BDC Hosts Summer Camp to Introduce Middle, High School Students to Debate

This summer, the University of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Debate Coalition (BDC) will host its annual summer camp. The BDC summer camp introduces middle and high school students in Kentucky to the fundamentals of competitive debate, public speaking and critical thinking.

The BDC Summer Debate Camp will take place in-person from Monday, June 20, through Saturday, June 25. Tuition for the BDC Summer Debate Camp is $250. Students will practice their skills in argumentation and public speaking throughout the week, with the opportunity to showcase them during a camp-wide competition on Saturday.

During the week, students will learn the fundamentals of leadership, 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 refine 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 Bluegrass Debate Coalition summer debate camp is open to all middle school and high school students in Kentucky. The camp is designed for 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. Novice, intermediate and advanced tracks are offered. 

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 of your summer break, the BDC camp is right for you.

Register by May 15 to guarantee a spot. Learn more about the camp and register at https://bluegrassdebate.org/debate-camp/.

The BDC is part of Kentucky Intercollegiate Debate, housed in the UK College of Communication and Information.