BDC Summer Debate Camp

Questions? Reach us at: (859)-218-8888

BDC Summer Debate Camp

Questions? Reach us at: (859)-218-8888

About the BDC Summer Camp

The BDC Summer Debate Camp will take place virtually from Monday, June 21st through Saturday, June 26th. Students will practice their debate skills during the week and showcase them during a camp tournament on Saturday. The format of debate we will be teaching at camp is called Public Forum Debate. You can learn more about Public Forum here.

During the week, students will learn the fundamentals of argumentation, persuasive writing, research, and public speaking. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about current events from the experts that study them. Through a variety of fun activities, lively discussions, and practice debates, students will become more critical thinkers and confident public speakers. In addition, experienced debaters will have the chance to hone their abilities and learn advanced debate strategies. The skills learned through debate encourage achievement in school, success in the workplace, and meaningful engagement with our communities and the world around us.

About the BDC Summer Camp

The BDC Summer Debate Camp will take place virtually from Monday, June 21st through Saturday, June 26th. Students will practice their debate skills during the week and showcase them during a camp tournament on Saturday. The format of debate we will be teaching at camp is called Public Forum Debate. You can learn more about Public Forum here.

During the week, students will learn the fundamentals of argumentation, persuasive writing, research, and public speaking. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about current events from the experts that study them. Through a variety of fun activities, lively discussions, and practice debates, students will become more critical thinkers and confident public speakers. In addition, experienced debaters will have the chance to hone their abilities and learn advanced debate strategies. The skills learned through debate encourage achievement in school, success in the workplace, and meaningful engagement with our communities and the world around us.

Eligibility

The Summer Debate Camp is open to all middle school and high school students in Kentucky. Our camp is designed for both students who are new to debate and more experienced debate students. No prior debate experience is required and students do not need to be a member of a school's debate team to attend. We will offer a novice and an intermediate track. Not sure if debate is for you? Camp is a great way to try out debate in a supportive, fun, and non-competitive environment. Whether you want to be the next debate state champion or are just looking for a fun, educational way to spend a week, our camp is right for you.

Faculty

Camp will be led by esteemed high school coaches Neomia Hagans-Flores and Ryan Ray. Neomia is the head coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Ryan is the head coach at Henry Clay High School, both in Lexington. At the 2021 Kentucky State Tournament, Ryan's and Neomia's teams finished in first and second place and their students won numerous individual awards. Neomia and Ryan will be supported by BDC Director Lily Nellans, guest experts from the University of Kentucky and the wider debate community, and the highly-skilled college students of UK's national-championship debate team.

Faculty

Camp will be led by esteemed high school coaches Neomia Hagans-Flores and Ryan Ray. Neomia is the head coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Ryan is the head coach at Henry Clay High School, both in Lexington. At the 2021 Kentucky State Tournament, Ryan's and Neomia's teams finished in first and second place and their students won numerous individual awards. Neomia and Ryan will be supported by BDC Director Lily Nellans, guest experts from the University of Kentucky and the wider debate community, and the highly-skilled college students of UK's national-championship debate team.

Eligibility

The Summer Debate Camp is open to all middle school and high school students in Kentucky. Our camp is designed for both students who are new to debate and more experienced debate students. No prior debate experience is required and students do not need to be a member of a school's debate team to attend. We will offer a novice and an intermediate track. Not sure if debate is for you? Camp is a great way to try out debate in a supportive, fun, and non-competitive environment. Whether you want to be the next debate state champion or are just looking for a fun, educational way to spend a week, our camp is right for you.

Faculty

Camp will be led by esteemed high school coaches Neomia Hagans-Flores and Ryan Ray. Neomia is the head coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Ryan is the head coach at Henry Clay High School, both in Lexington. At the 2021 Kentucky State Tournament, Ryan's and Neomia's teams finished in first and second place and their students won numerous individual awards. Neomia and Ryan will be supported by BDC Director Lily Nellans, guest experts from the University of Kentucky and the wider debate community, and the highly-skilled college students of UK's national-championship debate team.

Eligibility

The Summer Debate Camp is open to all middle school and high school students in Kentucky. Our camp is designed for both students who are new to debate and more experienced debate students. No prior debate experience is required and students do not need to be a member of a school's debate team to attend. We will offer a novice and an intermediate track. Not sure if debate is for you? Camp is a great way to try out debate in a supportive, fun, and non-competitive environment. Whether you want to be the next debate state champion or are just looking for a fun, educational way to spend a week, our camp is right for you.

Faculty

Camp will be led by esteemed high school coaches Neomia Hagans-Flores and Ryan Ray. Neomia is the head coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Ryan is the head coach at Henry Clay High School, both in Lexington. At the 2021 Kentucky State Tournament, Ryan's and Neomia's teams finished in first and second place and their students won numerous individual awards. Neomia and Ryan will be supported by BDC Director Lily Nellans, guest experts from the University of Kentucky and the wider debate community, and the highly-skilled college students of UK's national-championship debate team.

Sample Daily Schedule

Monday - Friday will follow the daily schedule below. Saturday, students will compete in a mock tournament with other campers. All times are in EST.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Topic Lesson

Students will learn about current events like the economy, healthcare, or foreign policy from an expert in the field

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Lunch Break

Student campers are entirely responsible for providing their own lunch during this break

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Skills Lesson

Students will learn and practice important debate skills like constructing an argument, finding evidence to support arguments, and public speaking

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Afternoon Break

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Practice Session

Through various activities and practice debates, students will continue practicing their new skills

Daily Schedule

Monday - Friday will follow the daily schedule below. Saturday, students will compete in a mock tournament with other campers. All times are in EST.

Sample Daily Schedule

Monday - Friday will follow the daily schedule below. Saturday, students will compete in a mock tournament with other campers. All times are in EST.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Topic Lesson

Students will learn about current events like the economy, healthcare, or foreign policy from an expert in the field

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Lunch Break

Student campers are entirely responsible for providing their own lunch during this break

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Skills Lesson

Students will learn and practice important debate skills like constructing an argument, finding evidence to support arguments, and public speaking

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Afternoon Break

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Practice Session

Through various activities and practice debates, students will continue practicing their new skills

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Topic Lesson

Students will learn about current events like the economy, healthcare, or foreign policy from an expert in the field

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Lunch Break

Student campers are entirely responsible for providing their own lunch during this break

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Skills Lesson

Students will learn and practice important debate skills like constructing an argument, finding evidence to support arguments, and public speaking

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Afternoon Break

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Practice Session

Through various activities and practice debates, students will continue practicing their new skills

Registration & Logistics

Registration Deadline

To attend the BDC summer camp, registration is required. Students must register by Friday, May 14th to be guaranteed a spot - extended to May 28th. We will accept late registrations as space and availability allows.

Clinic Costs

There is no cost to attend the BDC Summer Debate Camp. We suggest a donation of $75 to cover the cost of camp if your family is able. Additional donations to help cover costs for students unable to pay are appreciated.

Have a question? Contact us.