Read Testimonials from CDC Parents:

From the values, to the schedule, to the rigor and fun, CDC was an excellent experience for our daughter. She left home for the first time, never having been away for more than a few nights-- and never having debated!-- and reported on day three that she wanted to return for the following year. She felt a sense of belonging and excitement for debate from the very first moments that brought her a sense of identity as a debater and a member of a truly inclusive community. Leslie Segal, Ohio

 

A great opportunity to not only grow and learn about debating techniques and deliveries, but also gave a growth opportunity in relationship building and interpersonal skills. Anna Istnick, Ohio

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This was our first experience with Classic Debate Camp and it exceeded our expectations. The instruction that was given and the confidence that it created is evident when speaking with our son. He believes that the skills he learned at camp will be beneficial to him and can't wait to share them with his teammates. Chris Wahl, Kentucky

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CDC has been an incredibly valuable and positive experience for my daughter. The counselors are knowledgeable, encouraging and attentive - they fostered an environment which encouraged discussion and learning. CDC is well organized and the communication with parents is wonderful. CDC has fostered my daughter's development and enthusiasm as a debater. My daughter has made friends at CDC with whom she has kept in touch. I highly recommend CDC. Joy Kleinhenz, Ohio

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My son really enjoyed Classic Debate Camp and is looking forward to it next year. He enjoyed getting to know the other campers, sharing ideas, and the general camaraderie. Ashley O'Hara, Ohio

 

Recently I have been disappointed when Ohio debaters have expressed fear and intimidation when they are competing in national circuit tournaments or against “progressive” debaters at Nationals. Classic Debate Camp gives Ohio and traditional debaters a chance to learn from some of the very best former debaters who rose to the top in both types of circuits. I believe this provides an important confidence boost and levels the playing field for these debaters. Whether they are learning to respond to a Kritik, Plan, or Counterplan or just discovering if they have a strong framework, the traditional debater is so much more empowered following camp! Robert Duncan, Ohio

 

Our son came to camp excited to compete against other passionate debaters. He left camp not only a better debater, but a better person. He now understands the role debate can play in elevating all participants as well as his role in making the debate community inclusive and supportive. BJ & Lynn Floyd, Illinois

 

CDC is a tremendously organized, all inclusive summer camp experience that will take your child’s debate skills to the next level. The care and consideration of the CDC staff exceeded our expectations. This opportunity gave my child a place to share and grow his passion and increase his network of friends, peers and mentors. Indie Bal, California

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Our daughter had a wonderful experience learning in the camp. She said the instructors in her lab were a perfect match for her. She learned different skills and strategies from them. She walked from fear to confidence and was greatly encouraged by others. She said it was such a pleasure to meet and learn from the amazing people at CDC. Everyone was nice and caring. Philip Yang, Ohio

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 I've never seen my son so happy about a camp. He was buoyant for days afterward and repeatedly said how much he liked the instructors and that they were of such high quality. I'm thrilled both that he had so much fun and that he got so much out of camp. As a parent, I was also very happy with how everything was well run and organized. Great job, Mr. Paik and team! David Brown, North Carolina

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CDC provided invaluable experience and insight which my son had never before experienced, participating in debate at a small school with a small debate program. The talented group of coaches have profoundly affected my son’s growth in debate. His growth was immediate. He also had a great time with the other students at the camp and will surely miss his new friends. I highly recommend this camp for students that might not have school teams with the necessary support to be competitive at all levels.  David Riebe, North Carolina

 

My daughter absolutely loved everything about CDC.  She enjoyed the labs, the intellectual challenge, and especially the camaraderie of her fellow students. She returned from Ohio almost giddy with joy. Thank you for providing her with a wonderful introduction to debate. Elizabeth Gonzalez, New York

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I just want to note that in my experience as a sleepaway camper and counselor (a long time ago), everything depends on the atmosphere created by the person in charge. From two summers' experience through my son, my sense is that the atmosphere at CDC is caring but directed, that is, the campers feel like their well-being and development is the most important thing, and that they are in the hands of people who are paying attention and making sure that people treat each other right. CDC has been an invaluable experience for my son, helping him learn how to debate and how to be the kind of debater he wants to be, and I can't recommend it strongly enough. Sam Cohen, Missouri