FAQ's

How do I know which camp to attend?
You should attend ANY CAMP if:
1.) You want to learn about speaking and storytelling to a variety of audiences.
2.) There is great alumni staff teaching the sessions.
3.) You want to connect to your audience at the mind AND heart in both speech and debate.
4.) You have a great topic/piece, but don’t know how to craft it to resonate with the audience in a meaningful way.
5.) You want to know how to get started for next season THIS summer.

You should attend Basic Camp if:
1.) You have never had speech experience before OR
2.) You are doing well in one or two tournaments, but not consistently in all (HINT: it is not always the judges’ fault).
3.) You are getting “loved your speech,” but getting low rankings in the room.
4.) You know the “basics,” but don’t know how to make your piece/speech distinguishable from others.
5.) You want to learn the more about the non-verbals of communication.

You should attend the Platform or Interp Intensive if:
1.) You have been breaking consistently but have never placed.
2.) You know the basics and want to challenge youself and fine-tune your skills.

You should attend the Debate Intensive if:
1.) You are a debater that wants to speak effectively to his/her judge. See Acacia’s commentary http://www.pugetsoundspeechcamp.blogspot.com/2012/06/debaters-and-interpretations.html
2.) You want to become more professional and credible in the round.


Are the Platform and Debate intensives combined?
Not explicitly.  The platform section will be on July 19th, and the debate section will be on July 20th. They are clumped together because students are encouraged to attend both sessions, especially if students have or will be pursuing debate. The topics covered will relate to both platforms and debate. Although debate has significantly fewer prepared speeches than the platform category, the principles of composition, creativity, and delivery will enhance and debater's skill.

If I only am attending one day of the Platform/Debate intensive, must I pay for both days?
Yes. The cost ($20 for 2 days) is veryminimal for the value, and encourages students to attend both days. Pus, our staff are starving college students who will need funds to pay off the ravaging national debt and care for the poor, elderly, and homeless. Take pity.

What should I bring to camp?
-Notebook and folder for notes and handouts
-Pens/pencils
-One EACH of the pre-selected platform and interp pieces (coming soon!)
-3x5 cards and a box to store them in
-A lunch and snacks for everyday
-Water bottle
-Clothes you can easily move in
-An excited, teachable attitude
-A dressier outfit for Friday (to be discussed more indepth at camp)