British Columbia Overnight Debate Camp

OUR MISSION

Debate Camp aims to empower students with the skills of effective communication and teamwork through the avenues of debate and public speaking.  The goal of our program is to create informed and articulate global citizens in a fun and exciting learning environment.

OUR PROGRAM OFFERS

LEVELLED INSTRUCTION:  All camps divide the grades 5 - 11 registrants into 4 or more ability groups at the outset of camp.  We strive to ensure all debate partnerships and speakers opposite are at an experience level that ensures the right level of challenge. Parents may pre-register their camper into the ability group they see fit, however, Debate Camp reserves the right to ensure campers feel comfortable with their level of challenge throughout the week.

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS:  Debate workshops are designed in an interactive, student-centred way and aim to help campers develop skills in case construction, refutation and counterpoint techniques, parliamentary interruptions, tools for effective delivery and efficient research skills. 

TEAMWORK AND FEEDBACK:  Debates happen in partnership, normally in teams of 2 or 4 speakers - who work together.  Campers co-develop cases, ensure effective rebuttal and receive feedback together; often as a side - pointing out strengths of argumentation and delivery.  We aim for 3 to 4 practice rounds daily. 

PRACTICE:  Debate Camp is a place to learn, and we believe one of the best ways to develop new skills is through practice and effective feedback.  At camp, debaters are on their feet, raising points, countering and developing new abilities in an active way.  We are more about this active form of learning and less about lecture-style teaching.   

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT:  Debate Camp is a place of new ideas. We believe that to open young minds to the world around them, particularly global issues and current events, helps in case construction and broadens possible speech topics. 

CHALLENGE BY CHOICE:  Debate camp provides countless opportunities to advocate for an idea, form a response, stand and speak on a point.  Whether in impromptu speaking games, debate feuds, or formal rounds - campers who take these opportunities get the most out of camp.

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT:  Camp is also a supportive place, with lots of encouragement available for those who are trying new things.  Campers are coached to honour what is being said by their opponents and welcome the efforts of others, even in competition.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more and to register, check out our website by clicking here!