Debate Like You Mean It: 2nd Annual Summer Camp Challenges Students to Think Critically and Debate

From August 14th to August 20th, the BEST Foundation hosted its 2nd Annual Summer Camp aimed at helping students improve their speech and debate skills. The camp returned to the Bulgarian Red Cross’ National Training Center in Lozen and hosted 29 students from 14 cities. The camp was supported by a well-rounded staff of current and former BEST participants, coaches, judges, Management Team members, and teachers who were able to offer their expertise and encouragement throughout the week.

Veteran Debater Maria Georgieva reflects, “Debate camp will always have a special place in my heart because it offered me a great number of friends, knowledge, and new skills. I also can share all of this with my team at home and pass on to them all I have learned and accomplished at debate camp!”

Throughout the week, students were challenged by an intensive curriculum, with a heavy focus on the mechanics and strategies of World Schools Debate. The morning sessions featured lectures from Camp Director, Julia Lynch, BEST’s Debate Coordinator. Students were first introduced to the basics of public speaking and debate and then worked to develop more advanced skills, including researching topics, constructing arguments, taking effective notes, and rebutting their opponents. In the afternoons, students put what they learned into practice by engaging in a series of mini and full-length debates on a wide variety of topics.

Avel Ivanov, one of the camp’s facilitators, shared, “It gave me a sense of pride to be part of this community and to know that there is always a reason to believe in our younger generation. They’re the ones who can make a lasting difference and it starts in small little circles such as this unforgettable week.”

Each day, the camp welcomed renowned guest speakers who supplemented the curriculum and offered their expertise. Dr. Ron Harvey from the American University in Bulgaria and Jesse Scinto from Columbia University returned to lead an improvisation workshop and a nonverbal communication lecture, respectively. Eric Halsey, a former national debater and current communication strategist in Bulgaria, offered insights into Bulgarian culture and communication styles. Lastly, Patrick Waldinger, President of the American Debate Association and Co-Director of Debate at the University of Miami, instructed students on how to explain and impact their arguments effectively.

On Friday, all students competed in the camp-wide tournament, debating against one another on topics such as climate change, parenting styles, and the responsibilities of young Bulgarians after University. We were happy to be joined by Rada Kaneva, former debater and current Program Officer at the Fulbright Commission, who judged campers in their practice debates. After the tournament concluded, students were able to let off some steam and hike to the Lozen Monastery, “St. Spas,” before the official closing ceremony. The students, who developed close bonds and everlasting friendships throughout the week, took it upon themselves to share memories and words of support to their fellow campers after the official events concluded.

Novice debater Denise Madzharova reflected, “Everyone was supportive and happy no matter the outcome [of the debates]. The energy the camp had is unmatched. I made good friends. I learned that debates were in fact my thing and that I genuinely enjoy them and want to continue with them in the future.”

Thank you to the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission for their financial sponsorship and ongoing support. The camp is a critical part of bolstering BEST’s debate program, which has seen a dramatic increase in participation over the past year. As young people are finding themselves more and more at the center of vital discourse and critical discussion, the methods of speech and debate will only help to empower them to make their voices heard.