CAMPS

Clark's Debate provides experienced coaches who will assist you and your child in learning and excelling in both the team policy and parliamentary events. Our dedicated team understands the nuances of coaching individuals, regardless of their prior debate experience. We create a supportive and enjoyable environment where campers are empowered to advance their skills and thrive. In order to facilitate student collaboration, camps are offered in person only.

Introduction to Parliamentary Debate Online Camp

Course Description:
Do you like the idea of debating big ideas without the pressure of being an expert? Imagine a lively discussion where you get to argue both sides of a topic, think on your feet, and work as a team—all in a fun and supportive environment! That’s parliamentary debate, and this class is your perfect introduction to it.

In this summer course, you’ll learn the basics of parliamentary debate by jumping into exciting mock debates about simple topics, like sleeping early vs. sleeping late, to topics that really matter—from social issues to global challenges. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity, creativity, and willingness to speak your mind. You’ll practice crafting strong arguments, responding to others’ ideas, and figuring out how to win over your audience (whether you’re arguing for or against the topic). Best of all, you’ll do it with a group of other students who are ready to learn and have fun together.

This class is intended for middle and high school students.

Key Topics Include:

How Parliamentary Debate Works (and why it’s so much fun!)
Crafting Arguments and Using Evidence to Back Up Your Ideas
Thinking Quickly and Responding to Opponents on the Spot
Working with Your Debate Team to Build Winning Strategies
Public Speaking Tips for Confidence and Clarity

Real-World Applications:

Confidence: Become more comfortable speaking in front of others, no matter the situation.
Research Skills: Develop the ability to gather, analyze, and use evidence effectively to support your arguments.
Critical Thinking: Sharpen your analytical skills to evaluate ideas, challenge assumptions, and build well-reasoned arguments.
Teamwork: Learn how to collaborate and support your teammates in a fast-paced setting.
Problem-Solving: Hone your ability to think critically and come up with clever solutions to tough problems.
Persuasion: Get better at convincing others of your ideas, whether it’s in class, with friends, or in future leadership roles.

Why Take This Course?
This class is ideal for students eager to try something new, strengthen their speaking skills, or simply enjoy learning how to think quickly and argue persuasively in a supportive environment. Whether you’re completely new to debate or seeking a summer challenge, this course will empower you to speak with confidence and make your voice heard.

Research shows that debate sharpens critical thinking, research abilities, and public speaking skills by teaching students to analyze arguments, conduct thorough research, and communicate effectively. Debaters also tend to excel academically while building teamwork, leadership, and civic engagement skills—valuable soft skills that are essential for life.

Ready to join the debate? Let’s dive in and discover just how exciting and rewarding it can be to learn (and argue!) together!

Instructor:

Charis and Elia Ching

Course Materials:

All course materials will be supplied electronically by the instructor.

Course Fees:

The tuition for this course is $199

Schedule:

The course begins on June 30, 2025, and ends on July 25, 2025. We will meet every Tuesday at 6 - 7 pm EST via Zoom.

Technical requirements:

Students will need a computer with high-speed internet access.

Course Delivery: