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What distinguishes Classic Debate Camp from other summer debate programs?

  1. We seek Victory with Virtue. We teach students to pursue victory with virtue, not victory at any cost. We help students to develop the character, insightfulness, and eloquence to succeed in life as well as in high school debate.

  2. We know what works in traditional states and districts. We teach only the traditional style of Lincoln-Douglas debate. We believe that Public Forum debate should remain true to its original purpose: to be accessible to both the layperson and the debate coach.

  3. We engage with diversity. We see the diversity of our staff - in thought and in background - as a vital strength. We actively welcome students of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, economic classes, and religions.

  4. We are a real community. We are an inclusive, tight-knit, on-going community where debaters and coaches form authentic, lasting relationships with each other.

  5. We work with our camper throughout the year. From October to February, we hold monthly practices on Zoom, during which campers reunite with each other and work with instructors. 

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Ten Skills You Can Develop at CDC

 

  1. How to Analyze a Resolution*

  2. Case Construction and Persuasive Writing

  3. Research and Managing Evidence

  4. Public Speaking and Nonverbal Communication

  5. Essential Philosophy for Lincoln-Douglas Debate

  6. How to Win Cross-Examinations and Crossfires

  7. How to Develop and Deliver Strong Rebuttal Speeches

  8. Word Economy: How to Say a Lot Without Speaking Too Fast

  9. How to Think Strategically about a Debate Round

  10. What It Takes to Become a Champion Debater 

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*Note that 9 out of 9 times the LD camp topic turned out to be a topic that was debated during the following season. For example, the current November-December topic (Wealth Tax) was the topic we did last summer at CDC2024! 

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What to Expect When You Come to CDC

 

  1. Low student-to-instructor ratio. In 2024, our camp consisted of 76 campers total and 21 instructors, for a ratio better than 4 campers to 1 instructor. Our 5 LD labs consisted of 11 students on average and 3 instructors each. Our PF division had 2 labs, each with 10 students and 3 instructors. Our low camper-to-instructor ratio ensures that each camper receives lots of instruction that is tailored to their particular needs. And the small overall size of our camp enables everyone to get to know each other and become a tight-knit community.

  2. Supportive lab groups focused on building skills and friendships. There is an ideal mix of lectures, lab group work, and practice rounds - followed by the camp tournament. The crucial link is the lab group, which acts as a camper's home within the camp, a safe and supportive space to develop new skills. Students leave Classic Debate Camp with a set of skills that will help them to succeed at the local, state, and national level - skills that they can also pass on to their teammates during the school year. On top of that, students leave camp with new friends and mentors that they can stay in contact with throughout the coming season and beyond. 

  3. Practice rounds followed by constructive feedback. Students take their new skills and try them out in actual debate rounds. After instructors critique rounds, they tailor subsequent teaching and training to the specific needs of each student. Campers build on their experience in each round and see dramatic improvement from their first practice round to their final round in the camp tournament. 

  4. An emphasis on good-spirited competition. During all practice rounds and during the camp tournament, students are expected to compete with intensity, but also with respect for each other. Students are discouraged from being overly aggressive or speaking in a hostile tone of voice. Instead, they are encouraged to develop a calm, professional, and positive style of delivery that conveys poise and confidence and also appeals to all kinds of judges.

  5. Electives. Students have the opportunity to choose from an array of elective workshops offered by instructors. Past electives included:

  • Debate as a Game of Chess: Strategic Thinking in the Context of a PF Round

  • Deontological vs Consequentialist Frameworks

  • Efficiency

  • Flying Solo: How to Keep up with Powerful Teams as an Independent Debater

  • How to Lose an Argument but Still Win the Round: The Art of Adapting and Appealing to the Judge

  • How to Deal with Progressive LD Tactics as a Lay Debater

  • Intro to Collegiate Debate

  • Making the Most of Cross Examination

  • Perfect Your Presentation through Effective Practice

  • Reduce Anxiety Now: Tips and Tricks for Easing Nervous Tension in the Moment

  • So You Want to Be the Captain of Your Debate Team?

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