Events

Portland Summer Debate Institute

As policy debate focuses on a broad, year-long resolution, a focused period of preparation gives students a jump start on the subject matter and the arguments they are likely to debate in competition. Our summer camp also lets them gain additional skills and work with a diverse group of students and instructors, helping them grow and succeed as debaters. For the past four years, PUDL has been proud to offer a no-cost institute to program participants.

PAST WORKSHOPS

Our 2023 summer camp attracted a record number of policy debaters. 21 PUDL students attended debate summer camp and received lectures from college coaches from Wake Forest and Western Washington University. Many of the students in attendance were top PUDL debaters, including six of our State qualifiers from the previous season.

After a two-year break due to COVID, we resumed our partnership with Lewis & Clark College in July 2022 to host two weeks of instruction at the Pioneer Debate Institute. Our executive director, Mal Copeland, led instruction of the policy section of the camp as we attracted students from across the Portland metro area. Participating schools included: Lincoln High School, Oregon City High School, Roosevelt High School, and Reynolds High School.

In August 2021, through support of Portland Public Schools and the Oregon Community Foundation, we resumed in-person camp at Sabin Elementary School in Northeast Portland. This important step towards learning recovery let our students get a head start on the topic of protecting the nation’s water resources.

In August 2020, we hosted an online workshop for PUDL students to provide preparation on the upcoming criminal justice reform topic and a virtual school year.

In July 2019, we hosted a summer camp for students from Madison, Parkrose, and Centennial High School students in partnership with Lewis & Clark College. Students participated in lectures, activities, and practice debates on the Lewis & Clark campus. Exposure to college campuses has a positive effect on students’ “college going” identity. This is woven into our curriculum – students are encouraged to tour the campus, learn more about admissions, build connections with the students and staff of Lewis & Clark’s debate team, and attend a lecture/q&a about debate team scholarships.

WHY SUMMER WORKSHOPS?

PUDL is dedicated to providing enriching experiences throughout the year. According to an Oregon Community Foundation report, summer learning loss contributes to academic achievement gaps in Oregon (Tracking Oregon’s Progress, 2017). However, summer camps can pose a significant financial burden on families. PUDL’s summer program provides an introduction to argumentation and debate at no cost including transportation and meals for students.