Potomac Oak Debate Camp 2020!
About our camp:
This two week summer camp is designed for rising 5th-9th graders (with or without debate experience). During this camp, we strive to nurture creativity and intellectual curiosity, develop critical thinking faculties, and build effective oral and written communication skills. As an added bonus, our camp is a lot of fun! Please see below for a full schedule and a more in depth description of each activity.
Model Congress
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Students learn how to form cogent arguments -- both written and spoken -- by creating their own legislative proposals while abiding by the rules and decorum of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. As a culminating presentation, they present their legislation to congressional staffers on Capitol Hill.
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Skills
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grammar and style
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argumentation
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critical thinking
Mock debates
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Mock debates follow the Public Forum format, requiring students to deliver constructive speeches, rebuttals, summaries, and final focuses, as well as engage in crossfires. Speakers will receive oral critiques to help them improve.
This is where everything really comes together. Debating helps students become better public speakers, think critically, identify logical fallacies, and gain confidence. Students benefit regardless of whether they wish to pursue organized competitive debate.
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Skills
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public speaking
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argumentation
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quick thinking
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logic
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analysis
Research and Casing
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Drawing upon current topics selected by the National Speech and Debate Association, these sessions help students master the art of "casing" debates. Students conduct research and write constructive speeches in preparation for in-class mock debates.
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Skills
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casing debates
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argumentation
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research
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data interpretation
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analysis
Impromptu Speeches
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Students rely on their quick wits and knowledge of current events to make speeches on the spot. With a casual format and a welcoming environment, this activity encourages kids to come out of their shells and get comfortable speaking in front of people.
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Skills
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public speaking
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argumentation
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quick thinking
Field trip Fridays
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It's vital for kids to learn and explore beyond the confines of the classroom. Luckily, geography is on our side here: the Washington, DC area is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.
Every Friday, the students get to go on a field trip to a museum, park, or landmark. The agenda for Summer 2020 is not finalized yet, but will include a visit to the Capitol, where students will tour the chambers of the House and Senate, and, if they get lucky, maybe even catch a real floor debate
Monday - Thursday Schedule
9:00
9:15
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10:45
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12:15
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1:15
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2:00
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3:30
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4:45
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5:00
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Drop off
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Impromptu speaking
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Casing/research
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Lunch
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Afternoon activity
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Mock debates
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Model congress
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Afternoon announcements
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Pick up
Friday (field trip) Schedule
9:00
9:30
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10:15
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12:00
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1:15
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3:30
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4:30
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4:45
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5:00
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Drop off
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Bus pick up
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Arrive at museum, begin tour​
Lunch
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Continue museum tour​
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Bus pick up
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Arrive back at office
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Afternoon announcements
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Pick up
*This schedule is tentative and subject to change