About Us

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Meet Plano West Speech & Debate

Welcome to the Plano West Speech & Debate Summer Camp! We're super excited to be back in person this year, staffed by our amazing team across events! This year, we've taken state championships in Congressional Debate, International & Domestic Extemp, and Dramatic Interpretation, championships at nationally recognised tournaments like the Harvard and Yale Invitationals, and will be retuning to Nationals this June to defend our championship titles in events such as Congressional Debate. We can't wait to use the skills we've learned to give back to the community at camp this year!

What are we coaching?

The camp focuses on middle and high school tournament events. This year, we're happy to offer extensive coaching in: - Both Foreign and Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking - Congressional Debate - Public Forum Debate - Original Oratory - Informative Speaking (for high school campers only) - Dramatic Interpretation - Humorous Interpretation - Program Oral Interpretation (for high school campers only) While we recognize that oral interpretation events like reader's theatre, lip sync, storytelling, etc. are offered at the middle school level, our focus is on preparing middle school students for events they can continue in high school.
How will camp be held? Will it be online or in person?

Plano West Camp is planning on returning to an in-person format this year! We'll be taking preventative measures to ensure that all students are safe throughout camp, and would like to take this time to strongly encourage mask-wearing while on campus.
How much does camp cost?

The cost is a $300 participation fee per student for both the middle school and high school debate camps. Payment is completed through PayPal. Students who have not paid the full participation fee (unless granted a partial or full scholarship) will NOT be eligible to enroll. If interested in the Plano West Speech & Debate Summer Camp's need-based scholarships, contact pwshdebate@gmail.com.
What materials do I need for camp?

Specific materials will depend on events, however, we recommend all campers come equipped with the following: Laptop with charger Plenty of paper Pencils/pens (for debate events, multiple colors of pens are encouraged) Enthusiasm! For Congressional Debate & Extemporaneous Speaking, the following are also encouraged: Legalpads Multiple colors of pen For Public Forum Debate, we recommend: Paper to flow notes on Multiple pen colors A partner (although we can assign teams when needed!) For Original Oratory and Informative Speaking, we encourage campers to bring: Speech ideas For Oral Interpretation, campers should bring: 5 x 8 1/2 inch binders (or small binders of a similar size) Themselves!
What if my child has medical concerns?

If there are any special medical concerns that the camp staff needs to be aware of, please email Robey Holland at robey.holland@pisd.edu or include them in the Google registration form found under the "Sign Up" page.
Are there breaks during camp?

Students will have an hour long lunch break everyday from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Aside from this, we have planned many activities and brain breaks throughout the day so that students can recharge and refocus afterwards.
What are office hours?

Office hours (from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM each day) are an additional chance for campers to get one-on-one attention from their instructors and are meant for those students who need extra help or want extra private practice in their choice event. NOTE: Office hours are NOT mandatory and do NOT cost any extra money.