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Classic Debate Camp
Miami University, Ohio - July 12-20, 2025
Read Testimonials from CDC Parents:
This is the most organized, student-centered debate camp we have experienced. We really appreciate the thorough communication and the integration of physical exercise options, free/rest time, outdoor time, and fun into a mentally challenging curriculum. Well done team! Jen Daoust, Hawaii
From the values, to the schedule, to the rigor and fun, CDC was an excellent experience for our daughter. She left home for the first time, never having been away for more than a few nights-- and never having debated!-- and reported on day three that she wanted to return for the following year. She felt a sense of belonging and excitement for debate from the very first moments that brought her a sense of identity as a debater and a member of a truly inclusive community. Leslie Segal, Ohio
A great opportunity to not only grow and learn about debating techniques and deliveries, but also gave a growth opportunity in relationship building and interpersonal skills. Anna Istnick, Ohio
This was our first experience with Classic Debate Camp and it exceeded our expectations. The instruction that was given and the confidence that it created is evident when speaking with our son. He believes that the skills he learned at camp will be beneficial to him and can't wait to share them with his teammates. Chris Wahl, Kentucky
CDC has been an incredibly valuable and positive experience for my daughter. The counselors are knowledgeable, encouraging and attentive - they fostered an environment which encouraged discussion and learning. CDC is well organized and the communication with parents is wonderful. CDC has fostered my daughter's development and enthusiasm as a debater. My daughter has made friends at CDC with whom she has kept in touch. I highly recommend CDC. Joy Kleinhenz, Ohio
My son really enjoyed Classic Debate Camp and is looking forward to it next year. He enjoyed getting to know the other campers, sharing ideas, and the general camaraderie. Ashley O'Hara, Ohio
Our son came to camp excited to compete against other passionate debaters. He left camp not only a better debater, but a better person. He now understands the role debate can play in elevating all participants as well as his role in making the debate community inclusive and supportive. BJ & Lynn Floyd, Illinois
CDC is a tremendously organized, all inclusive summer camp experience that will take your child’s debate skills to the next level. The care and consideration of the CDC staff exceeded our expectations. This opportunity gave my child a place to share and grow his passion and increase his network of friends, peers and mentors. Indie Bal, California
Our daughter had a wonderful experience learning in the camp. She said the instructors in her lab were a perfect match for her. She learned different skills and strategies from them. She walked from fear to confidence and was greatly encouraged by others. She said it was such a pleasure to meet and learn from the amazing people at CDC. Everyone was nice and caring. Philip Yang, Ohio
I've never seen my son so happy about a camp. He was buoyant for days afterward and repeatedly said how much he liked the instructors and that they were of such high quality. I'm thrilled both that he had so much fun and that he got so much out of camp. As a parent, I was also very happy with how everything was well run and organized. Great job, Mr. Paik and team! David Brown, North Carolina
CDC provided invaluable experience and insight which my son had never before experienced, participating in debate at a small school with a small debate program. The talented group of coaches have profoundly affected my son’s growth in debate. His growth was immediate. He also had a great time with the other students at the camp and will surely miss his new friends. I highly recommend this camp for students that might not have school teams with the necessary support to be competitive at all levels. David Riebe, North Carolina
My daughter absolutely loved everything about CDC. She enjoyed the labs, the intellectual challenge, and especially the camaraderie of her fellow students. She returned from Ohio almost giddy with joy. Thank you for providing her with a wonderful introduction to debate. Elizabeth Gonzalez, New York
I just want to note that in my experience as a sleepaway camper and counselor (a long time ago), everything depends on the atmosphere created by the person in charge. From two summers' experience through my son, my sense is that the atmosphere at CDC is caring but directed, that is, the campers feel like their well-being and development is the most important thing, and that they are in the hands of people who are paying attention and making sure that people treat each other right. CDC has been an invaluable experience for my son, helping him learn how to debate and how to be the kind of debater he wants to be, and I can't recommend it strongly enough. Sam Cohen, Missouri