Levels of Instruction
This institute experience offers four tracks of debate instruction and also a speech track. Here is a breakdown:
Debate Tracks
1. Novice Team Policy – Students will receive instruction in the fundamentals of policy debate. Special attention to stock issues, structure, verbal and nonverbal communication. Resolution-specific sessions will educate students on the new Stoa resolution for the 2023-2024 season. Practice debates within their level will help them break the ice.
2. Open Team Policy –This track will focus on topical research and argument development. Students will be encouraged to stretch their argument arsenal during practice debates. Topicality, counterplans, critiques and other advanced strategies will be addressed. Resolution-specific sessions will educate students on specific case areas and how to debate both sides.
3. Novice Lincoln Douglas –Students will receive instruction in the fundamentals of Lincoln Douglas debate. Students will develop verbal and nonverbal competencies in this track. Resolution-specific sessions will educate students on the new Stoa resolution for the 2023-2024 season. Practice debates within their level will help them break the ice.
4. Open Lincoln Douglas – Students will learn both the fundamentals and advanced strategies of value debating. In addition to case construction, argumentation theory and case-specific responses will be developed. Resolution-specific sessions will educate students on specific case areas and how to debate both sides.
Speech Track
This Speech camp is designed for both new and advanced students in all interpretation, platform, and limited preparation events.
Parent/Coach Track
Parents or coaches may attend any of the above tracks. In addition, we will have some coaching-specific sessions taught by faculty members. To register, simply add yourself as a student and choose Parent Track. On-campus housing is available to parents.