Speech and Debate Camp

July 7 – 11, 2025

Speech & Debate Camp will focus on taking competitors with at least 1 year of experience to the next level by focusing on specific genres and skills. This summer, speech sessions will focus on Public Address and Oral Interpretation events. Debate sessions will focus on case construction. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sessions but are encouraged to specialize in one or two genres this week. An indication (not a commitment) of which genre you are most interested in will be requested upon registration. Session topics may include:

• Writing an Oral Interpretation Introduction
• Creating Compelling Characters
• The Structure of a Story
• Persuasion in Every Speech
• Persuasive Versus Informative Speaking
• The Speech Writing Process
• Using Evidence in Debate
• Resolutional Analysis
• The Importance of Definitions

The camp will not be tailored to any specific league but will share universal principles that are applicable in any competitive context. You will learn from members of the Cedarville University forensics team who have achieved personal successes in collegiate forensics. Learn how to give yourself a competitive edge while glorifying God through excellence in effort.

Speech & Debate Camp is sponsored by the Cedarville University Forensics Team and the Department of Communication. The Department of Communication, housed within the Plaster School of Business, offers majors in communication, digital media, broadcasting, journalism, and professional writing and information design. The forensics team is open to all majors. Speech & Debate Camp is open to Christian high-school students with at least 1 year of competitive speech or debate experience from any high school league, grades 8-11. Graduates are not eligible for participation.

Cost and Registration Details

The $450 registration fee includes all meals, housing, field trips, activities, supplies, and a camp shirt.

For the July 7-11 week, the final deadline for registration is June 23, 2025 unless the camp reaches capacity before that date. We are unable to refund registrations after June 23, 2025.

Please note that most camps fill up before the registration deadline so register early! If a camp reaches capacity before the deadline, there will be a waitlist available.

Check into residence halls between 3-5 p.m. on Monday. Camp concludes at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, unless indicated otherwise in the camp schedule. All campers must be picked up by 2:30 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to accommodate any early arrivals/late departures for any camp students. Please adjust your schedule accordingly.

What to Bring

• Great attitude
• Open heart to the Lord
• Excitement to learn
• Desire to make new friends

and in your suitcase…

• Bible
• linens or sleeping bag for twin bed
• pencil and notebook
• umbrella
• personal items
• towels
• comfortable clothes and shoes
• pillow
• money for snacks

What to Wear

Modest business casual dress including slacks, chinos, dress shirts,  or polos are acceptable for camp activities. Tournament Attire is not required. Shorts should be no shorter than halfway between the top of the knee and top of the thigh. Exposed midriff style shirts are not allowed.