2018 Summer Introduction to Debate Camp
- Description: This 2 week half day camp will build upon the principles taught in the public speaking camp, while introducing the debate as a means of advocacy/communication. Through developing skills in debate, students will learn how to engage in civil discussions on important issues, will be able to discuss and argue their positions on current issues and will understand what makes a good argument.
Some activities and questions that we will focus on:
√ What is the purpose of debate?
√ What makes an effective debater? Is argumentation necessarily combative?
√ Strategies for research
√ How to warrant an argument
√ How to refute an argument without attacking your opponent
√ Different styles of debate
√ Flash debates/Improvised debates
√ Vocal exercises/warm-ups
√ Mock debates at the end of the camp!
Note: It is not required that students enroll for Public Speaking Camp and Debate Camp, but the two skills build upon one
another in a way that will help students develop a more thorough skill set in communication.
- Instructor: Michael Sprintson
Public Forum, Policy Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, World Schools Debate, and Congressional Debate. Here is what Michael
has to say about his debate experience:
I’ve loved debating ever since I was little, often incessantly arguing with my parents, but Debate allowed me to fulfill my
passion for communicating ideas in a competitive setting. My career in debate began in 2014 with Policy Debate, placing
2nd at UIL District and qualifying for the State Championships. In Policy Debate, I learned how to analyze complex issues
in politics and in policies. I then went on to qualify for the UIL State Championships and TFA State Championships in Policy
Debate during my sophomore year. That summer I decided to branch out, participating in World Schools Debate at the
Cornell International Summer Camp, and placing second. I then joined Congressional Debate and Extemporaneous
Speaking, where I honed my skills as a presenter and researcher, qualifying for the TFA State Championships and the
National Speech and Debate Tournament in my junior year. Debate has been a crucial part of my high school experience,
teaching me to be a creative thinker and communicate in a collaborative manner with my classmates. This generation of
advocacy is fueled by a strong voice, one that forensics brought out in me.
Michael has been volunteering at TAMU math circle for many years and found his passion about teaching there. He is very excited
and confident that he'll make the public speaking and debate camps informative and engaging. Currently Michael is trying to decide
whether if he is going to UC Berkeley or to Rice for his college education. Either way, all around him can tell that he'll do very well
in his college study. Congratulations, Michael!
- Maximum Number of students: 10
- Date and Time: This camp is offered from 9am - 12pm during Weeks June 25 - July 6.
- Camp Fees, Discounts and Refund Policies
• $380 per student
• A discount of $10 will be applied to all students from the same family.
• A discount of $10 will be applied to the same child if also attending the Public Speaking Camp.
• The above discounts can be combined.
Refund policy:
Full refund: if you withdraw your student one week before the camp.
Half refund: if you withdraw your student within a week before the camp.
No refund: Once camp is started.