National Symposium for Debate Summer Camps -

Avika Goel

NSD is an exciting and enjoyable camp and I would recommend it to people who are ready to learn a lot about debate in a short time. This camp was very helpful for me (as a complete beginner) as I was able to learn a lot and by the end of camp I could even write an entire case. One thing I really enjoyed about NSD was the freedom you had. You could go out for meals and breakfast was a very loose topic as you could go to the in-campus cafe or just sleep in until you had to go to your lab / elective. I made a lot of new friends in this camp and we had a lot of fun as the weeks progressed. My lab was also fun and while we learned a lot it didn't feel too suffocating as we got to have breaks as well. My lab leaders were Charles Zenhausern, Anthony Scarmozzino, and Jessie Pein. All of them helped me learn a lot and made my experience in lab enjoyable. My mentor, Jack Ave, was very enthusiastic about debate and he also taught me a lot and helped me become better. Sometimes I felt like I had to do a lot of work so people who feel ready to work hard and get better at debate should go here. Overall, I really enjoyed my experience here and if you want to become a better debater you should come to NSD!

Niah Rustagi

The lab I was in was particularly amusing during lessons and out of it. The teachers in my lab made learning a fun and highly educational activity with drills and actual lessons. My favourite non-lab activity was trivia night, as it boosted competitiveness and fun between labs. This camp had other experiences that improved my camp time and made it a notable experience. My lab leaders provided me feedback that helped me during camp and will also help me outside of it. The mentor I was introduced with during my camp time also helped enhance my knowledge on debate while still being humorous. He included games in his lessons that made mentor hours something to look forward too. The staff were very welcoming and taught me many things. This was my first time at this camp and it was certainly an experience I will remember forever. The location was also very beautiful.

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NSD was a great experience. I thought the schedule was pretty well organized and I especially enjoyed the seminars every day. They taught us a lot and the instructors made them interesting. My lab was great and the instructors made class fun but still informative. We also had mentor hours which gave us the opportunity to ask questions and improve on specific things that we wanted to focus on.

My favorite non-lab activity was probably the water balloon fight because it involved students and coaches from across camp and was fun to watch and/or participate in. The facilities/logistics are nice and pretty well-organized. NSD helped me improve in so many aspects as a debater but we always had time to relax or improve on anything specific that we wanted to work on. I met so many new people and learned a lot during my two weeks here.

Rohan Sharma

I really enjoyed my experience and NSD Philly. My favorite thing about this camp was that I learned so much from such amazing people with such awesome classmates and I also had plenty of freetime and schedule flexibility with my friends. My lab was very enjoyable. All my classmates were kind and my lab leaders were very nice and very experienced. I feel NSD did a great job at pairing debaters with a similar skill level to me. I really enjoyed free day at the camp as we got to spend time at the campus or go to the mall or go watch a movie. I enjoyed spending time in the dorm with my friends I had and the new ones I made along the way. I would describe this as a very memorable social experience. We had debate rounds almost every day, but it was up to our choice. My most memorable debate round was my first round. I was very unprepared and lost pretty badly, but it made me work harder and I will always remember this round. I would highly recommend NSD to all wanting to learn debate.

Ted Dudley

Attending NSD Debate Camp was an incredibly enriching experience that exceeded my expectations in every way. As a seasoned debater looking to refine my skills, I was initially drawn to NSD because of its reputation for providing top-notch instruction from some of the best debate coaches and former debaters in the country. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this camp was serious about helping each participant reach their full potential.

The curriculum at NSD is comprehensive and meticulously designed to cover a wide range of topics and debate formats. Whether you are a novice or an advanced debater, there is something tailored to your skill level. I particularly appreciated the personalized feedback sessions, where coaches took the time to break down my performances, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. This individualized attention is one of the key factors that sets NSD apart from other debate camps.

Each day at camp was structured to maximize learning and practice. Mornings typically started with lectures on various debate techniques, followed by workshops that allowed us to apply what we had learned in a hands-on environment. These sessions were incredibly detailed and covered everything from constructing solid arguments to effectively cross-examining opponents. The instructors were not only knowledgeable but also approachable, always willing to answer questions and provide further clarification when needed.

One of the highlights of NSD was the mock debates. These debates were designed to simulate real tournament conditions, providing us with invaluable experience. Participating in these debates helped me to refine my strategies and develop greater confidence in my abilities. The feedback from judges was constructive and insightful, offering practical advice that I could implement in future rounds.

Another standout feature of NSD is its emphasis on evidence-based debating. The camp provides extensive resources, including access to a vast library of research materials. We were taught how to efficiently gather and analyze evidence, which is crucial for constructing persuasive arguments. This focus on research not only improved my debating skills but also enhanced my critical thinking abilities.

The camp’s rigorous schedule is balanced by a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. From the very first day, it was evident that the staff and participants were committed to fostering a positive and collaborative environment. The sense of camaraderie among campers was palpable, and I quickly formed friendships with debaters from all over the country. These relationships extended beyond the debate rounds, as we spent time together during meals, social activities, and late-night study sessions.

One of the most memorable aspects of NSD was the opportunity to engage with guest speakers. The camp frequently hosted renowned figures in the debate community and beyond, providing us with insights from a variety of perspectives. These sessions were both inspiring and educational, offering a broader understanding of how debating skills can be applied in real-world contexts.

The residential aspect of the camp added another layer to the experience. Living on campus allowed for a fully immersive environment where we could focus entirely on debating. The accommodations were comfortable, and the facilities were excellent, providing everything we needed for both work and relaxation. The staff ensured that all aspects of our stay were well-organized, from meals to recreational activities.

In conclusion, NSD Debate Camp is a five-star experience that I would highly recommend to any aspiring debater. The combination of expert instruction, comprehensive curriculum, supportive community, and focus on personal growth creates an unparalleled environment for learning and development. Whether you are looking to hone your skills for competitive success or simply want to become a more effective communicator, NSD provides the tools and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Lili Sella (BXSCI)

I really enjoy this camp. My highlights are probably the seminars, I learned a lot about things I’d never heard about before which was very interesting. Lab is great, everything is explained super well and it feels very casual and open which means I’m not afraid to ask questions. The amenities are a lot nicer than past camps I’ve gone to, super nice dorms and warm showers with tons of space and places to relax.

Sophia Du

I would definitely recommend NSD for people looking to further understand debate and meet new people. The campus was so pretty and reminded me of Hogwarts. My highlights at NSD were making new friends. My lab was very informational and supportive, and my favorite non-lab activity was going to the mall on free day!

Andrew Liu

NSD is an exciting camp, if you’re serious about debate, this is the camp for you. The schedule is extremely lenient with a lot of leeway for campers to go out and grab dinner or lunch, with a lot of free time to hang with friends and to prep. In NSD, your lab becomes your closest friends. The instructors are all exceptional at debating and teaching, but are also fun and laid back. The lab experience might be the best part of the entire camp as it makes up a majority of your day.

My favorite non lab activity had to be just chilling in the dorm commons and prepping with friends.

A memorable experience I had was definitely walking around the campus and laughing with friends.

NSD was by far the best camp i ever when to, the social and educational experiences were the greatest