This summer, the nationally successful Pinecrest High School Speech and Debate team is once again hosting a week-long day camp for rising sixth- through ninth-grade students.

Scheduled for the week of July 19-23, the camp is designed to teach students new ways to express themselves and their opinions. The “debate” side of the camp offers students instruction in not only public speaking, but also competitive debate, research and writing skills. The “speech” side of the camp features training in reading, acting and interpretation of literature.

Students will get to experience both over the course of the camp, and choose one side on which to focus. At the end of the week, students will compete in a mock tournament in the event of their choice, where they will be able to show off their new skills to their parents. All activities will be held on the campus of Pinecrest High School.

Being offered again this year is an intermediate-level program with specialization in speech or debate for campers who would like to take their speech and debate experience to the next level. In addition, returning students will be running a clinic in Student Congress every afternoon for high school students interested in learning more about this popular event.

The camp is coordinated by National Forensic League One Diamond Coach Libby Carter, coach of the Pinecrest team, and instruction is directed this year by returning national competitors Ben Berk (UNC), David Pferdekamper (Guilford) and Patrick Sazama (N.C. State).

The cost for students is $100, which includes registration, materials and a daily snack. There is also a $25 discount for each additional child from the same family. The daily afternoon Congress Clinic is free of charge for high school students.

For more information or to register, contact Carter at lcarter@ncmcs.org or Ben Berk at bberk@email.unc.edu.