In Summary: Camp Cyclone

Joseph opens camp by delivering the Ace Peak Method: The sequence of learning debate through character, comprehension, logic, strategy, and persuasion.

On November 2nd, Joseph and I trekked down to my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma to teach 38 Stoa and NCFCA students how to become exceptional. Here’s what a few of our students had to say:

“My experience was exceptional. I loved every second of my two days.” - Larz H.

“This is the best debate camp out there! The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and are always willing to stop and make sure you understand.” - Andrew B.

“Ace Peak simplifies debate so well. Issues that were complicated to me were swiftly simplified and made understandable.” - Lindsey M.

“The teaching was amazing. Debate was presented clearer than I’ve had it presented in a class before.” - Samantha J.

“If you really want to do debate, you should come to this camp.” - Levi H.

We loved every moment with our Camp Cyclone students, and we’ll be looking to come back in the spring.

Drew reviews the concepts of Case Centricity with the experienced LDers.

Oklahoma is about to become a debate powerhouse. Here are two things our students know that set them apart:

1. Teachability Goes Two Ways

From Joseph’s opening remarks: “We typically consider the unteachable attitude to be akin with stubbornness: refusing to change when presented with new, better information. But equally dangerous is the attitude that just accepts something we said because we said it. You learn by asking, by challenging, by demanding to be shown the truth.”

Our students never accepted something we said just because we said it. They asked amazing questions and saw constant growth because of it. We covered everything from what it means to be an affirmative to upper-level persuasive theories; our students made sure they were on track by asking brilliant questions every step of the way.

Growth comes from real comprehension, not blind acceptance.

Policy Theory is usually divided into two separate hours. This time we did it in one hour, thanks to the quick thinking and strong questions of our policy track students.

2. Consistency is Everything

Joseph and I had worked with many of these students personally and through coaching their clubs. I’d previously coached everyone in my LD track. This meant that we were able to build from prior knowledge of comprehension and logic and delve into advanced strategic maneuvers and persuasive tactics. One student said,

“This is my third time going to Ace Peak camps and they are so helpful and the coaches are very understanding. I learned so much.”

- Phoebe S.

Camp Cyclone students knew that they should never stop learning. There is always more.

Drew and I separately came up with mammoth analogies to illustrate social concepts. I can’t really say why, but we’re leaning into it. One of Drew’s mammoths is named Barney. Here’s a picture of him.

And this is just the beginning. On Nov. 18th, we’re headed to Seattle for Camp Thunderbolt. Will we see you there?

We’re in the process of making our winter/spring schedule and are looking for 2 workshops to fill before NITOC in May. If you want Ace Peak to come to your area, send an email to joseph@acepeak.org or follow the form on our contact us page.

Together, we can make this year unforgettable.