FAQ

This is a new project so please send questions to Team_Information@WestwoodDebate.com and we will continue to build this out.

Thank you for your Questions

1.  Could I also ask you how this camp will help prepare my student for their Debate year in 9th grade?  

The Warm-Up is a survey-style summer course combined with interactive, performance-based activities. In other words, students are introduced to the fundamentals of persuasion and rhetoric that form the foundation of debate. For students entering Debate 1 as 9th graders, this serves as a pre-course.

Throughout the week, students get a preview of the major subsets of debate. Limited Preparation Events (Extemporaneous Speaking and Congressional Debate) and Debate Events (Lincoln-Douglas [LD], Policy [CX], and Public Forum [PF]) are all introduced. This portion is designed to help students decide which event they would like to focus on during the Intensive.

The Intensive is focused on specialization. Students select a single event (from those listed above) and spend the week preparing within that event, working on specific topics and content areas. These include controversial issues in international relations, domestic politics, philosophy, and more, depending on the chosen event.

At the end of the week, students participate in a virtual tournament. During the week, instruction includes topic introduction along with a much deeper dive into the event and the skills needed to be successful in it. For incoming freshmen continuing into Debate 1, this serves as a significant pre-course aligned with one of the five units covered in the class.

For students (both middle and high school) planning to compete in the upcoming year, the Intensive provides a major head start. They spend a full week before the school year begins actively debating and speaking on topics for the upcoming competitive season, which are typically available by this point in the summer.

2.  We have attended before and wonder if it make sense to come back? 

Absolutely - you should return to the Intensive.  Each year bring new topic which means new unique opportunities to use communication skills unique to each event.  Additionally, it fosters one of the greatest elements of debate and speech vocabulary.  Because of our focus on controversy what is intrinsic to the process is nuance and with nuance come language development.  This is why countless Ivy League professionals, research studies and the wrote of the SAT all agree speech and debate is one of the greatest things you can do to prepare your students for the next level of academics and to set them up for success.

3.  Do I use the same link to pay for the Warmup and the Intensive?

Yes - once you pay online at RRISDPAY.com - High School - Westwood - Debate we will receive an automated email within 48 hours and we will credit your account.  If for any reason we do not receive your funds we will notify you at the payment deadline [2 weeks prior to the first day] to confirm your continued interest.

4.  What is the refund policy if any changes in our summer plans and/or availability?

1. A full refund will be issued if a class is canceled due to low enrollment.

2. To request a refund email your request ot Team_Information@WestwoodDebate.com with a copy of the receipt from RRISDPAY.com and a copy of a cancelled check. Deadlines apply. Allow 7–10 District business days for a response.

3. A refund of the class fee minus a $25 administrative fee will be issued if the cancellation form is submitted at least fourteen (14) calendar days before the session start date.

4. A refund of 75% of the class fee will be issued if the cancellation form is submitted at least seven (7) calendar days before the session start date.

5. No refunds or vouchers will be issued if the cancellation form is submitted six (6) calendar days or fewer before the session start date.

6. For illness or injury withdrawals, complete step #2 and submit a signed and dated doctor’s note within seven (7) calendar days of the absence. The note must specify when the student must withdraw and when they can return. No refund is given if the absence is less than 50% of the session. Refunds will cover only the missed portion of the session.

4.  Does not participating in the Warrior Intensive camps impact future Westwood students course selection for debate?

Not at this time.  The program had over 160 students this last academic year and is definitely been on the rise.   In the past we have had to remove students from Debate 1 due to failure of participation in summer enrichment.  The administration has promised that would never happen again as they build out more on campus teachers of debate.  

5.  What does pick up and drop off look like?

On the first day we ask parents to come inside and check in and that afternoon please come to the drive by the front door and we will associate each student getting into a car they acknowledge.  After day one the student can enter independently and we will continue to monitor movement outside.