Classic
Debate Camp

Read testimonials from our 2025 campers:​

 

AWESOME!!!! My only wish is that it was longer!

Yuxuan Lin, Penn High School, Indiana

 

Classic Debate Camp is a transformational, positive, connecting, and life-changing experience. Not only do you learn fundamental debating skills, and further your knowledge, but you meet life-long debate friends and form connections with others who are just as passionate and eager to learn. CDC is truly an exceptional experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s ready to dive deep into debate.

Shaashwatiyaa Balamurugan, Laurel School, Ohio

 

Classic Debate Camp taught me new skills and connected me with successful debaters who instructed and guided us. Good overall experience!

Elle Saleeby, Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Missouri

 

Classic Debate Camp was, without a doubt, the best camp I’ve ever been to. I did the Congress program, and every single day, I grew as a debater. The staff is incredible and very passionate. I walked in with goals and walked out feeling confident, and with new friends and great memories. Thank you, CDC!

Arya Tangirala, Olentangy High School, Ohio

 

Even if I had learned nothing at CDC regarding debate, I still would be glad I came. It was such a welcoming environment to foster connections and new friendships, where I felt heard and supported by other debaters, even though we were technically in competition. However, I did learn so much about debate and my skills have increased so much just over the last week.

Rylee Goodrich, Hickman High School, Missouri

 

I enjoyed practice rounds and the fun activities like game nights with friends! And overall, I really enjoyed meeting new people from different places and learning new perspectives. I also really enjoyed the talks during morning assemblies.

Radha Kontamwar, Jackson High School, Ohio

 

I feel above all else, Classic Debate Camp got me remotivated for Congress next year because for a while I didn’t really want to do it, but then working with other people made it a lot more fun. I enjoyed the tournament on the last day the most. It was fun and cool seeing how much better everyone else got.

Andrew Hetrick, Northwest High School, Ohio

 

I improved at my speaking and on the spot responses to new arguments I’ve never heard before.

Kenji Wetherell, Parker School, Hawaii

 

I met the most amazing people, and learned how important it is to collaborate with your partner in round. I am so grateful to her for showing me what a good partner should look like.

Zoe Mei, Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Missouri

 

I most enjoyed how much free time we had and the events like game night that were planned to help people take a break from working. I think that those things helped prevent burnout and getting overwhelmed with preparation and also gave people the ability to explore the campus and learn more about the college. Additionally, the residential experience was very good overall. The dormitory was very clean and nice. Having access to the athletic center was very nice as well, and the food in the dining hall was good too. The residential experience was excellent.

Calvin Wisniewski, Archbishop Moeller High School, Ohio

 

I really appreciated office hours. It allowed me to continually stress-test my case against brilliant instructors who provided extremely helpful feedback.

Sahas Chhabra, University School, Ohio

 

I really enjoyed collaborating with like minded peers and getting personalized instruction from coaches because I learn best when working with other people.

Venya Gulati, School Without Walls, Washington DC

 

I think I most benefitted from being forced to do things that had previously been presented to me as optional. For example, prior to camp I would outright refuse to debate framework because I thought it was too hard, too complicated, and too annoying. At camp, though, I was forced to debate framework and while that was originally not my favorite thing, I have come to enjoy doing it and to value what it gets you in round. Another example would be practice rounds. Before camp I did half a practice round before dropping out because I was embarrassed. At camp they did not give me that option, and I now see practice rounds as a very valuable tool.

Camryn Harris, Olentangy Liberty High School, Ohio

 

It was truly life-changing, and I can’t wait to bring all the things I learned back to my team. 

Stephen Kirwan, Archbishop Moeller High School, Ohio

 

Thank you so much for everything!! I am so thankful for my experiences here, as an incoming freshman, CDC made me feel more confident entering the high school circuit.

Anonymous

 

The best thing I learned was how to extend my case and create blocks and frontlines. In addition, this camp taught me how to flow which was really helpful.

Cameron Stansifer, Wooster High School, Ohio

 

The most valuable part was the lecture on round strategy. It helped me win multiple rounds and was something I had never thought of before.

Jack Shein, Chagrin Falls High School, Ohio

 

This camp really changed my perspective on debate as a whole. It’s the turning point in my debate career.... All the counselors are really kind and passionate and taught us very effectively. The amount of time we spend with our lab made it easy to make friends, no matter how introverted I am. It's crazy how deep a bond can form in just one week with everyone, both campers and counselors.

Alyssa Tang, Parkway Central High School, Missouri

 

This camp was an amazing opportunity which changed my debating skills for the better.

Zachary Thies, Riverside High School, South Carolina

 

What was most helpful to my growth was being able to develop a relationship and strategy with a new partner because I didn’t know her before but we were able to quickly establish effective routines and good dynamics with each other.

Hannah Rosenfeld, Laurel School, Ohio​​​