The camp has been a great experience! I have learned a lot from my very smart, very devoted, and somewhat funny lab leaders. Not only is there never a dull moment with them, but they have taught me and my partner so much both about the specific arguments we read and about how to improve my debate skills more generally. I would definitely recommend the GMDI to anyone. -Eliza Buckner, Varsity Policy, TOC Competitor, Cabot BS #8 Coaches Poll, Former GMU Debater, First Round at Large Bid Qualifier to the NDT (2022)
My overall experience was 5/5. We got to do fun tournaments such as Impact Calc and Partnership Debates. I also learned a ton from the slides about debate in a fun, but intellectual, way. We used different methods such as debate games, Kahoots, memes, and more. My instructors were all great and helped me when I found concepts difficult. I think this camp was really amazing and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in debate. I went from knowing the basics of debate to learning debating in tournaments and etc. They covered all aspects of debate from thorough parts of each speech to impressing judges using different methods. We also got to play fun debate games where you had to use your debating skills.
The George Mason Debate Institute was incredibly helpful in expanding my horizons and developing skills that will certainly help me succeed in my senior year of debate. My lab leaders were not only some of the smartest people I’ve met, but are also super hard-working, funny, and generally nice people. Overall, 10/10. -Collin Smith, Varsity Policy, TOC Competitor, Cabot BS #8 Coaches Poll, Current Baylor Debater
GMDI was extremely helpful in teaching the technicalities of debate rather than just a general overview. I was able to refine my rebuttal and final focus skills to get greater, more persuasive arguments to fit in the time limit. The camp also helped to boost my confidence in cross fire, which has always been a point of weakness for me in debate. I thought everyone, students and lab leaders alike, were incredibly friendly and helpful. The camp was truly a fun, informative experience that extensively prepared me to be a varsity public forum debater. -Bella Hubble, Public Forum Scholars
This camp was wonderful! There were a lot people who shared my interests. We learned a lot about PF debate. I recommend this to anyone who wants to know or wants to have a career in debate.
I had a great experience! I’m a varsity Policy debater that captains and trains my own team at school. For me, this was crucial to understanding both the year’s new topic and a better way of teaching new debate kids! I wouldn’t trade what I learned for the world - especially knowing how useful it’ll be this fall.
I had a great time at the George Mason Debate Institute. The camp featured excellent instruction, dining and after-lab activities. Not only did I learn the foundations of Lincoln-Douglass debate, but I had a great time doing so, and made a lot of friendships that I think will last me a long time. I really enjoyed working with my lab leaders, who were approachable, credible and have spent a very large amount of time in the activity. I loved the vibe of the GMDI – everything was crafted to make students feel comfortable and activities took place in lab that kept everyone entertained. The location was good – Fairfax is a very nice area and we ventured off campus occasionally to travel to the University Mall. I would definitely recommend this camp to prospective debaters and anyone interested in refining their public speaking abilities. I loved everything about the GMDI. -Mahesh Menon, Lincoln Douglas Novice
GMU debate camp was the first step I took into understanding how to structure LD debate (after I had done competitions in LD for an entire year). The clear explanations of fundamentals and even basic explanations of more complicated issues, like kritiks, were easier to follow than any other explanation. Even the topic coverage was great as I now feel prepared to face the season with 2 topics cased out and an idea of what to run on every other topic. Great learning experience, great fun as well. -Thomas Brown, Lincoln Douglas Scholars
I really enjoyed my stay here because I learned a lot about debate and the fundamentals of it. I made a ton of new friends and I got to know the leaders a lot better. I felt comfortable and didn't feel too rushed. My stay here was very educational and I will definitely come here again next year! -Yeganeh Garoossi, Junior Varsity Policy