Frequently Asked Questions

Camp Basics

What ages/grades do you serve?

We welcome students entering grades 6-12 in Fall 2025. Our three tracks meet the needs of debaters at different experience levels, not ages.

Public Forum (PF) is the most accessible debate format. Two teams of two students debate current events topics in language anyone can understand. No debate jargon required!

Not at all! Our Novice Track is designed for complete beginners. Advanced Track is for students with some debate experience. The Scholars Track is more intricate, suitable only for especially driven students, and therefore requires an application.

  • One live session per week (60 minutes)
  • Optional self-paced activities (30-90 minutes, depending on individual interest/motivation)
  • Saturday office hours for additional support, feedback, or practice (optional)
  • Total: 1-3.5 hours per week

Schedule & Logistics

When does the program run?

July 14 – August 17, 2024 (4 weeks)

  • Novice: Fridays 10:00-11:00am EST
  • Advanced: Fridays 11:30am-12:30pm EST
  • Office Hours: Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm EST
  • Scholars: Custom schedule based on cohort

All sessions are recorded and available within 48 hours. Debaters can also submit questions via the online platform, email, or attend Office Hours for additional support. Extra (make-up) appointments may be possible pending instructor availability.

Yes, before the start of the second week. Contact us and we’ll help find the right fit.

Technology & Access

What technology do we need?
  • Computer or tablet, keyboard strongly encouraged
  • Internet suitable for streaming video and completing online activities
  • Microphone (the type built into many headphones should be fine)
  • Webcam
  • Up-to-date Web browser (Ecosia or Firefox recommended, Chrome also compatible)
  • No downloads required – our meeting platform, Jitsi, runs right in your web browser!

Upon enrollment, students receive login credentials for our learning platform where all materials, recordings, and activities are found.

Students in this Founding Family Cohort have lifetime access. This gives you plenty of time to review materials after the program ends. Feel free to reach out at any time after the program with questions, too!

Registration & Payment

What's included in the tuition?
  • All live sessions and recordings
  • Self-paced learning activities and reference materials
  • Debate resources library (always expanding!)
  • Office hours access
  • Otter Brook Debate Institute T-shirt
  • Certificate of completion
  • Early Bird: Register by July 5th for 10% off
  • Siblings: 10% off total for 2+ students
  • Referral: $25 off for new families, celebratory swag package for referrer
  • Full refund minus $50 processing fee if canceled by July 7
  • 50% refund minus $50 processing fee if canceled by July 10
  • No refunds on or after start date, July 14

  • Yes! We believe debate should be accessible to all. Contact us at help@otterbrookdebate.com to discuss how we can meet your needs.

Track Selection

How do I know which track is right?
  • Novice: No debate experience, or you want to strengthen the fundamentals
  • Advanced: Some debate experience, you are ready for a challenge
  • Scholars: Passionate about discussing big ideas, ready for intensive study

In greater detail:

We recommend early-stage debaters tackle Novice for a strong foundation, then consider Advanced in the future. Our skills and focus areas change each year, so debaters can enjoy a new experience, regardless of track labels.

The Scholars Track transcends debate technique to explore critical thinking itself. Scholars examine complex social issues, practice seeing multiple perspectives, and develop leadership skills using insights from cognitive science. It’s for those debaters who enjoy exploring big questions about how we think and communicate, not just how to win a debate round.

Scholars receive access to all materials in the Advanced Track plus: a group size even smaller and more focused than standard Otter Brook Debate sessions, personalized mentorship, and focus on a concrete, practical critical thinking framework you can apply in competitive debate as well as in everyday life.

Scholars Track debaters also have the option of an Independent Study instead of, or in addition to, the standard session topics: Scholars may decide to delve into any aspect of debate, depending on their interests. Please reach out to us at info@otterbrookdebate.com if you are interested in this and want to discuss specific ideas!

Absolutely! Each debater should be in the track that fits their experience level. Tracks meet at different times, so debaters sharing a device can take turns.

During Camp

How much "homework" is there?

Optional self-paced activities take 15-90 minutes per week. Nothing is required outside of the live sessions, but debaters are encouraged to explore the self-paced work options; Those who do so will progress faster. Debaters may do none, just a few minutes, or all of the self-paced work, depending on their interest and availability. All self-paced learning modules will remain available after the end of the program, for later reference and exploration.

Yes! The instructor will provide oral feedback during sessions, and written feedback afterward. In addition, learning from natural social feedback built into peer and group interactions is part of the debate camp adventure, and part of what makes debate such a unique opportunity for learning and growth.

After Camp

What comes next?

After successful completion of camp, debaters receive:

  • Certificate of completion
  • Resources for continuing debate study
  • Ongoing information about this year’s Public Forum Debate topics as they are released
  • Insider access to alumni-only Otter Brook Debate events and resources
  • Early access to future Otter Brook programs

We are working hard behind the scenes to be able to host in-person debate camp for summer 2026 in southeastern NH! Stay tuned for those opportunities! (Otter Brook alumni, of course, will get first choice and special pricing, so get ready!)

Hoping for the flexible online camp instead of, or in addition to, in-person adventures? Debaters of all levels are encouraged to return to OtterBrookDebate.com for new skills and topics in every track every year!

We’re planning fall and spring workshops. Alumni get discounts and first access, stay tuned!

Still have questions?

We haven't answered them all?

Email us at info@otterbrookdebate.com.