students will explore a range of circuit debate techniques, including Kritiks, counterplans, theory debate, PICs, critical arguments, and speed debating. Through a combination of 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.
- 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.
- Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions. Spans a month.
- Cost: $425 per camp session
- Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates
Advanced Debate Writing:
- Overview: Welcome to "Advanced Debate Writing," a dynamic summer class designed to elevate your debate writing skills to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned debater or just starting out, 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 debate writing, with a focus on mastering the intricacies of advanced cases, alternative cases, plans and counterplans, Kritiks, and more. Through a combination of 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!
- 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.
- Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions. Spans a month.
- Cost: $425 per camp session
- Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates
Intermediate Debate Writing:
- 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 art and science of debate writing. Through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to sharpen, refine, and tighten their writing skills to create persuasive and compelling arguments.
- With a focus on independence and efficiency, this course will equip students with the tools and strategies needed to write cases quickly and effectively. From crafting arguments from scratch to striking the right balance between logic and rhetorical appeal, participants will gain valuable insights into the nuances of effective 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!
- Who: Any student who has completed Beginner Debate or a comparable debate experience.
- Grade Level: Middle School; High School.
- Duration and Times: Once a week, 4 sessions. Spans a month.
- Cost: $425 per camp session
- Dates: See summer schedule for exact dates
SUMMER 2024 SCHEDULE:
CUPERTINO [ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]:
- [CEA]: June 3rd-7th |9am to 12pm| Foundations of Public Speaking
- [CEB]: June 3rd-7th |1pm to 4pm| Elementary Debate
- [CEC]: June 10th-14th |9am to 12pm| Foundations of Public Speaking
- [CED]: June 10th-14th |1pm to 4pm| Elementary Debate
- [CEE]: June 17th-21st |9am to 12pm| Elementary Speech
- [CEF]: June 17th-21st |1pm to 4pm| Elementary Speech
- [CEG]: June 24th-28th |9am to 12pm| Oratory, Declamation, and Storytelling
- [CEH]: June 24th-28th |1pm to 4pm| Elementary Congressional Debate
- [CEI]: July 8th-12th |9am to 12pm| Foundations of Public Speaking
- [CEJ]: July 8th-12th |1pm to 4pm| Elementary Debate
- [CEK]: July 15th-19th |9am to 12pm| Elementary Speech
- [CEL]: July 15th-19th |1pm to 4pm| Elementary Debate
- [CEM]: July 22nd-26th |9am to 12pm| Oratory, Declamation, and Storytelling
- [CEN]: July 22nd-26th |1pm to 4pm| Elementary Congressional Debate
- [CEO]: July 29th-August 2nd |9am to 12pm| Elementary Speech
- [CEP]: July 29th-August 2nd |1pm to 4pm| Elementary Debate
- [CEQ]: August 5th-9th |9am to 12pm| Elementary Congressional Debate
CUPERTINO [MIDDLE SCHOOL]:
- [CMA]: June 3rd-7th |9am to 12pm| Foundations of Public Speaking
- [CMB]: June 3rd-7th |1pm to 4pm| Spontaneous Debate & Impromptu
- [CMC]: June 10th-14th |9am to 12pm| Lincoln Douglas Debate
- [CMD]: June 10th-14th |1pm to 4pm| Middle School Speech & Debate
- [CME]: June 17th-21st |9am to 12pm| Foundations of Public Speaking
- [CMF]: June 17th-21st |1pm to 4pm| Middle School Speech & Debate
- [CMG]: June 24th-28th |9am to 12pm| Spontaneous Debate & Impromptu
- [CMH]: July 8th-12th |9am to 12pm| Middle School Speech & Debate
- [CMI]: July 8th-12th |1pm to 4pm| Congressional Debate
- [CMJ]: July 15th-19th |1pm to 4pm| Original Oratory and Declamation
- [CMK]: July 22nd-26th |9am to 12pm| Spontaneous Debate & Impromptu
- [CML]: July 22nd-26th |1pm to 4pm| Foundations of Public Speaking
- [CMM]: July 29th-August 2nd |9am to 12pm| Lincoln Douglas Debate
- [CMN]: July 29th-August 2nd |1pm to 4pm| Foundations of Public Speaking
- [CMO]: August 5th-9th |9am to 12pm| Spontaneous Debate & Impromptu
- [CMP]: August 5th-9th |1pm to 4pm| Congressional Debate
- [CMQ]: August 12th-16th |9am to 12pm| New Topic Prep Session
- [CMR]: August 12th-16th |1pm to 4pm| New Topic Prep Session
CUPERTINO [HIGH SCHOOL]:
- [CHA]: June 24th-28th |1pm to 4pm| High School Speech & Debate
- [CHB]: July 15th-19th |9am to 12pm| High School Speech & Debate
- [CHC]: August 5th-9th |1pm to 4pm| High School Speech & Debate
- [CMQ]: August 12th-16th |9am to 12pm| New Topic Prep Session
- [CMR]: August 12th-16th |1pm to 4pm| New Topic Prep Session
DUBLIN / PLEASANTON [ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]:
- [DPEA]: June 17th-21st | 9am-12pm| Elementary Speech
- [DPEB]: June 24th-28th |1pm-4pm| Elementary Debate
- [DPEC]: July 15th-19th | 1pm-4pm| Elementary Speech
- [DPED]: July 22nd-26th | 9am-12pm| Elementary Debate
DUBLIN / PLEASANTON [MIDDLE SCHOOL]:
- [DPMA]: June 17th-21st | 1pm-4pm| Middle School Speech
- [DPMB]: June 24th-28th | 9am-12pm| Middle School Debate
- [DPMC]: July 15th-19th | 9am-12pm| Middle School Speech
- [DPMD]: July 22nd-26th | 1pm-4pm| Middle School Debate