Free Debate Summer Camp Hosted by UK’s Bluegrass Debate Coalition
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 13, 2021) — This summer, The University of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Debate Coalition (BDC) will host a free virtual summer camp designed to introduce Kentucky middle and high schoolers to the fundamentals of competitive debate.
The BDC Summer Debate Camp will take place virtually from Monday, June 21, through Saturday, June 26. Students will practice their debate skills during the week and showcase them during a camp tournament on Saturday.
During camp, 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.
The Summer Debate Camp is open to all middle school and high school students in Kentucky. The 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.
If a student is not sure if debate is for them or not, this camp is a great way to try out debate in a supportive and fun environment.
Register by May 14 to guarantee a spot. Learn more about the camp and register at www.bluegrassdebate.com/summer-camp-2021.
The BDC will also co-host a free Coaches Clinic for teachers and new coaches interested in learning more about coaching debate. Information on the Coaches Clinic can be found here: www.bluegrassdebate.com/summer-coaches-clinic-2021.
The BDC is part of Kentucky Intercollegiate Debate, housed in the UK College of Communication and Information.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.