Summer Academic Enrichment Camp | Grades 5–8 Our three-session Summer Academic Enrichment Camp offers middle school students an intellectually stimulating experience that combines rigorous debate training with hands-on science exploration. Designed for students entering Grades 6 through 8, this program challenges young learners to think critically, argue persuasively, and engage with the world around them through a lens of scientific inquiry. Session 1 | July 6–10 Morning: Parliamentary Debate: Students are introduced to Parliamentary Debate, one of the most widely practiced formats in competitive debate. Through structured instruction, participants learn the rules, roles, and structure of Parliamentary rounds while developing the ability to construct and defend arguments in real time. As students prepare their speeches, they engage in guided research and writing practice — learning how to identify credible sources, build evidence-based arguments, and organize their ideas into clear, persuasive rhetoric. The session culminates in an in-camp Parliamentary Debate tournament, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a structured, competitive setting that mirrors the format of real academic tournaments. Afternoon: Human Body and Brain Science: The science curriculum explores the remarkable complexity of the human body and brain, from the nervous system and cognition to how the brain processes information and controls behavior. Session 2 | July 20–24 Morning: Lincoln-Douglas Debate & Spontaneous Argumentation: Session 2 introduces students to Lincoln-Douglas Debate, a value-based one-on-one format that encourages deep philosophical and ethical reasoning on a resolution. Students learn to construct value frameworks, develop contentions, and engage in cross-examination. Alongside formal LD preparation, students practice Spontaneous Argumentation: sharpening their ability to think on their feet and respond under pressure. Research and writing are integrated throughout, as students draft constructive speeches, practice rebuttal writing, and refine their arguments through peer review. The session concludes with an in-camp Lincoln-Douglas tournament that replicates the structure and expectations of competitive rounds. Afternoon: Chemistry of Everyday Life: Participants discover the chemistry hidden in everyday life — exploring chemical reactions, household compounds, and the science behind food, cleaning products, and the natural world. Session 3 | July 27–31 Morning: Public Forum Debate: The final session focuses on Public Forum Debate, a team-based format centered on current events and real-world policy topics. Working in pairs, students research both sides of a contemporary issue, draft cases, and practice summary and final focus speeches — building the kind of evidence literacy and analytical writing skills essential for academic success. The session concludes with an in-camp Public Forum tournament, bringing together all the skills developed across the program in a full competitive experience that reflects the format students will encounter at regional and national tournaments. Afternoon: Artificial Intelligence: The science curriculum turns to one of the most relevant and rapidly evolving fields of our time. Students explore how AI systems work, examine the data and algorithms that power them, and engage in thoughtful discussion about the ethical implications of AI in society. This program is designed for students in Grades 6–8 who wish to develop a strong foundation in competitive debate and academic science. Whether your child is new to debate and looking to explore its major formats for the first time, or an experienced speaker aiming to refine their skills and prepare for debate club participation and tournament competition, this camp provides the structured training, research practice, and competitive experience necessary to excel at the next level.
Summer Academic Enrichment Camp | Grades 5–8 Our three-session Summer Academic Enrichment Camp offers middle school students an intellectually stimulating experience that combines rigorous debate training with hands-on science exploration. Designed for students entering Grades 6 through 8, this program challenges young learners to think critically, argue persuasively, and engage with the world around them through a lens of scientific inquiry. Session 1 | July 6–10 Morning: Parliamentary Debate: Students are introduced to Parliamentary Debate, one of the most widely practiced formats in competitive debate. Through structured instruction, participants learn the rules, roles, and structure of Parliamentary rounds while developing the ability to construct and defend arguments in real time. As students prepare their speeches, they engage in guided research and writing practice — learning how to identify credible sources, build evidence-based arguments, and organize their ideas into clear, persuasive rhetoric. The session culminates in an in-camp Parliamentary Debate tournament, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a structured, competitive setting that mirrors the format of real academic tournaments. Afternoon: Human Body and Brain Science: The science curriculum explores the remarkable complexity of the human body and brain, from the nervous system and cognition to how the brain processes information and controls behavior. Session 2 | July 20–24 Morning: Lincoln-Douglas Debate & Spontaneous Argumentation: Session 2 introduces students to Lincoln-Douglas Debate, a value-based one-on-one format that encourages deep philosophical and ethical reasoning on a resolution. Students learn to construct value frameworks, develop contentions, and engage in cross-examination. Alongside formal LD preparation, students practice Spontaneous Argumentation: sharpening their ability to think on their feet and respond under pressure. Research and writing are integrated throughout, as students draft constructive speeches, practice rebuttal writing, and refine their arguments through peer review. The session concludes with an in-camp Lincoln-Douglas tournament that replicates the structure and expectations of competitive rounds. Afternoon: Chemistry of Everyday Life: Participants discover the chemistry hidden in everyday life — exploring chemical reactions, household compounds, and the science behind food, cleaning products, and the natural world. Session 3 | July 27–31 Morning: Public Forum Debate: The final session focuses on Public Forum Debate, a team-based format centered on current events and real-world policy topics. Working in pairs, students research both sides of a contemporary issue, draft cases, and practice summary and final focus speeches — building the kind of evidence literacy and analytical writing skills essential for academic success. The session concludes with an in-camp Public Forum tournament, bringing together all the skills developed across the program in a full competitive experience that reflects the format students will encounter at regional and national tournaments. Afternoon: Artificial Intelligence: The science curriculum turns to one of the most relevant and rapidly evolving fields of our time. Students explore how AI systems work, examine the data and algorithms that power them, and engage in thoughtful discussion about the ethical implications of AI in society. This program is designed for students in Grades 6–8 who wish to develop a strong foundation in competitive debate and academic science. Whether your child is new to debate and looking to explore its major formats for the first time, or an experienced speaker aiming to refine their skills and prepare for debate club participation and tournament competition, this camp provides the structured training, research practice, and competitive experience necessary to excel at the next level.
Summer Academic Enrichment Camp | Grades 5–8 Our three-session Summer Academic Enrichment Camp offers middle school students an intellectually stimulating experience that combines rigorous debate training with hands-on science exploration. Designed for students entering Grades 6 through 8, this program challenges young learners to think critically, argue persuasively, and engage with the world around them through a lens of scientific inquiry. Session 1 | July 6–10 Morning: Parliamentary Debate: Students are introduced to Parliamentary Debate, one of the most widely practiced formats in competitive debate. Through structured instruction, participants learn the rules, roles, and structure of Parliamentary rounds while developing the ability to construct and defend arguments in real time. As students prepare their speeches, they engage in guided research and writing practice — learning how to identify credible sources, build evidence-based arguments, and organize their ideas into clear, persuasive rhetoric. The session culminates in an in-camp Parliamentary Debate tournament, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a structured, competitive setting that mirrors the format of real academic tournaments. Afternoon: Human Body and Brain Science: The science curriculum explores the remarkable complexity of the human body and brain, from the nervous system and cognition to how the brain processes information and controls behavior. Session 2 | July 20–24 Morning: Lincoln-Douglas Debate & Spontaneous Argumentation: Session 2 introduces students to Lincoln-Douglas Debate, a value-based one-on-one format that encourages deep philosophical and ethical reasoning on a resolution. Students learn to construct value frameworks, develop contentions, and engage in cross-examination. Alongside formal LD preparation, students practice Spontaneous Argumentation: sharpening their ability to think on their feet and respond under pressure. Research and writing are integrated throughout, as students draft constructive speeches, practice rebuttal writing, and refine their arguments through peer review. The session concludes with an in-camp Lincoln-Douglas tournament that replicates the structure and expectations of competitive rounds. Afternoon: Chemistry of Everyday Life: Participants discover the chemistry hidden in everyday life — exploring chemical reactions, household compounds, and the science behind food, cleaning products, and the natural world. Session 3 | July 27–31 Morning: Public Forum Debate: The final session focuses on Public Forum Debate, a team-based format centered on current events and real-world policy topics. Working in pairs, students research both sides of a contemporary issue, draft cases, and practice summary and final focus speeches — building the kind of evidence literacy and analytical writing skills essential for academic success. The session concludes with an in-camp Public Forum tournament, bringing together all the skills developed across the program in a full competitive experience that reflects the format students will encounter at regional and national tournaments. Afternoon: Artificial Intelligence: The science curriculum turns to one of the most relevant and rapidly evolving fields of our time. Students explore how AI systems work, examine the data and algorithms that power them, and engage in thoughtful discussion about the ethical implications of AI in society. This program is designed for students in Grades 6–8 who wish to develop a strong foundation in competitive debate and academic science. Whether your child is new to debate and looking to explore its major formats for the first time, or an experienced speaker aiming to refine their skills and prepare for debate club participation and tournament competition, this camp provides the structured training, research practice, and competitive experience necessary to excel at the next level.