Although we focus on teaching debate, many of the skills and techniques we teach can be easily applied to other things as well. Campers will learn how to debate, but they will also learn about the topic at hand (we will go into details during our 'Topic' lecture). Here are some of the lessons that we will be teaching at camp.
- Basics: Every day, campers will have one schedule block devoted to basics. On the first day, we will teach the core (or stock) issues of debate, as well as speech structure. On subsequent days, Basics serves as a review block.
- Flowing: Campers will learn a specialized means of notetaking used in debate, known as flowing. This will teach campers how to memorize and note large amounts of information in a short period of time.
- Cross-Examination: In this lesson, we teach campers how to ask one another questions, as well as how to answer them in the context of a debate round. This lesson empathizes quick thinking.
- Games: Although not strictly a lesson, we believe it is important for campers to be able to relax and have fun. Of course, these 'games' are also occasionally review activities-- during CDC '08, one example would be a paper snowball fight with key terms.
During our second week, we offer more difficult lessons that get into the heart of debate, including a variety of advanced techniques.
- Counterplans: Sometimes, debating a single policy action is not the most constructive. This lesson teaches students how to weigh competing policy actions against each other.
- Topicality: Language is an important tool in many contexts, but specificity and clarity can be a dramatic help. This aspect of debate focuses on language precision and usage.
- Technique: With the basics down pat, our staff takes extensive time in the second week teaching technique and form, improving speaking with inflection and focus. The second week is much less structured in this regard, as our counselors will teach personalized lessons to give campers a variety of successful perspectives.
But what do campers take away from camp? Many, though not all will go on to debate in their high school years. For those that don't, however, there's still plenty to learn.
- Critical Reasoning: Debate fosters analytical and logical skills, which can be applied to a number of other activities.
- Speech & Delivery: The number one top fear in the United States today isn't death-- it's public speaking. Campers will come away from Champion Debate feeling comfortable delivering speeches to an audience, even with very little preparation time before hand.
- Research: This year, we are prepared to encourage more independent research on the campers' parts. Particularly in high-level debate, becoming better at finding facts and figures in a short amount of time is key-- something that can easily be applied to research projects at school.
- Current Events: For CDC '09, we've chosen alternative energy to be our topic, meaning that campers will learn about the pros and cons of renewable and conventional energy sources. With energy being a critical issue today, it is important for everyone to learn the facts about energy.
- Friends & Fun: As said before, we believe that campers also need to have fun along with learning. Many campers form friendships that they can take with them into the next school year-- this is particularly helpful for rising high schoolers.
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About this Page
You're on the curriculum page. Here, we provide a basic outline of some of the topics that we will go over during camp, as well as their relevance to everyday life and potential use for the future.
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At a Glance
Champion Debate '10
Champion Debate '10 will be our largest program yet, offering an extended two-week program for interested debaters and returning campers, as well as a qualified staff. Applications now open!
Champion Debate '09
Champion Debate '09 ended with a triumphant closing ceremony and talent show, having taught 34 campers vital skills in debate. Many of these campers showed exemplary skill during the tournament.
Questions? Comments?
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