🍂 Speech & Debate Fall Prep Camp (3 Days)
Ages: 8–14
Focus: Review + Skill Refinement + Confidence + Competition Readiness
Outcome: Students leave with:
• A polished speech or debate event
• Clear understanding of competition expectations
• Strong delivery habits
• Confidence heading into fall season
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🟡 DAY 1: Foundations & Speech Skills Review
Theme: “Strong Speeches Start with Structure”
Goals
• Review speech types
• Strengthen delivery skills
• Refresh confidence and stage presence
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Opening Activity (15 minutes)
Icebreaker: “30-Second Spotlight”
Students answer a fun prompt:
• Favorite food
• Best vacation
• Favorite movie
Purpose: Warm up voices + reduce nerves.
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Session 1: Speech Types Review (30 minutes)
Quick interactive review of:
• Informative
• Persuasive
• How-To
• Declamation
Activity:
Students move to labeled corners based on which speech type fits a scenario you read aloud.
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Session 2: Delivery Bootcamp (45 minutes)
Focus skills:
• Voice projection
• Eye contact
• Pauses
• Gestures
Activities:
• “Say It Three Ways” (boring / over-the-top / just right)
• Power line emphasis practice
• Gesture control challenge
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Break (10–15 minutes)
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Session 3: Speech Practice Circles (45–60 minutes)
Students practice one prepared or favorite speech.
Structure:
• Small groups
• One speaker at a time
• Peer feedback using:
• One strength
• One suggestion
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Wrap-Up Reflection (10 minutes)
Students write or share:
• One skill they want to improve tomorrow
• One thing they’re proud of
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🔵 DAY 2: Persuasion & Debate Skills
Theme: “Think Fast, Speak Smart”
Goals
• Strengthen argument building
• Introduce/review debate formats
• Practice respectful disagreement
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Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Opinion Line
Students physically move to “Agree” or “Disagree” based on fun statements.
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Session 1: Persuasion Refresher (30 minutes)
Review:
• Opinion
• Reasons
• Examples
• Conclusion
Activity:
Students write a 1-minute persuasive speech using a simple outline.
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Session 2: Introductory Debate Formats (45 minutes)
Teach/review:
• Claim → Reason → Response
• One-Minute Debate
• Four-Corner Debate
Practice Topics:
• Homework should be optional
• Kids should choose bedtime
• School should start later
Assign sides randomly.
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Break (10–15 minutes)
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Session 3: Mini Debate Rounds (45–60 minutes)
Students rotate through:
• Speaker
• Opponent
• Judge (with simple rubric)
Focus:
• Listening
• Staying calm
• Clear reasoning
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Confidence Builder (10 minutes)
“Strongest Line”
Each student shares one line they felt confident saying today.
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🟢 DAY 3: Competition Prep & Showcase
Theme: “Ready for the Stage”
Goals
• Simulate competition environment
• Practice time limits
• Build confidence under pressure
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Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Breathing & Focus Exercise
Teach a simple pre-speech routine.
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Session 1: Competition Rules & Expectations (20 minutes)
Discuss:
• Time limits
• Introductions
• Judge behavior
• Handling nerves
• What to do if you forget your speech
Normalize mistakes!
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Session 2: Mock Competition Rounds (75–90 minutes)
Set up like a real tournament:
• Timers
• Speaking order
• Judges (teacher + peers)
Events offered:
• Prepared speech
• Declamation
• Persuasive
• Introductory debate
Students perform one main event.
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Break (10–15 minutes)
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Session 3: Feedback & Final Polish (30 minutes)
Provide:
• Written feedback
• One-on-one coaching
• Final tips for improvement
Students revise:
• Openings
• Closings
• Delivery choices
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Closing Showcase (30–45 minutes)
Invite:
• Parents
• Other students
• Staff
Students perform their best piece.
End with:
• Certificates
• “Fall Ready” recognition
• Applause for everyone
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🎯 Optional Add-Ons
• Impromptu speaking game
• Debate trivia
• Judge comment role-play
• Team chants or club identity activity
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Why This Camp Works
• Reviews without boring repetition
• Balances speech + debate
• Builds confidence progressively
• Simulates competition safely
• Leaves students prepared, not overwhelmed
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