Advice Compilation: Debate Camp
By the Women and Gender Minorities in Policy Debate Collective
May 24th, 2022
I have been a debate camper, lab leader, RA, and camp judge for 8 years now, and the best advice I can give to any women or gender minorities going to debate camp is to try your best to make friends with other women and gender minorities and spend time away from dude debaters sometimes. I know that I had a tendency to make mostly guy friends at camp because I was struggling to fit in and was nervous about approaching people, but I learned quickly that I could form more meaningful and healing connections with non-dudes at camp when I put the effort in. Debate is a place where you can meet friends that you might have for many many years, so make sure to branch out and connect with people—especially other women or gender minorities.
From,
KJ Reese , Junior lab leader at University of Michigan Debate Camp
Form a connection with gender minority lab leaders from the outset. That way, if you ever feel weird about something, then you have a resource. Also, if you don't feel like you're getting the attention you deserve from your lab leaders, please speak up! It's hard to get to know a large group of students quickly, and we want and need that valuable feedback.
From,
Alyssa Corrigan , Junior lab leader at University of Michigan Debate Camp
First, remember that camp is just about improving yourself as a debater! Don't worry too much about comparing yourself to other debaters because you all are different people and will have different strengths. Also in that vein, go ahead and try out new arguments even if you might not be great at them yet. Camp should be a place to learn and have fun!
Second, you should reach out to people you want to be friends with, but you should never feel pressured to be friends with anyone you don't want to. Unfortunately as a woman or gender minority in debate, you may come across people who do not have good intentions or do not respect you, and it is important to remember that you do not owe them anything! Focus on having a strong support system and don't be afraid to speak up.
From,
Audrey Sepahdari
Camp is the time to meet new people and form long lasting friendships with people in the community. Don't hesitate to reach out to people because you never know who will become a best friend for life!
From,
Ella Williams
Build a support system! Debate camp can be exhausting. Reaching out to other debaters and creating a community of support is so important and makes the experience even more rewarding!
From,
Connelly Cowan
I think it's really important to take an active role in lab! I had this idea in my head that everyone around me was a lot more knowledgeable than I was. I remember being afraid to raise my hand because I didn't want to be wrong or I was worried people would think my question was dumb. I think that putting yourself out there can be really intimidating, but just know that other people probably have the same exact questions that you do. When your lab leaders ask a question, even if you aren't totally sure about the answer, give it your best shot! Worst case, you learn something new, and best case, you add depth and nuance to the conversation! Being active in lab is always beneficial for you and your lab mates!
From,
Lily Gies
Make the most of your time at camp. Of course, work hard at debate, but also get to know everyone there. There will be debaters from all across the country and making friends is just such an interesting and rare experience. Make sure to enjoy it—it’s summer camp after all! Also do the research; it might suck, but it’ll do wonders for your debate development in the long run.
From,
Dana Thurnell
If you're partnered with a man (or anyone) who doesn't appreciate your input or constantly talks over you in CX / your speech, don't be afraid to assert yourself and let them know that they shouldn't interrupt you when you're speaking. I noticed that women and other gender minorities usually get put down a lot and discouraged by their partners if they mess up or stutter, but please know that debate is your activity too and you should feel confident and proud of yourself for debating!
From,
Anonymous