The RKS Debate Workshop at Wake Forest University

The RKS Debate Workshop at Wake Forest University is a premier summer program for high school students passionate about debate and public speaking. With both online and residential options, this workshop offers sessions ranging from 1 to 5 weeks, providing a flexible and immersive experience tailored to students at all skill levels. The program’s unique No-Lab Curriculum fosters a dynamic, collaborative, and adaptive learning environment that emphasizes intellectual growth, skills development, and healthy living. Program Highlights The RKS Workshop is designed to help students excel in competitive debate while developing critical thinking and argumentation skills. Key features include: No-Lab Curriculum: A unified learning structure where students work collaboratively rather than being divided into traditional lab groups. Dynamic Instruction: Learn from top-tier faculty who prioritize education over competition, ensuring every student receives personalized guidance. Comprehensive Training: Focus on argumentation, strategy, delivery, and research to prepare for success in tournaments and beyond. Diverse Approaches: Hone your skills in various styles of debate through lectures, drills, practice rounds, and seminar-style discussions. Session Options The RKS Workshop offers a range of session lengths to accommodate different goals and schedules: 4-Week Session: The ultimate experience with specialized lectures, intensive drills, and an emphasis on producing a signature file. 3-Week Session: Dive deep into the No-Lab Curriculum, develop a signature file, and gain tournament experience. 2-Week Session: Focus on skill-building with specialized breakouts for sophomores to advance their debate abilities. 1-Week Session: Prepare for tournaments with strategy sessions and practice debates tailored to final-round preparation. 7-Day Intensive: Work directly with renowned instructors Daryl Burch and Amber Kelsie on topic research, theory lectures, and practice debates. Hands-On Experiences Participants will engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance their debate skills: Conduct broad-based topic research. Participate in first-, second-, and third-order theory lectures followed by seminar discussions. Practice debates with feedback from experienced instructors. Develop strategies for all stages of a debate round—from opening arguments to rebuttals. Program Details Dates: Sessions available from June through August 2024 (exact dates vary by session). Location: Wake Forest University Campus, Winston-Salem, NC (online options also available). Eligibility: Open to high school students at all skill levels. Cost: Tuition varies by session length (starting at $1,500). Why Choose the RKS Debate Workshop? Parents and students value the RKS Workshop for its innovative approach to debate education. Key benefits include: Expert Faculty: Learn from accomplished instructors who are educators first and coaches second. Collaborative Environment: Work alongside peers in a supportive setting that emphasizes mutual growth over competition. Holistic Development: Build critical thinking, research, and communication skills that extend beyond debate. For teens eager to refine their debate skills while gaining confidence in public speaking and argumentation, the RKS Debate Workshop at Wake Forest University offers an unparalleled opportunity. It’s more than just a camp—it’s a transformative experience that prepares students for success both in competition and life!