“I have spent my past two summers at the Michigan Debate Institutes and they have been truly formative for me not only as a debater but also as a person. I attended the Kritik Lab for four weeks prior to my junior year and attended the 7 Week Program this past summer. From unparalleled access to the most qualified coaches in the country to being surrounded by the best and brightest debaters in the nation, my Michigan experience has been incredible. My lab leaders provided in-depth feedback and lectures pivotal for argumentative and technical development, rigorous practice debates that allowed me to truly apply the skills learned, and expert lectures that allowed me to thoroughly understand the topic and get a head start for the season. From being able to experience fun events such as the Ann Arbor Art Fair to frequent trips to get ice cream and Boba to lab fun nights, the unique experiences at Michigan have created lasting bonds that have transformed debate for me from just an activity to a true community. Lasting friendships l made at camp make tournaments even more fun, as I’m able to see my lab mates and friends in between rounds and after elimination rounds. Overall, my experiences at Michigan have been integral to my development as a debater and have allowed me to build lasting relationships within the debate community. I would highly recommend attending the Debate Institutes, especially the 7-Week program.”
- Maryclare Nestor, Berkeley Preparatory School (FL), 9/26/2024, ()
“Attending the University of Michigan 7 week debate camp has been incredible. The facilities are amazing, the lab leaders are dedicated and qualified, and the debaters are all extremely talented and devoted. Every single day, whether from lectures, practice debates, or just conversations with friends, camp has helped me learn something new that's aided me in my career. Beyond the educational aspects, the surrounding restaurants and activities are all top-notch, providing tons of fun things to do in your free time. If you're dedicated to becoming better and want to make friends from across the world, I can't recommend camp enough.”
- Kento Taylor, Northview High School (GA), 9/27/2024, ()
"Michigan's debate institutes are unmatched. The experienced staff, expert lecturers, and program structure are all focused on creating an experience that is geared towards producing the most successful debaters in the world. I often reminisce on my experience in Ann Arbor: there's just something about being able to live in college dormitories, spend time with my closest friends, and focus 24/7 on an activity that I love. I found that the way I learned debate best was being always surrounded with it, and Michigan's debate institutes exemplify that ethos thoroughly. After two seven-week sessions, I know that I'll always miss my experience at camp, but the friendships and connections I made will last forever."
- Pranav Balakrishnan, Westwood High School (TX), 9/26/2024, ()
“Debate camp is not only a terrific learning environment for all things related to debate, but a fantastic experience in meeting the people that you are competing against, and meeting people that think and act just like you. At camp, I made some of my best friends and have the pleasure of meeting some of the nicest and smartest people I have ever met. In terms of the education and preparation for the debate season, camp is a must, not only in terms of the topic lectures and knowledge of debate precedent, but also for the practice debates and abundance of knowledge of the lab leaders. I would recommend this experience to anyone that is looking to further their debate skill and have a good time this summer.”
- Fox Travis, Montgomery Bell Academy (TN), 9/27/2024, ()
“Attending the Michigan 7-Week debate camp was essential to my development as a debater. The expertise of lab leaders and exposure to high-level competition helped me refine my argument diversity and critical thinking. Lab leaders were always intentional and made camp an enjoyable experience. Through drills, lectures, or practice debates they were always looking for ways to challenge us and improve our abilities. Additionally, with lectures from topic-specific industry experts, I was able to better understand the topic in the pre-season giving me an edge over my opponents. Practicing against the best debaters in the nation helped prepare me for national circuit tournaments and build my confidence. Michigan not only helped me as a debater but also as a person. I had the opportunity to form connections and develop friendships with like-minded students from across the country and the world. I highly recommend the Michigan 7-Week debate camp!”
- Brayden Presley, Blue Valley Southwest High School (KS), 9/27/2024, ()
“I attended the 7 Week Michigan Debate Camp for the first time going into my senior year, and it was incredibly rewarding. The access to amazing lectures, high-level practice debates, and intellectually challenging lab assignments were unparalleled to anything I have ever experienced. I went into camp feeling unsure about missing a summer at home with my friends, but the time I had in Ann Arbor was my favorite summer yet. There is a perfect balance of learning about debate, but also time for fun with amazing people. The entire community, from lab leaders to even RA’s were incredibly welcoming throughout my time at camp, providing amazing comments after practice debates but also encouraging me to keep giving my all to debate. Attending Michigan’s 7 Week program is the best thing a debater can do for their career. I left camp with new skills, understandings, but also many friends. I would highly recommend attending camp at Michigan, and I wish I could go again!”
- Lucy Pace, Shawnee Mission East High School (KS), 9/26/2024, ()