Summer Camp

To join Legacy Debate Club, students must attend a debate camp approved by the Legacy Board. Legacy Debate Camp meets this requirement and is a great way to prepare for Stoa Lincoln-Douglas debate.

This summer, we are hosting a fun and focused camp for new LD debaters. Taught by our founders—Mathis Trimouille, Solomon Hou, Jonathan Hong, and Walter Mitby—the camp will cover everything from cross-examination and refutation to organization and persuasive speaking. On the final day, students will compete in a 4-round tournament called the Legacy Classic, designed to feel just like a real Stoa tournament. There will even be awards!

Important Information

• When: August 4-8, 1:45-5:00 p.m. The camp will end on Friday, August 8, at 6:30 p.m.

• Where: Union Presbyterian Church of Los Altos, Los Altos, CA 94024

• Who: Novice Lincoln-Douglas debaters aged 13-18 by October 1, 2025.

• Registration: Open July 1-25 (see our registration page for more details)

The Legacy Classic

The Legacy Classic is the Lincoln-Douglas debate tournament that will be held on the last day (August 8) of Legacy Debate Camp. There will be four rounds—campers will debate in two rounds arguing for the affirmative side and two rounds arguing for the negative side. The Legacy Classic will use the fall Stoa Lincoln-Douglas resolution:

         Resolved: In foreign policy, diplomacy is more effective than military intervention.

While camp cases will be provided, students are highly encouraged to write their own cases. By writing their own cases, students are able to more thoroughly think through their case theory and strategy, as well as learn the valuable skill of crafting their own arguments. Students will have multiple days to write their cases before the Legacy Classic on Friday. 

Since the Legacy Classic is a 4-round tournament and includes an awards ceremony at the end, the camp will run until 6:30 on Friday. The schedule for the tournament is as follows (note that the schedule may be subject to change):